How Much Light Does a Peace Lily Need? Tips, Factors, & FAQ
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Peace Lilies are a great plant to adorn your home or office because they’re one of the easiest plants to care for. However, they still need ideal growing conditions to thrive. Light is essential, and you may wonder if your peace lily is getting enough light.
The amount of light a Peace Lily needs will vary from season to season. It should be exposed to low to moderate light in the winter and fall and medium to bright indirect light in the summer and spring. Approximately 10–12 hours of indirect sunlight is ideal for a peace lily to thrive, and 16–18 hours a day of fluorescent light is also sufficient to keep it growing well.
Why Is Light Important?
Light is food for your plants and is one of the most critical factors for their growth. They use light for photosynthesis, which is the process of converting light, along with water and oxygen, into carbohydrates. Without adequate light, your plant won’t be able to grow and thrive.
How Much Light Is Needed for an Indoor Peace Lily?
If your peace lily lives indoors, place it near a north-facing window or under a relatively bright indoor light to avoid sunburn. A north-facing window will provide light that isn’t too intense, and your lily will receive a full spectrum of light rays when placed near a window where natural sunlight is coming in. If your peace lily is in a brighter room with plenty of natural light, it will thrive with 10–12 hours of sunlight exposure per day.
The color of the walls, the cleanliness of the window, as well as mirrors close by can affect the intensity of the light. Mirrors and white walls will reflect light and intensify the light that plants nearby will receive.
How Much Light Is Needed for an Outdoor Peace Lily?
Peace Lilies are native to tropical parts of the world. In their natural environment, they usually grow under the canopies of trees, where they do not get much light. Peace lilies are typically indoor plants, so it is easy to replicate those conditions.
If your lily lives on the patio or in a garden bed, it will need indirect sunlight and should be placed in the shade as it cannot handle the full sun. The best place for your peace lily to thrive outside is somewhere sheltered that receives dappled sunlight.
Summer vs. Winter Light
Naturally, the light does not stay the same through winter and summer; most plants will grow in the summer and go dormant in winter.
In summer, the light is more intense and stays for longer; in winter, the light is around for shorter periods and reduces the intensity.
In winter, you may notice your peace lily not growing as much, but that is no need to panic. They will save up energy and go into a dormant state.
Can a Peace Lily Grow in Fluorescent Light?
Peace lilies can grow happily in fluorescent light, which makes them excellent indoor plants, especially if there is not enough natural light. A light fixture with one or two fluorescent bulbs hanging 6 to 12 inches above your lily will provide sufficient light for 16–18 hours.
If you cannot monitor the amount of light, you can set a timer, but it is better to have your lily as close to the light source as possible. If your light comes from the ceiling, it’s best to elevate your lily onto a desk or table rather than the floor.
How Do You Know If Your Peace Lily Has Enough Sunlight?
Your peace lily has a few obvious signs of not receiving the right amount of light.
If your plant is getting too much light, you will notice the leaves curling up, drooping, or turning yellow, and the flowers may crisp and turn brown on the edges. You can also assess your plant’s soil, especially if you are watering it as needed. If the soil is dry, the sun may be too intense.
If your Peace Lily is not getting enough light, the leaves may turn yellow, and its growth may appear leggy and narrow. If the flowers look dull and greener or there are no flowers at all, it could also mean it is receiving too little light.
Tips for Caring for Your Peace Lily
- Peace lilies thrive best indoors, in bright indirect sunlight.
- Maintain moisture in its soil, but make sure it is not too soggy.
- When the roots have outgrown their container, repot your lily.
- Remove the leaves when and if they turn yellow.
- If your lily is not blooming, move it to an area with brighter light.
- If the leaves get dusty, you can shower your plant or wipe it down.
Conclusion
It’s best to display your peace lily indoors in an area that gets indirect, bright light. Make sure it is getting 10-12 hours of indirect sunlight a day, and if there is not enough natural light coming through a window, then fluorescent lights will work just as well.
If you place your lily outdoors, choose a sheltered area where it can receive dappled light and is not exposed to direct sunlight as it can scorch its sensitive leaves. Keep an eye on your lily, looking for tell-tale signs of inadequate lighting, and don’t be afraid to move it around to adjust to its lighting needs during the change of the seasons.
Featured Image Credit: HOerwin56, Pixabay
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