Why are the leaves turning brown?

Brown tips often indicate low humidity, tap water chemicals, or inconsistent watering.

How much light does it need?

It prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates lower light conditions well.

Plant guide

Peace Lily.

Spathiphyllum wallisii

Pronounced spath-ih-FILL-um wal-LISS-ee-eye

Also known as Peace Lily

The peace lily is a classic houseplant known for its elegant white blooms and lush foliage. It's a fantastic choice for beginners because it clearly communicates when it needs a drink by drooping its leaves. These plants thrive in lower light conditions, making them perfect for brightening up dim corners.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Tropical perennial
Light: Bright indirect light to medium shade
Indoor light: medium
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: 60 to 90 cm
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 11 to 12
Bloom time: Spring to early summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root rot. If you notice the leaves drooping, it is time to water, and they will perk back up quickly. Wipe the leaves occasionally to remove dust and help the plant breathe.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim off yellowing leaves or spent flower stalks at the base.
Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root bound and growth slows down.
Soil: Well draining peat based potting mix
Soil pH: 5.8 to 6.5
Temperature: 15 to 27°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years indoors.
Fragrance: light
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
The plant wilts very quickly after watering.
Growth slows down significantly during the growing season.

Safety

People: The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense burning and swelling of the mouth and throat if chewed.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, as it contains insoluble calcium oxalates that cause irritation.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of children because the leaves and stems contain irritating crystals that cause pain if bitten.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause skin irritation or rashes in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen produced by the spadix can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Edibility: This plant is toxic if ingested and should never be consumed by humans or pets.

How to identify it

Glossy dark green lance shaped leaves
White spathe surrounding a spadix
Clumping growth habit
Veined leaf texture

Height: 0.3 to 0.9m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: white, 5 to 15cm

Common problems

Spider mites — These tiny pests cause yellow stippling on leaves and thrive in dry indoor air.
Root rot — Overwatering leads to mushy, dark roots and yellowing foliage.

Growing it

Propagation: division
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant in a warm spot away from cold drafts or heating vents. Reduce watering slightly as growth slows down during the darker months.
In containers: It grows very well in containers and prefers a pot that is only slightly larger than its root ball.

Division

Remove the plant from its pot when it becomes crowded.
Gently pull the root clump apart into smaller sections.
Ensure each section has healthy roots and several leaves.
Repot the divisions into fresh potting mix.
Water well and keep in indirect light until established.

Group plants with similar humidity needs together to create a microclimate that keeps them all happy.

Grows well with

Pothos — They share similar light and moisture requirements for easy care.
Ferns — Ferns thrive in the same high humidity environments as peace lilies.

Keep away from

Succulents — Succulents require much drier soil and higher light than peace lilies.

Similar species

Spathiphyllum floribundum — It is a smaller species with similar foliage and white spathes.

Science

Family: Araceae
Genus: Spathiphyllum
Order: Alismatales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Tropical regions of Colombia and Venezuela.
Conservation: It is not currently listed as threatened in its native habitat.

It grows on the forest floor in humid, shaded environments where it relies on consistent moisture.

Uses: Indoor ornamental, Air purification

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 3/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the leaves turning brown?: Brown tips often indicate low humidity, tap water chemicals, or inconsistent watering.
How much light does it need?: It prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates lower light conditions well.

Where the name comes from

The genus name comes from the Greek words for spathe and leaf, referring to the leaf like bract. The species name honors the plant collector Gustav Wallis.

Good to know

It is not a true lily but belongs to the Araceae family.
The white part of the flower is actually a modified leaf called a spathe.
It was named after Gustav Wallis who discovered it in Colombia.

Is your peace lily looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.