At a glance
- Light
- Low light tolerant
- Watering
- Every 6 to 8 days (summer)
Every 11 to 17 days (winter) - Climate
- 18–24 °C
- Humidity
- 50-70%
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
- Scientific name
- Spathiphyllum wallisii
At a glance
- Light
- Low light tolerant
- Watering
- Every 6 to 8 days (summer)
Every 11 to 17 days (winter) - Climate
- 18–24 °C
- Humidity
- 50-70%
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
- Scientific name
- Spathiphyllum wallisii
When and how much water
Water Peace lily when the top 3 cm of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days; in winter slow down to every 11 to 17 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Light and placement
Peace lily tolerates low light but grows faster in medium light. Place it 3-4 meters back from a north-facing window, or near any window indirectly lit.
Feeding
Feed Peace lily every 45 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Peace lily is comfortable between 18 and 24 °C. Below 12 °C the leaves start taking damage, so keep it clear of cold drafts and unheated rooms.
It does best at 50–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Toxic to pets.
Pet-safety information for catalog plants uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Full Peace lily toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a Peace lily?
Water your Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) when the top 3 cm of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days; in winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
How much light does a Peace lily need?
Peace lily tolerates low light but grows faster in medium light. Place it 3-4 meters back from a north-facing window, or near any window indirectly lit.
Is Peace lily safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Peace lily out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Parlor palm, or Cast-iron plant.
Why are my Peace lily’s leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Peace lily, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering: watch for yellowing leaves, wilting despite wet soil, or root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If you see dramatic drooping, crispy leaf edges, or brown leaf tips instead, it’s likely thirsty. Water a little more often. With Botanicaly Pro, Botanicaly Bot can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
Sources5 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification
- University of Florida IFAS ExtensionLight · soil · water · fertilizer · temperature · pests
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxSpecies list · light · temperature · water · fertilizer · potting · repotting · problems
- Montana State University ExtensionSpathiphyllum wallisii row · light · moisture · humidity
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific name · toxicity · toxic principle · clinical signs
Last reviewed: 2026-09-05
