How to Grow Peace Lily in Water Step by Step Guide| Spathiphyllum Care

While peace lilies are most commonly grown in soil, many houseplant enthusiasts choose to grow these stunning plants in water. Some choose this method because they do not want to worry about watering and soil. And some simply do it as it is a unique and exotic way to display a plant.

The peace lily, also known as Spathiphyllum, is a part of the Araceae or Arum family. It is an attractive, evergreen plant that originates from the tropical rainforests of Columbia and Venezuela.

This shade-loving plant is a lovely addition to any home. To follow is a guide on how to grow a peace lily in water.

If you find the idea of growing plants in water interesting, be sure to check on this article on growing plants without soil.

Can You Grow a Peace Lily in Water?

Yes, peace lilies can be grown alone in water; however, they are more commonly grown in soil.

Generally, peace lily plants that are grown in water have adapted to extreme growing conditions. When grown in water, the peace lily develops smaller roots to feed it as opposed to larger roots that take nutrients from the soil.

It is worth noting that peace lilies grown this way tend to be shorter-lived than their soil-grown counterparts. While true, growing the plant in water results in a stunning visual, which many gardeners love.

If you plan to grow your Spathiphyllum plant in water, it is best to purchase one that is already growing in water.

This way, the plant has already developed the root system necessary for such conditions.

However, if your plant is in a regular plant pot, don’t worry. To follow, we will discuss exactly how to grow a peace lily in water.

A Guide to Growing Peace Lilies in Water

Growing a peace lily in water makes for an attractive display of foliage without the hassles of potting soil and repotting. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to grow peace lily plants in water.

Step 1:

Grab a glass container and fill it with tepid distilled water. Avoid using tap water as the chlorine, fluoride, and other hard water minerals may harm your peace lily.

Step 2:

Use a plastic stopper to hold your plant in place at the mouth of the glass container. Ensure that you have cut a hole at the center of the plastic stopper.

Step 3:

Remove the peace lily from its original container and examine the roots for rot or damage. If necessary, remove the damaged roots with a pair of pruning tools. Read here for more on how to prune peace lilies.

Step 4:

Gently place your peace plant into the hole at the center of the plastic stopper, allowing its roots to be in the glass container. Ensure that the roots are completely submerged in the water.

Step 5:

Place your peace lily where it is exposed to low light, such as under a fluorescent light or near an east or north-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight as this can severely harm your plant.

Step 6:

Change the water in the container and feed the peace lily with liquid fertilizer once every two weeks. Do not allow the roots to rise above the waterline as they will dry out and become damaged.

How to Care for a Peace Lily in Water

Whether your peace lily is grown in soil or in water, there are a few basic conditions that need to be met. Below are some simple tips on how to care for peace lily plants.

Peace Lily Light Requirements

Peace lily plants enjoy low light or dappled shade and can grow fine in a windowless room or hallway with artificial light.

However, for your peace lily to bloom, ensure that they receive a few hours of bright, indirect light each day.

Peace Lily Water Requirements

As previously mentioned, it is important to ensure that the water used for your peace lily is filtered or distilled.

The chloride and minerals found in tap water will cause the leaves of your plant to turn yellow. To reduce the chlorine levels in tap water, allow the water to sit overnight.

Peace Lily Care – Container for Growing in Water

Oftentimes, these plants are sold along with some Betta fish as this adds to the colorful display. However, this is not recommended as the environment is not suitable to sustain healthy fish.

While adding Betta fish to your vase looks beautiful, you can most certainly grow these plants in a glass vase of water with some decorative stones or glass nuggets. Figurines could also be a great addition. 

How Long Can a Peace Lily Live in Water?

On average, peace lilies live for around three to five years. When grown in water, however, they may only survive for up to a year.

When you notice your plant’s leaves starting to yellow, it is suggested that you repot it in a soil mix to prolong its life.

Pros and Cons of Growing Peace Lily Plants in Water

Whether you decide to grow your plant in water or in soil, both methods have shown to be effective. Below are the pros and cons of growing peace lilies in water to help you decide what will be best for your plant.

Pros of Growing Peace Lily in Water

• When using water, repotting peace lilies becomes a lot simpler. All that is required is that you move your plant into a slightly larger container and add water to it.

• It is also less messy as there is no soil involved. No soil also means you do not have to worry about your plant’s draining or watering.

• Allowing the roots to grow in water also keeps the base and leaves of the plant from being constantly wet, which can lead to root rot.

• Not having soil reduces the chances of you overwatering and pest infestations, both of which can lead to a number of complications.

• Lastly, if this plant’s water requirements are not properly met, you will end up with a droopy peace lily. Having your plant’s roots submerged in water at all times prevents the chance of you underwatering it.

Cons of Growing Peace Lilies in Water

• A downside of having your peace lily grow in water is the risk of bacteria and algae build-up around the roots and stem. This can cause root rot and can be fatal for your plant. Your plant will also not be able to absorb sufficient nutrients to sustain its growth and development.

• It is also worth noting that the growth rate of peace lilies grown in water is slower. Water does not allow the plant to receive as much oxygen and nutrients as it would receive when grown in soil.

• Peace lilies are naturally grown in soil as they come from rainforests. As such, growing them in water might prove to be more challenging in some cases. The plant will also need to be fertilized more frequently.

Should You Grow Your Peace Lily in Water?

The peace lily, with its stunning green leaves and white blooms, looks beautiful both in a soil pot and in water. While each method has its ups and downs, both will allow your plant to flourish. 

Whichever method you choose to use, this plant is sure to brighten up any home. Just be sure that all of its basic needs are met, and your peace lily will live happily for many years to come.

For another plant that grows well in water, the Philodendron plant is a lovely addition too.

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