Peace Lily at a glance
| Botanical name | Spathiphyllum wallisii |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Other names | spathiphyllum |
| Plant type | Houseplant; evergreen perennial (houseplant) |
| Size | 1 to 6 feet tall depending on variety; most indoor plants stay under 3 feet |
| Light | Part shade (2 to 6 hours of sun); Shade (under 2 hours of direct sun) |
| Water | Keep the soil lightly moist; water when the top inch is dry or when leaves begin to droop. |
| Soil | Moist but well-drained potting mix. |
| USDA hardiness zones | Outdoors only in zones 11 and 12; elsewhere a houseplant. |
| USDA PLANTS symbol | SPWA2 |
When to plant peace lily
Repot in spring.
How to grow peace lily
- Place in medium to low indirect light, away from hot direct sun.
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Empty any water sitting in the saucer.
- Cut off faded flowers at the base.
- Feed lightly in spring and summer for more blooms.
Water and soil
Water: Keep the soil lightly moist; water when the top inch is dry or when leaves begin to droop.
Soil: Moist but well-drained potting mix.
Light: Part shade (2 to 6 hours of sun); Shade (under 2 hours of direct sun).
Common problems
- No flowers
- Usually too little light. Move to a brighter spot without direct sun.
- Brown leaf tips
- Often uneven watering or salts from fertilizer. Water thoroughly and flush the pot now and then.
Is peace lily safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic
Toxic
The ASPCA lists Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) as toxic to cats and toxic to dogs. Signs it lists include: oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. ASPCA entry.
NC State Extension rates its poison severity for people and animals as medium.
If a pet chews a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435; a fee may apply). For people, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. In an emergency, call 911.
Can you eat peace lily?
Not edible.
Peace Lily questions
Is a peace lily poisonous to cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists peace lily as toxic to cats and dogs; chewing it can cause mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting. It is not a true lily, but it should still be kept away from pets.
Why is my peace lily drooping?
Most often it is thirsty. Water thoroughly; the leaves usually lift within hours. If the soil is already wet, check for root rot.
How do I get my peace lily to bloom?
Give it more indirect light and light feeding in spring and summer. Mature plants bloom more readily.
Sources
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Spathiphyllum wallisii (size, light, soil, zones, poison rating)
- USDA PLANTS Database profile: Spathiphyllum wallisii Regel (accepted name)
- ASPCA: Peace Lily (pet toxicity)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: plants toxic and non-toxic to cats
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: plants toxic and non-toxic to dogs
Written in our own words from the sources above. See our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
