Author: florist Monika, KvětinyExpres.cz · Updated: October 2026
The peace lily (botanically Spathiphyllum, in Czech also called toulcovka) is one of the undemanding houseplants that even a beginner can manage. It has glossy dark green leaves and pure white “flowers” that can last for months. You only need to know a few basic rules.
In this guide you will find out where to put your peace lily, how to water and feed it, why it sometimes does not bloom or the leaf tips turn brown, and how to repot it. At the end you will find answers to the most common questions.
Peace lily or toulcovka? What the plant is called
Both names refer to the same plant, the genus Spathiphyllum. It comes from tropical America and in English it is called peace lily. The white “flower” is actually a spathe (a leaf-like sheath) surrounding the tiny true flowers on the curled spadix. The spathe stays on the plant much longer than an ordinary flower.
Position: light, temperature and humidity
- Light: It grows best in diffused light. It tolerates partial shade, but will not bloom in the dark. Direct midday sun burns its leaves.
- Temperature: Normal room temperature of around 18–25 °C. It does not like drafts or cold.
- Humidity: It likes more humid air. In winter near a radiator, occasional misting of the leaves with lukewarm water helps.
Watering and feeding
A tip from florist Monika
“The peace lily is the best plant for beginners because it ‘communicates’ with you. As soon as it is thirsty, its leaves droop. That is the signal: ‘Give me a drink!’ Once you water it, the leaves lift again within an hour. It is a survivor. It does not even mind partial shade, so it will brighten up a darker corner of the room.”
- Watering: Water when the top layer of the soil dries out, or when the leaves droop. Pour off the water from the saucer after a quarter of an hour, because permanently wet roots rot. Water less in winter.
- Water: Ideally settled or soft water at room temperature.
- Feeding: From spring to summer once every 2–4 weeks with a weaker solution of fertiliser for flowering houseplants. Hardly feed it in winter.
Why does my peace lily not bloom?
The most common cause is too little light. Move it to a brighter place without direct sun and feed it regularly from spring. A pot that is not too big also helps: in a large pot the plant spends a long time growing roots and does not start to bloom.
Brown tips and yellowing leaves
- Brown tips: They come from dry air, hard water or fertiliser that is too strong. Cut the affected tips with clean scissors and increase the humidity.
- Yellowing leaves: Most often overwatering. Older lower leaves also turn yellow naturally. Cut them off at the base.
Repotting and propagation
Repot in spring when the roots fill the pot, usually once every 1–2 years. Use a pot one size larger and a well-draining houseplant substrate. When repotting, the clump can be divided to get new plants.
What to watch out for
The peace lily is mildly toxic. If eaten, it can irritate the mouth and stomach of cats, dogs and children. Keep it out of their reach.
Frequently asked questions about the peace lily
How often should I water a peace lily?
When the top layer of the soil dries out, or when the leaves droop. Less in winter.
Why does my peace lily have brown leaf tips?
Most often because of dry air, hard water or fertiliser that is too strong. Cut the tips and increase the humidity.
Why does my peace lily not bloom?
It usually has too little light. Put it in diffused light and feed it regularly from spring.
Is a peace lily poisonous to cats?
It is mildly toxic and can irritate the mouth and stomach if eaten. Keep it out of reach of cats, dogs and children.
Where should I put a peace lily?
In diffused light or partial shade. It suits a bedroom, a hallway or an office.
How much does a peace lily in a pot cost?
With us it costs 485 CZK, a full-grown plant 60–70 cm tall in a designer metal cover.
Looking for more undemanding plants for your home? Take a look at our flowering houseplants, all houseplants or the article about the mother-in-law’s tongue. You can find the peace lily with delivery on the page Peace lily (Spathiphyllum).
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Monika, KvětinyExpres.cz
