Peace lily care guide
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Quick answer
Water your peace lily when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
- WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 11 to 17 days · winter - LightLow light tolerant
- Climate18–29 °C (64–84 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
3 cm (1.2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 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.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Low light tolerant
Peace lily thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed your peace lily every 120 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at a quarter of the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate18–29 °C (64–84 °F)
Humidity50–70%
During leafy growth, aim for 18–29 °C (64–84 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 12 °C (54 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
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. Keep it out of reach.
Wear gloves when you cut or repot it. Keep the sap away from your eyes and skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice. ASPCA lists the whole Spathiphyllum genus, so this applies to every Spathiphyllum species, including this one.
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 (1.2 in) 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 thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is peace lily safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing it can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Keep peace lily out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like parlor palm or cast-iron plant.
Why is my peace lily turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
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 ControlSpathiphyllum genus pet-safety record · not species-exact for S. wallisii
- How we check our plant advice
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