Garden Care Guide

Peace Lily Care

Spathiphyllum spp.

It likes bright but indirect light; direct sun can scorch its leaves. It prefers airy, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It is a popular air-purifying plant.

Frost-tender (protect from frost) · 10 °C / 50 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Watering: As the soil surface dries (about every 10-14 days), give water.
  • Fertilizing: Do not fertilize; it is the dormancy period.
  • Pruning: Cut only drying leaf and flower stalks at the base.
  • Plant protection: Not done unless necessary. If pests are seen (mealybug), use soapy water (Arap sabunu).
  • General care: Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth; if the plant is near a radiator, mist the leaves with water.
  • Pests & diseases: Dry air can lead to spider mites; check the undersides of the leaves.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
February
  • Watering: As the soil surface dries (about every 10 days), give water.
  • Fertilizing: Do not fertilize; if growth begins toward the end of the month, you can start at half dose.
  • Pruning: Remove drying and yellowing leaves.
  • Plant protection: Not needed if there are no signs of pests.
  • General care: You can prepare for repotting; if the roots have filled the pot, plan a move to a pot one size larger.
  • Pests & diseases: Leaf yellowing can be a sign of overwatering; reduce watering.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
March
  • Watering: Increase watering by checking soil moisture more often (once a week).
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
  • Pruning: Remove leaves damaged in winter.
  • Plant protection: Check the new shoots for aphids.
  • General care: If needed, this is the most suitable month for repotting.
  • Pests & diseases: Be careful about root rot; do not overwater.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
April
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • Fertilizing: Once a month, give a full-dose balanced liquid fertilizer (NPK 20-20-20) or a flower-promoting fertilizer (phosphorus-rich). Do not overfeed.
  • Pruning: Cut spent flowers off at the base together with their stalks.
  • Plant protection: Continue pest control.
  • General care: You can lightly hoe the soil surface to aerate it. Division at the roots can be used for propagation.
  • Pests & diseases: If you see leaf spot fungus, cut off the affected leaves and let air circulate around the plant.
May
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Fertilizing: Once a month or once every two weeks, give a half-dose flower-promoting (phosphorus-rich) liquid fertilizer. Do not overfeed.
  • Pruning: After flowering, regularly remove fading flowers and old leaves.
  • Plant protection: Be watchful for mealybugs and spider mites. Apply neem oil if you see pests.
  • General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
  • Pests & diseases: Brown leaf tips are a sign of low humidity or hard water; use water that has been left to stand.
June
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Because this is a period of active growth and flowering, a bloom-boosting fertilizer can be applied every two weeks. Do not overfeed.
  • Pruning: For a tidy appearance, remove yellowing leaves and spent flowers.
  • General care: In high temperatures, keep the plant in a shaded, airy place so that it does not become stressed.
  • Pests & diseases: Extreme heat and humidity can trigger fungal diseases, so good ventilation is important.
July
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing every two weeks. Do not overapply.
  • Pruning: Continuously remove yellowing, drying leaves and flowers.
  • Plant protection: Check regularly for pests (mealybugs, spider mites).
  • General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the undersides of the leaves; spiderweb-like structures are a sign of mites.
August
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Toward the end of the month, reduce fertilizing to once a month. Do not overfeed.
  • Pruning: Remove spent flowers and old leaves.
  • Plant protection: Continue pest control.
  • General care: Gradually give the plant less water and fertilizer to prepare it for winter dormancy.
  • Pests & diseases: Be careful about fungal diseases during seasonal changes.
September
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Fertilizing: Once a month, give half-dose fertilizer. Do not overfeed.
  • Pruning: Remove only dry leaves that spoil the appearance.
  • General care: Move the plant indoors to a bright but cool place. Keep it away from radiators.
  • Pests & diseases: Leaf drop can be normal, but sudden drops point to water or temperature stress.
  • Frost risk: Be careful about placing the plant in front of windows, as it may get cold at night.
October
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • Fertilizing: From the end of the month, stop fertilizing completely.
  • Pruning: Do not do heavy pruning; only remove dead branches.
  • General care: Prepare the plant for winter dormancy. Keep it in a bright spot away from heat sources such as radiators.
  • Pests & diseases: Since the environment will be dry, mist the leaves to guard against spider mites.
  • Frost risk: Protect it from cold drafts and windowsills.
November
  • Watering: 1-2 times a month, when the soil is completely dry, water very lightly.
  • Fertilizing: Absolutely do not fertilize.
  • Pruning: Not necessary. Only remove dead leaves.
  • Plant protection: Not done unless necessary. If pests are seen (mealybug), remove them with a cotton swab.
  • General care: Allow the plant to rest. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
  • Pests & diseases: Be very careful about root rot from overwatering, and make sure the soil has dried out.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
December
  • Watering: Water sparingly when the topsoil dries; do not leave water in the saucer.
  • Pruning: Remove yellowing leaves.
  • General care: Evergreen leaves continue to lose water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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