Peace lilies are one of the most popular houseplants around thanks to their easy care, lush green leaves, and beautiful white blooms. But just how long will these graceful plants thrive when properly cared for?
In this detailed guide, we’ll look at how long peace lilies usually live and the things that affect how long they live. You’ll also learn from experts how to give your peace lily the best growing conditions so it can live as long as possible.
What is the Average Lifespan of a Peace Lily?
On average, a healthy peace lily grown indoors typically lives around 3 to 5 years. However, their lifespan can vary quite a bit based on care and environmental factors. With the right conditions, these resilient plants can easily surpass expectations and live for 10 years or longer!
Most peace lilies die after 3 to 5 years, but some that have been well taken care of can still bloom after 8 to 10 years. Some plants have been reported to live 20 years or more as houseplants, which is very long!
Even though they may not live as long as trees or perennials that grow outside, indoor peace lilies can do very well for many years if they get the right care.
What Factors Influence the Lifespan of a Peace Lily?
Many different elements influence how long a peace lily remains healthy and able to produce lush foliage and cheerful blooms. Being aware of these key factors allows you to maximize longevity by optimizing the growing environment.
Lighting
Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light to thrive. Even though they can survive in low to medium light, too little light will slow their growth. Giving plants a lot of bright, even light helps them grow faster and healthier, and it also makes them last longer.
Watering
Erratic watering is one of the biggest threats to peace lily health. Allowing the soil to completely dry out or keeping it constantly soggy can be detrimental. Strive for evenly moist soil at all times.
Humidity
Peace lilies enjoy the average humidity found in most homes. But very dry air can cause leaf tips to turn brown. Use a humidifier or pebble tray if your home’s air is overly dry.
Temperature
Ideal temperatures for peace lilies range from 65°F to 85°F. Avoid drafty areas as well as excessive heat near heating vents or radiators.
Soil
Use a well-aerated, fast-draining potting mix. Repotting in fresh soil every 2-3 years encourages healthy roots and growth.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer at 1/4 strength every 6-8 weeks during spring through fall. Avoid over-fertilization which can damage roots or leaves.
Pruning
Trim off dead or dying leaves and spent blooms to encourage new growth. Dispose of diseased foliage promptly.
Pest & Disease Prevention
Watch for issues like root rot, fungus gnats, spider mites, and mealybugs which can shorten lifespan if left unchecked. Isolate and treat any problems early.
Caring for Your Peace Lily to Maximize Lifespan
Giving your peace lily attentive, consistent care focused on promoting healthy growth is key to maximizing longevity. By diligently providing optimal conditions and quickly addressing any problems, your plant can thrive for many years. Here are some critical tips:
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Check soil moisture regularly, water thoroughly when just slightly dry. Avoid oversaturated or bone-dry soil.
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Wipe dust off leaves to maximize light exposure. Trim off dead or damaged foliage.
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Repot every 2-3 years in spring, sizing up one pot size at a time. Use fresh potting mix.
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Mist leaves or use a pebble tray if humidity is low. Keep humidity around 50-60%.
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Keep temperatures between 65-80°F. Move away from hot/cold drafts.
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Apply balanced liquid fertilizer at 1/4 strength every 6-8 weeks during growth periods.
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Prune back spent blooms to encourage new flowers. Discard dead leaves promptly.
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Inspect frequently for pests/disease. Isolate and treat any issues ASAP.
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Rotate plant periodically for even light/growth. Wipe leaves to remove dust buildup.
With diligent care focused on healthy growth and prompt issue resolution, peace lilies can easily surpass the average 3-5 year lifespan. A little extra TLC goes a long way!
Propagating Peace Lilies to Extend Their Legacy
An excellent way to create new peace lily plants and essentially extend their lifespan beyond a single specimen is through propagation. This allows you to produce genetically identical new plants from an existing plant.
Fortunately, peace lilies are easy to propagate through division. The best time to divide is during repotting in early spring. Carefully remove the entire plant and use a sharp, sterile knife to cut the root mass into smaller sections, ensuring 3-5 viable leaves per division.
Replant the divisions in small starter pots using fresh potting mix. Keep them evenly moist and out of direct sun while new roots establish. In a few weeks, the new plants will be established and ready to pot up and enjoy!
You can also propagate peace lilies in water. Cut off a healthy leaf with a few inches of stem and place in water. Roots will sprout from the node in a couple weeks. Once adequate roots form, plant in soil and care for as usual.
With propagation, you can create an endless supply of new peace lily plants to fill your home or share with others. This allows you to preserve treasured cultivars for many years beyond the parent plant’s lifespan.
Enjoying Peace Lilies Long Term
When provided with consistent care tailored to their needs and prompt issue resolution, peace lilies can absolutely be long-lived, rewarding houseplants. Avoid stressors and address any problems right away to promote longevity.
With proper maintenance focused on healthy growth and vigilant propagation, you can enjoy gorgeous peace lilies for well over a decade! A little diligent care goes a long way in keeping these beauties thriving far beyond their average lifespan.
Improper Fertilizer Application
Too much fertilizer can throw off the balance of nutrients, which can cause the peace lily to have more green flowers. Similarly, insufficient fertilizer may cause the plant to use all available nutrients. A lack of essential nutrients can lead to greening peace lily flowers.
Solution:
- Flush the soil thoroughly to remove excess fertilizer.
- Adjust your fertilization schedule.
- Use a balanced, a diluted fertilizer to correct deficiencies.
Insufficient light can slow the natural aging process, causing the flowers to linger in the green stage.
Solution:
Move the plant to a location with bright, indirect light to support proper flower development.
Sudden changes in temperature or humidity can stress the plant, impacting the normal flower developing and aging process.
Solution:
Maintain consistent environmental conditions, including the right temperature and humidity levels. This helps reduce stress on the plant and promotes its optimal growth.
How Long Do Peace Lily Flowers Last?
Peace lily flowers can last from 1 to 2 months or more with the right care, adding a touch of elegance to indoor spaces. However, the flowers can change color as the plant ages or encounters specific issues, manifesting in brown, green, or black shades.
How long does a peace lily live?
FAQ
How do I know if my peace lily is dying?
Peace lily leaves that droop, turn yellow or brown, or stop flowering are all signs that the plant is probably dying.
Can I bring my peace lily back to life?
Yes, you can often revive a peace lily, even if it appears dead. With proper care, peace lilies can recover from various issues, including underwatering, overwatering, and even cold damage.
How do I get my peace lily to flower again?
How long does a peace lily flower live?
Peace Lily Plants Can Live a Decade or More—Here’s How to Care for Them.Apr 12, 2023