Houseplants, plant guide
How to feed a peace lily.
How often to feed a peace lily, what with, and why drooping, brown tips and missing flowers are rarely about food.
- WhenSpring and summer
- How oftenMonthly to fortnightly
- Most problemsWater, not food
A drooping peace lily wants water, not food
Peace lilies are famous for it. When the compost dries out they droop dramatically, and they perk up soon after a good drink. It is the most common reason people reach for the feed, and the wrong moment to use it.
Feed on dry compost can burn the roots. So water first, let the plant recover, and feed another day. The opposite matters too: the RHS warns that roots can rot if the compost stays damp for long, so water when the top few centimetres have dried, not on a timetable.
Never feed a wilted plant
Water it, wait for it to stand back up, then feed at the next watering.
Two good sources, two answers
Where trusted advice differs, we show you both.
| What is being compared | RHSplant profile | Gardeners' Worldgrowing guide |
|---|---|---|
| What | A balanced liquid fertiliser. | A liquid houseplant food. |
| How often | Monthly. | Every fortnight. |
| When | While it is growing. | In spring and summer. |
Our suggestion: start monthly while it is growing and watch the plant. Fresh, glossy leaves mean it is happy. Brown tips or a white crust on the compost mean ease off.
What your peace lily is telling you
Most of these are about water, light or warmth. Feed is rarely the answer.
| What you see | What it usually means | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Drooping all over | Thirsty. | Water well and let it drain. It should soon perk up. |
| Wilting again soon after watering | It may have outgrown its pot. | Repot in spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, peat-free compost, then wait before feeding. |
| Yellow leaves | Old leaves yellow naturally. Lots of yellowing can mean too much water. | Remove yellow leaves at the base, and let the top of the compost dry before watering. |
| Brown leaf tips or edges | Very dry air, or direct sun. Feed that is too strong can brown tips too. | Move it out of direct sun and away from radiators. If you feed a lot, ease off. |
| No flowers | Usually too little light. The RHS says flowering may suffer in deep shade. | Move it somewhere brighter but out of direct sun. More feed will not make up for light. |
| Flowers turning green | Normal. The white hoods turn greener as they age. | Cut faded flowers off at the base of the stalk. |
Keeping a peace lily happy
Do
- Give it bright, indirect lightA bathroom with a window often suits it.
- Use rainwater if you canThe RHS says peace lilies prefer it to tap water.
- Wipe the leavesA damp cloth removes dust so more light reaches the leaf.
- Feed while it is growingSpring and summer, by the label.
Don't
- Leave it in direct summer sunIt scorches the leaves.
- Keep the compost soggyRoots can rot.
- Stand it by a radiator or a draughtIt likes steady warmth.
- Feed it dry, wilted or in winterWater first, and rest the feed when growth slows.
Tend: Houseplant Food
Tend is our liquid houseplant food, for the plants on your sills, shelves and side tables, peace lilies included.
- How to useA splash around the base of the plant, then water it in. That is the direction on the back of the bottle.
- Size250ml bottle with a pump
- Also good to know100% natural, peat-free and made without synthetic chemicals.
Questions people ask
How often should I feed a peace lily?
Monthly to fortnightly while it is growing, in spring and summer. The RHS suggests monthly, Gardeners' World every fortnight. Start monthly and follow the label of your feed for the amount.
Does a peace lily need a feed for flowering plants?
Neither the RHS nor Gardeners' World asks for one. The RHS suggests a balanced liquid fertiliser and Gardeners' World a liquid houseplant food.
Will feeding make my peace lily flower?
Not on its own. Light is the usual reason a peace lily stops flowering. Move it somewhere brighter, out of direct sun, and keep it warm and steady.
Can I use Tend on my peace lily?
Yes. Tend is our houseplant food. Give it a splash around the base and water it in, as the bottle says, while the plant is growing, and not when the compost is dry.
Should I feed a peace lily in winter?
Generally no. It grows slowly in winter, so water a little less and save the feed for spring and summer.
Is a peace lily safe around pets?
No. The RHS says peace lilies are poisonous, so keep them out of reach of children and pets, and the sap can irritate skin.
