Peace lilies are beloved icons in indoor gardens, gracing homes with elegant beauty. They are among the most popular houseplants, charmed with lush dark-gree foliage and delicate white blooms. Yet, amidst their allure lies a fundamental question: How much light does a peace lily need to thrive?
Well, peace lilies thrive in low to moderate bright, filtered light. While they can adapt to various conditions, striking the right balance is crucial for cultivating a healthy and flourishing peace lily. This article explores the ideal conditions, signs of adequate or inadequate light, and practical tips to ensure your peace lily thrives as a stunning centerpiece in your indoor oasis.
Peace lilies, scientifically known as Spathiphyllum, is a tropical plant, originating from the rainforests of Central and South America. Renowned for their air-purifying qualities, these graceful houseplants have found a special place in homes worldwide. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various light conditions, ranging from moderate to low indirect light.
In addition, peace lilies are resilient in terms of humidity, favoring higher levels but also adapting to low-humidity conditions. Keeping them comfortable at temperatures between 65-80°F ensures optimal growth. With their lush green foliage and distinctive white blooms, peace lilies bring a touch of tropical elegance to any indoor space.
Peace lilies are a popular houseplant known for their easy care, air purifying abilities and beautiful white blooms. But can these tropical plants actually survive and thrive outdoors? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about growing peace lilies outside.
Native to tropical rainforests of Central and South America, peace lilies (or Spathiphyllum) are used to warm, humid environments with dappled sunlight. There are around 40-60 species of peace lilies, with some of the most popular being Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’ and Spathiphyllum ‘Domino’.
These herbaceous perennials can grow up to 3 feet tall and produce glossy, dark green leaves. Their signature white flowerlike bracts emerge surrounded by a specialized leaf called a spathe When happy, they can bloom multiple times a year
While they make excellent houseplants, some gardeners are curious to try growing peace lilies outdoors. With the right climate and care, it is possible.
Can Peace Lilies Survive Outdoors?
Peace lilies can successfully be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10-12. These warmer zones provide temperatures that can support peace lily growth year round without the need for special overwintering considerations.
For zones outside this range, growing peace lilies outdoors is still possible during the warm season provided they are container grown. This allows the plants to be brought indoors once temperatures start dropping in autumn.
When transitioning a peace lily from indoors to outdoor growing it’s important to do so gradually. An abrupt change can shock the plant. Slowly introducing it to increased sunlight over 7-14 days helps avoid leaf scorch.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Outdoor Peace Lilies
To help your peace lily thrive outside, aim to recreate the warm, humid, shaded conditions of its native habitat.
Light Requirements
Peace lilies prefer bright indirect light or dappled sunlight. Too much harsh, direct sun will burn the leaves. Give them morning sun only or afternoon shade. Under a tree canopy works perfectly.
Soil Conditions
Plant in rich, well-draining soil amended with compost Peace lilies like slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5-65.
Watering Needs
Check soil moisture frequently and water when the top inch becomes dry. Soil should be kept consistently moist but not saturated. Outdoor plants need more frequent watering than indoor ones.
Humidity Preferences
Peace lilies enjoy humidity levels above 50%. Increase outdoor humidity by misting plants daily or setting pots on pebble trays.
Temperature Tolerance
Ideal temperatures are 65-80°F during the day and around 60°F at night. Avoid exposing plants to frost or freezing temperatures.
Fertilizer Requirements
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season. Slow release pellets can be incorporated into the soil at planting.
Caring for Outdoor Peace Lilies
Giving your peace lily the right care outdoors will ensure it stays healthy and happy in the garden.
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Check soil moisture frequently, watering when the top 1-2 inches becomes dry. Avoid overwatering.
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Apply a dilute liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring through fall.
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Prune off any dead, damaged or diseased foliage to keep the plant looking its best.
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Monitor for pests like aphids, mealybugs and scales. Treat with insecticidal soap sprays.
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Move container grown plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below 60°F.
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Mulch around the base with 2-3 inches of bark chips or other organic mulch to retain moisture.
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Repot when the roots have filled the container or every 2-3 years.
Overwintering Outdoor Peace Lilies
In zones outside 10-12, outdoor peace lilies will need to be overwintered indoors or in a greenhouse once temperatures drop.
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Gradually introduce the plant to shorter daylight periods in late summer to transition it to indoor growing.
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Select an indoor space with bright, indirect light and temperatures between 65-80°F.
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Water less frequently while overwintering, allowing the soil to dry out partially between waterings.
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Prune off any dead growth and continue monitoring for pests. Fertilize monthly.
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Around early spring when temperatures have warmed again outside, transition the plant back outdoors over 7-14 days.
Common Problems with Outdoor Peace Lilies
Understanding potential problems can help you promptly address any issues with your outdoor peace lily.
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Wilting or drooping leaves – Usually indicates underwatering or overwatering. Check soil moisture.
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Brown leaf tips – Caused by dry air or salt buildup from fertilizer. Increase humidity and flush soil.
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Yellowing leaves – Can indicate overwatering, poor drainage or insufficient light.
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Leaf scorch – Direct sunlight burning the leaves. Move to a shadier spot.
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Failure to bloom – Insufficient light. Increase sunlight exposure.
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Pest infestations – Treat aphids, mealybugs, scales. Isolate plant and use insecticidal soap.
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Fungal diseases – Improve airflow and watering practices to prevent issues like root rot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow peace lilies directly in garden soil?
Peace lilies can be grown directly in garden beds in zones 10-12. Prepare a sheltered, shady planting area with rich, acidic, well-draining soil.
Should I grow peace lilies in pots or plant them in the ground?
Container growing allows the plants to be moved indoors over winter in colder climates. In-ground planting works for zones 10-12.
How much sunlight do outdoor peace lilies need?
Peace lilies grow best with bright indirect light or a few hours of gentle morning sun and afternoon shade.
Do peace lilies need pruning when grown outdoors?
Regular pruning of dead, damaged or unsightly growth helps maintain an attractive appearance.
How often should outdoor peace lilies be watered?
Check soil moisture frequently, watering whenever the top 1-2 inches becomes dry. Outdoor plants need more frequent watering.
Should I fertilize outdoor peace lilies?
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during the growing season for optimal growth.
Can I grow a peace lily on my patio or deck?
Yes, peace lilies thrive on outdoor patio spaces provided they are not exposed to harsh direct sun and temperatures are warm.
What zone can you grow peace lilies outside?
Peace lilies are reliably hardy only in zones 10-12 but can be grown outdoors seasonally in other zones if overwintered indoors.
Final Thoughts on Growing Peace Lilies Outdoors
With their tropical origins, peace lilies naturally thrive in warm outdoor environments with filtered sunlight, high humidity and moist soil. By selecting suitable planting locations, providing adequate care and overwintering plants indoors when needed, peace lilies can flourish outside for gardeners even in cooler climates. Their lush leaves and delicate white blooms will add a touch of the tropics to your outdoor space.
Q: Do peace lilies like dark rooms?
A: Peace lilies can tolerate low-light conditions, making them suitable for rooms with minimal natural light, like offices, for instance. However, they do not thrive in prolonged darkness. Its advisable to provide some degree of indirect light to encourage healthy growth and occasional blooming.
Can Peace Lilies Grow in Low Light?
Yes, peace lilies can thrive in low-light conditions. While they may not produce as many blooms as in brighter settings, their adaptability makes them suitable for spaces with minimal natural light. Understanding the signs of inadequate light is essential to ensure your peace lilys health.