How To Propagate Peace Lily

The peace lily (spathiphyllum) is a popular indoor plant with lovely dark green leaves and beautiful white flowers. Known as a bringer of peace, they are often sent to funerals instead of flowers. Peace lilies are popular houseplants for many reasons and are considered easy to grow. Just be mindful of overwatering, as they are susceptible to root rot.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Propagating Peace Lily

Division of Roots

Division of the roots is the only peace lily propagation method. Peace lily leaves and stem cuttings will not produce new roots or new growth.

1. Carefully remove the plant from the pot. You may need to tap the side of the pot if the plant is stuck inside.

2. Gently shake off the soil to expose the roots. Examine the parent plant and decide how you want to divide it.

3. Sometimes the plant easily separates without using shears or a sharp knife. Either break apart or cut off sections so that each clump has its own roots and leaves.

4. Place the pieces (mother plant and any pieces you have cut apart) on newspaper and examine the plant. Remove any dead leaves or clinging pieces that are not attached.

5. Choose a pot prepared with potting mix. The potting soil should be a well-draining peat-based mix.

6. Water the plant and place it in an area with indirect light. Give it time to establish a strong root system, and be mindful that the plant might experience some transplant shock and need time to recover.

Peace Lily Care Guide

Water: Weekly watering is appropriate for most peace lilies. They like to be moist but not soaked, and you will know your peace lily needs water because the leaves will start wilting or drooping. During winter months, the plant may require less water. Peace lilies can be sensitive to chemicals in tap water; use filtered or distilled water.

Light: The indoor peace lily will thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They can also do well in low light, and you can supplement natural light with fluorescent light.

Soil: Peace lilies are unique in that they like well-draining soil that retains moisture. It is common to blend textures such as peat moss, perlite, and loam to make the perfect potting mix.

Pot: A peace lily does best in a pot with drainage holes and a draining tray. The pot can be plastic or ceramic.

Repotting: If your peace lily has outgrown its pot, do not choose one that is a lot bigger when repotting, as they prefer to be a bit root bound. The pot should only be slightly bigger than the root ball.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is transplant shock, and do peace lilies get it?

If you have propagated a peace lily in hopes of growing a new peace lily, know that both the mother plant and baby plant may experience transplant shock. Give the plant a week or two to recover and bounce back.

Does a repotted peace lily get fertilized?

Do not fertilize a plant right after repotting. Wait about six weeks before fertilizing the plant in its new pot.

When should I propagate my peace lily?

Although you can propagate them anytime, the spring or summer growing season is the best time.

Is the peace lily a pet-friendly plant?

Peace lilies are toxic to most animals.