Peace lily care: light, water, and pet safety

Spathiphyllum

Care table

Light	Low light to bright indirect light. Low to bright indirect. Blooms more in brighter light.
Water	Likes evenly moist soil. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Humidity	Prefers 40 to 50 percent or more
Repotting	Spring to early summer, when roots circle the pot or grow out the drainage hole. Go up 1 to 2 inches in pot width.

Winter care

Water a little less often but do not let it wilt hard. Stop fertilizer. Keep away from cold glass.

Pet safety

Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). ASPCA entry: Peace Lily

Pet safety comes from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list. The list is not exhaustive, and a plant marked non-toxic can still upset a pet stomach. If a pet eats a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply). ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list.

Common problems

Dramatic wilting: Soil went dry. It perks up within hours of watering.
Brown, crispy leaf tips: Dry air, uneven watering, or salt buildup from fertilizer. Flush the pot with plain water a few times a year.
No flowers: Too little light.

How to check the soil

Finger test: push a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle, about an inch. Dry and crumbly means that layer is dry. Cool or damp means wait. For deeper checks use a wooden skewer: it comes out clean when the soil is dry.

All houseplants and the Light and Water tool