Peace lilies are one of the most popular houseplants for good reason. With their glossy green leaves and elegant flower-like spathes, they bring a calming, tropical feel to any home – and they’re even known to help purify the air. But if you want yours to grow strong and stay healthy, there’s one simple golden rule.
It might sound harmless to pop your plant near a radiator in winter, but for peace lilies, it’s one of the worst spots you can choose.
These plants are native to the warm, humid forests of Central America and Colombia, where temperatures are steady and moisture in the air is high.
Radiators, on the other hand, create dry, fluctuating heat that quickly saps moisture from both the soil and the air around them. The result is drooping leaves, brown tips, and a plant that’s constantly stressed. For peace lilies to thrive, they need to be kept in a stable environment with warmth and humidity, not intense blasts of dry air.
Instead, aim for a position with bright, indirect light and away from draughts or heat sources. A north or east‑facing windowsill is usually perfect. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too little can stop the plant producing its iconic spathes, so getting the balance right is key.
Watering is another area where peace lilies need a bit of attention. These plants like their soil to stay lightly moist, but not soggy.
During the growing season – spring and summer – water regularly, letting the compost dry slightly between each drink. In winter, they’ll need less water as their growth slows down.
If your peace lily starts to droop, that’s often its way of telling you it’s thirsty – but don’t let it get to that point too often, as it can cause stress over time.
Humidity matters, too. In centrally heated homes, the air can become very dry, which is far from ideal for a tropical plant.
You can help by misting the leaves, placing the pot on a tray of damp pebbles, or even keeping it in a bathroom where the steam naturally boosts moisture levels. Wiping the leaves occasionally will also keep them dust-free and help the plant absorb light more effectively.
While peace lilies are famously easy to grow, a little feeding goes a long way. A balanced liquid fertiliser every few weeks during spring and summer will keep them looking their best. And if you spot the blooms fading to green, don’t worry – this is perfectly normal as they age.