How Often to Water a Peace Lily—So It Lives Happily for Years to Come This tropical plant prefers moist (but never soggy) soil. In This Article View All In This Article How Often to Water Factors to Consider How to Water Signs of Overwatering Signs of Underwatering Close Credit: Galina Tolochko / Getty Images Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a group of flowering plants that are typically grown as houseplants, adding beauty to windowsills with their glossy green leaves and upright blooms. Native to tropical regions, the peace lily thrives in warm, humid conditions and prefers bright light and moist soil. While these plants are known for being resilient, one thing they are picky about is water. To help you keep your peace lily perfectly hydrated, we spoke to gardening experts who shared their tips for how often you should water this plant—and the right way to do it. Tabar Gifford, master gardener and partnership cultivator at American Meadows Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at the University of Maine Extension Why Your Peace Lily Is Suddenly Drooping—and How to Save It, According to Plant Experts How Often to Water a Peace Lily Several external factors, including sunlight, soil quality, and temperature, will determine how often a peace lily plant needs to be watered. The best way to know if this plant needs to be watered is to feel the soil and water when the top 1 to 2 inches feels dry, says Tabar Gifford, master gardener and partnership cultivator at American Meadows. Generally, this plant requires water every seven to 10 days, depending on environmental conditions. Factors to Consider Peace lilies can be finicky, meaning their watering needs shift depending on their surroundings. Sunlight, temperature, soil, container size, and other factors will determine how frequently or infrequently your plant requires water. Our experts recommend keeping the following considerations in mind when watering a peace lily. Sunlight As a tropical plant, the peace lily needs six to eight hours of bright, indirect light to thrive. That said, the more light these plants receive, the faster the soil will dry out. In low-light areas, the soil will stay damp for longer, resulting in less frequent watering. Soil The type of soil you use to pot your peace lily will play a role in determining how often the plant needs water. According to Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at the University of Maine Extension, light airy mixes (peat and perlite) will dry out faster than dense (clay) soils. Additionally, adding mulch over the soil will help it retain more moisture, allowing you to water your peace lily less often. Temperature Peace lily prefers warmer temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If your home is kept warmer or the outside temperature goes beyond this sweet spot, your plant will need more water. Because of their native tropical habitat, peace lilies also need humidity in the air, thriving in a range of 40 to 60 percent. Low humidity will cause the soil to dry out faster, meaning more supplemental water will be necessary. Container Size If you notice the soil is drying out faster than usual, it may mean your peace lily is ready for a bigger pot. According to Singh, small pots dry out quicker, while large pots retain moisture for longer. This is because large pots hold more volume. Additionally, ensure your container has a drainage hole, which allows excess water to drain out the bottom of the pot, preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged. Don't Miss How to Revive a Peace Lily So It's Lush and Thriving Again, According to Experts 9 Houseplants That Can Grow in a Windowless Room, From Peace Lilies to Philodendrons How to Water Peace Lily Gifford recommends watering your peace lily early in the morning to give it time to absorb moisture before the day warms up and help prevent fungal issues that arise from watering in the evening. Water your peace lily thoroughly until excess water drains out the bottom of the pot, and empty the saucer immediately to avoid wet feet. For a spa-like experience, Gifford says to try bottom-watering by placing the pot in a shallow tray of water for 15 to 20 minutes to allow moisture to wick up evenly. Use filtered or distilled water, if possible. "Peace lilies can be sensitive to fluoride and chlorine in tap water," Singh adds. Signs of Overwatering The following are indicators that your peace lily has been overwatered: Yellow leaves, especially on the lower part of the plant.Wilting even though the soil is wetA foul smell coming from the soil, indicating root rot.Mushy stems near the base. Signs of Underwatering The following are indicators your peace lily has been underwatered: Drooping or wilting leaves that recover quickly after watering.Brown, crispy leaf edges or tips.Dry soil that pulls away from the sides of the pot Slowed growth or curling leaves. Explore more: Garden Houseplants