Peace lily care in offices
Spathiphyllum
A peace lily needs bright, filtered light and tolerates lower light. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Keep it out of direct sun.
Peace lily facts
- Botanical name
- Spathiphyllum (genus)
- Family
- Araceae (arum family)[1]
- Native range
- Spathiphyllum wallisii: Colombia to Venezuela[1]
- Light
- Bright, filtered light. Tolerates lower light. Keep it out of direct sun.[2]
- Water
- Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Let it dry a little between waterings, but do not let the plant wilt.[2]
- Temperature
- 68 to 85°F in the day, about 10 degrees cooler at night. Long periods below 40°F damage the plant.[2]
- Cats and dogs
- Toxic to cats and dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalates.[4]
- Common problems
- Mealybugs. Brown leaf tips from direct sun, too little water, or low humidity.[3]
About this guide
This guide covers the genus Spathiphyllum. The care facts come from sources that describe the whole genus. The native range is for Spathiphyllum wallisii.[1]
Light and location
A peace lily does well in lower light, but it prefers bright, filtered light. Keep it out of direct sun.[2]
It grows best between 68 and 85°F in the day, with nights about 10 degrees cooler. Long periods below 40°F can damage the leaves, stems, and roots.[2]
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Let the soil dry a little between waterings, but do not let the plant wilt.[2]
Pests and pet safety
Mealybugs are the most common indoor pest. Brown leaf tips come from too much direct sun, too little water, or low humidity.[3]
The ASPCA lists the peace lily (Spathiphyllum) as toxic to cats and dogs. Signs include mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.[4]
How MotherBotanist cares for a peace lily
On each weekly visit, the technician does these tasks for each plant:
- Check the soil, and water only if the plant needs it
- Look for pests, disease, and signs of stress
- Remove dust from the leaves
- Cut off dead or damaged leaves
- Turn the plant so that all sides get light
The technician records the care and adds a photo to the plant profile in your client portal.
Peace lily questions
Short answers about this plant in an office.
Can a peace lily grow in low light?
Yes. The Missouri Botanical Garden says that peace lilies do well in lower light. They prefer bright, filtered light. Keep them out of direct sun.
How often should you water a peace lily?
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Let the soil dry a little between waterings, but do not let the plant wilt, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Why does a peace lily get brown leaf tips?
NC State Extension says that brown leaf tips come from too much direct sun, too little water, or low humidity.
Is a peace lily toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists the peace lily (Spathiphyllum) as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalates.
Sources
- Spathiphyllum wallisii Regel. Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Spathiphyllum (group) (Plant Finder). Missouri Botanical Garden.
- Spathiphyllum. North Carolina State University Extension, Gardener Plant Toolbox.
- Peace Lily. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Need weekly care for the plants in your office? Plans start at $2,500 per month.