Can Peace Lilies Live Outside in Winter? Everything You Need to Know

Peace lilies are a popular houseplant known for their easy care, air purifying abilities, and beautiful white blooms. But can these tropical plants survive outdoors when the weather turns cold?

I did some research on peace lilies in winter and here is everything you need to know about whether peace lilies can handle the cold outdoors

Peace Lilies Prefer Warm Temperatures

Peace lilies are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. This means they thrive in warm humid environments and do not tolerate cold temperatures well.

The ideal temperature range for peace lily growth and health is 65-85°F (18-29°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can damage or even kill a peace lily. Frost and freezing temperatures are especially harmful.

Peace lilies are not cold hardy plants. Their tropical origins mean they lack the adaptations to survive cold winters outdoors.

Signs of Cold Damage in Peace Lilies

If a peace lily is exposed to chillier than ideal temperatures, you may see signs of cold damage on the plant. Here are some symptoms to look out for:

• Wilting or drooping leaves
• Leaves and leaf edges turning black or brown
• Spots of black, brown or yellowing on leaves
• Mushy or water-soaked spots on leaves, stems and flowers
• Rotting leaves and flowers
• Foul odor from rotting tissue

The damage often starts at the edges and tips of leaves. It can spread and worsen over the next few days after cold exposure.

If the cold was severe enough, the roots may also be affected. You may notice soft black roots or smell an unpleasant odor from the soil. Cold damaged roots are vulnerable to root rot.

Can Peace Lilies Stay Outside in Winter?

Based on peace lilies’ intolerance for cold, it is generally not recommended to keep them outdoors over winter in most climates.

In USDA hardiness zones 10-12, mainly limited to parts of Florida, California and Texas, peace lilies can remain outside year-round. These southernmost zones rarely see temperatures drop below 30°F (-1°C).

Everywhere else, peace lilies are not cold hardy and need to be brought indoors before frost hits, typically by early fall at the latest. Temperatures near freezing can seriously damage or kill a peace lily.

If you live in Zones 8-9, you may be able to keep potted peace lilies on a warm, sheltered porch over winter. Make sure temperatures do not go below 40°F (4°C) and protect from frost.

Growing Peace Lilies as Outdoor Plants

While peace lilies cannot stay outside through harsh winters, they can thrive as outdoor plants during the warmer months. Here are some tips for growing peace lilies outdoors in summer:

• Choose a shady spot that receives only indirect sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Morning sun is best.
• Use well-draining, moisture retaining soil amended with compost or peat moss.
• Water whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Don’t let it get bone dry.
• Fertilize every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Bring the plant indoors once night temps near 55°F (13°C).
• Gradually introduce to outdoor conditions in spring after the last frost.

Growing peace lilies in pots makes it easier to move them indoors and outdoors as needed with the changing seasons.

Overwintering Peace Lilies Indoors

Caring for peace lilies over the winter is simple as long as you provide suitable indoor growing conditions. Here are some tips:

• Place in a warm spot, ideally between 65-80°F. Avoid cold drafts.
• Water less frequently, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Hold off on fertilizing until spring.
• Prune off any dead, damaged or diseased leaves and flowers.
• Maintain medium to high humidity around the plant.
• Keep away from heat sources that may dry the air like fireplaces and vents.
• Some varieties may bloom in winter, but growth slows down.

As long as your home stays frost free and above 55°F, your peace lily should sail through winter without issue. Avoid overwatering and only water when the topsoil becomes dry to the touch.

Is Transitioning Indoor Peace Lilies Outside Safe?

You can safely move an indoor potted peace lily outdoors for the summer if you do it gradually. Sudden changes in light levels, temperatures, humidity and airflow can shock the plant. Follow these tips for a smooth transition:

• Start by placing it outdoors for just 1-2 hours at a time.
• Slowly increase the time outside over 7-10 days.
• Avoid exposing it to direct hot sun at first which can scorch leaves. Offer some shade.
• Monitor soil moisture closely and water immediately if it dries out faster outside.
• Bring the plant back indoors if nights become too cool, generally below 60°F (15°C).
• When bringing it back indoors in fall, similarly start with just 1-2 hours at a time.

With some patience, you can transition an indoor peace lily to thrive in an outdoor environment over the summer. Just make sure you bring it back in well before frost hits.

In Summary

While peace lilies are easy care houseplants, they are tropical plants that don’t tolerate cold weather very well. Keeping peace lilies outdoors in winter is not recommended in most climates since the cold can quickly damage and kill these plants. They must be grown as houseplants and overwintered indoors once temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Only gardeners in the warmest Zone 10-12 regions can get away with having peace lilies in the garden year-round. For the rest of us, enjoy these beauties outdoors in summer but bring them inside once nights become chilly in early fall. With a little winter care, they will continue thriving indoors until warm weather returns.