Domakihub How to Grow a Peace Lily That Actually Thrives Indoors
A simple, step-by-step care guide for one of the most forgiving houseplants you can own.
Reviewed by Domakihub garden pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is one of the most rewarding plants you can keep indoors — it tolerates low light, signals when it needs water by drooping slightly, and rewards basic care with elegant white flowers. The RHS video above gives you a quick visual overview; this guide walks you through each step in detail. Whether you are tending a home in Athens, refreshing a holiday rental on one of the islands, or adding greenery to a hotel lobby, the peace lily earns its keep in the warm, often-dry interiors of Greece.
Why the Peace Lily Suits Greek Interiors
Greece's warm, dry climate means air-conditioning runs hard in summer, stripping humidity from rooms. The peace lily is unusually tolerant of these conditions — it will wilt to signal thirst rather than silently dying — and it actively removes common indoor air pollutants including benzene and formaldehyde. That makes it a practical choice for furnished rentals and hotel rooms where chemical off-gassing from new furniture is a real concern.
Unlike many flowering houseplants, it asks for shade rather than direct sun, which suits the thick-walled, north-facing corridors common in older Greek buildings. A single mature plant in a pot of around 20 cm diameter will fill a shelf, windowsill, or reception counter with lush foliage and periodic white blooms without any specialist attention.
Choosing the Right Spot and Pot
Peace lilies thrive in bright, indirect light — think a few metres back from a south-facing window, or directly in front of a north or east-facing one. Direct afternoon sun scorches the leaves, which is worth remembering if your property faces the Aegean or Ionian sea where summer sun is intense. A sheer curtain is enough to protect the plant while still admitting plenty of brightness.
Use a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining, peat-free compost mixed with a little perlite. Terracotta pots are popular in Greece and work well because they allow the rootball to breathe, though they dry out faster than plastic — something to factor into your watering rhythm.
5 Steps to a Healthy Peace Lily
- 1
Water when the soil is nearly dry, not on a schedule
Push your finger about two centimetres into the compost. If it feels dry at that depth, water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then discard any water sitting in the saucer after 30 minutes. In summer the plant may need water every four to five days; in winter once a week or less. Tap water in many Greek cities is hard — letting it sit overnight before watering allows chlorine to dissipate and brings the temperature to room level, both of which the plant appreciates.
- 2
Feed monthly through spring and summer
Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser at half the recommended dose once a month from March through September. Over-feeding encourages lush leaves but fewer flowers, so resist the temptation to increase the dose. Stop feeding entirely in autumn and winter when the plant rests.
- 3
Repot every one to two years in spring
When roots begin circling the bottom of the pot or poking through drainage holes, move the plant up one pot size (no more than 5 cm wider). Gently tease apart any tightly bound roots, place the plant in fresh compost, and water it in. Spring repotting coincides with the plant's natural growth surge, helping it settle quickly.
- 4
Wipe leaves and boost humidity
Dust accumulates on the broad, glossy leaves and reduces photosynthesis. Wipe them monthly with a damp cloth. In air-conditioned rooms or heated interiors, set the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water so that evaporation raises local humidity. Misting is an alternative, but avoid wetting the white flower spathes as this can cause brown spotting.
- 5
Prune spent flowers and yellow leaves promptly
Once a white spathe fades and turns green or brown, cut the stem off at the base with clean scissors. Do the same with any yellow or brown leaves. This keeps the plant tidy, prevents any risk of mould on decaying material, and signals to the plant to direct energy toward new growth and fresh blooms. A peace lily in good health can flower twice a year, typically in spring and again in early autumn.
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FAQ
- Why are my peace lily's leaves turning yellow?
- The most common causes are overwatering, too much direct sunlight, or the plant sitting in a draughty spot. Check that the pot drains freely, move it away from windows with harsh afternoon sun, and keep it away from air-conditioning vents. If only the oldest (outermost) leaves are yellowing while the centre of the plant looks healthy, this is normal ageing — simply remove them.
- How do I get a peace lily to flower again?
- Peace lilies flower most reliably with bright indirect light, consistent moisture, and a monthly feed during the growing season. If yours has not flowered in over a year, move it gradually to a brighter position (still no direct sun), resume feeding in spring, and be patient — a plant that has just been repotted or has been under stress can take one full growing season to settle before it blooms.
- Is the peace lily safe to keep in a rental property or hotel room?
- The peace lily is mildly toxic to both people and pets if the leaves or stems are chewed, causing mouth irritation and nausea. For properties that host families with young children or guests who travel with animals, place it on a high shelf or in a room that can be kept closed. As a general rule, display a small care card noting it is a toxic houseplant — this is also good practice for holiday rental listings.