The Peace Lily Edition
Some houseplants have big personalities.
They demand attention. They make a scene. They keep you on your toes.
And then there are the ones that somehow, everyone seems to love.
Like the Peace Lily.
This guy is like the David Attenborough of houseplants.
You know… that person everyone just loves. Elegant. Unproblematic. Polished, but not flashy. Low drama.
Even if you don’t know much about plants, chances are you’ve owned one, seen one, or been gifted one.
The Peace Lily doesn’t shout to get attention. It stands quietly in the corner, graceful and poised (until something goes wrong).
And then? It flops over dramatically like it’s on stage at the West End.
Give it a drink and a bit of patience, and it springs back as if nothing ever happened.
It’s one of the most forgiving houseplants around — and one of the most expressive, which makes it a great teacher for reading the signs your plants are trying to show you.
Now, a bit of backstory…
Peace Lilies (botanical name Spathiphyllum) are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America — where they grow in the warm, shaded forest floor under the canopy. That’s why they’ve adapted so well to indoor environments with moderate light and fluctuating humidity.
Interestingly, the "flower" isn't actually a flower in the traditional sense — it's a modified leaf called a spathe, which surrounds the spadix (the tall bit in the middle). This structure helps attract pollinators in the wild and gives the plant its signature serene look.
The Peace Lily’s association with tranquility, peace, and sympathy has made it a go-to gift for everything from new homes to condolences — it’s even been used symbolically in literature and religion.
But enough history. Let’s talk care.
Here’s how to keep your Peace Lily happy:
Water
Peace Lilies are very expressive when it comes to water — they’ll visibly droop when thirsty, but they bounce back quickly after a drink. That said, don’t wait until they’re flopped over every time. Let the top 3–5cm of soil dry out before watering and avoid letting it sit in soggy soil or a full saucer for weeks. Root rot is a common killer.
Light
They’ll survive in low light, but “survive” and “thrive” are two different things. For better growth and more flowers, place your Peace Lily somewhere with bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves — if you notice brown or faded patches, it’s probably getting blasted.
Humidity
Native to rainforests, Peace Lilies enjoy a bit of extra moisture in the air. They’ll be just fine in most homes, but if you can place them in a bathroom or kitchen, or near other plants, even better. Brown leaf tips? Often a sign the air’s too dry.
Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining potting mix with perlite or bark to keep the roots happy. Repot every 1–2 years to refresh the soil and make room. If water runs straight through or roots are popping out the bottom aplenty, it’s time for a new pot.
Feeding
Feed every 2 weeks during spring and summer using a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength. Overfeeding can lead to yellowing or burned leaves. In winter, hold off if growth slows to snail’s pace — the plant’s basically on holiday.
Cleaning
Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust and keep them photosynthesising properly. This also gives you a chance to check for pests or damage.
Peace Lilies are the kind of plant that makes your home feel instantly calmer — no matter where you put them. And when it blooms, that soft white spathe is like a little peace offering (living up to its name).
So if you’ve ever wanted a plant that works in nearly any home, earns compliments from guests, and forgives you for the occasional slip-up?
This might be your new favourite.
P.S. Let me know if you enjoy these plant spotlights (and let me know which plant you want me to cover next).
