How to Fertilize Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum wallisii

Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Quick Answer

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 6-8 weeks in spring and summer. Stop in fall and winter when growth slows.

When Should I Start Feeding My Peace Lily?

Peace Lily is a tropical indoor plant (zones 10a-12b), so its feeding window follows seasonal daylight changes rather than outdoor frost dates.

Pacific Mar–Sep

Mountain Apr–Aug

Midwest Apr–Sep

Northeast Apr–Sep

Southeast Mar–Sep

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How Often Should I Fertilize My Peace Lily?

Feed your Peace Lily every 6-8 weeks during spring and summer. This is a moderate grower that does not need frequent feeding.

Stop fertilizing entirely from October through February. Peace Lily naturally slows down in lower winter light, and unused nutrients build up as salts in the soil.

Brown leaf tips are the classic sign of over-fertilizing. If you see them, flush the soil with plain water and skip the next 1-2 feedings. Pale, slow growth in spring usually means the plant is ready for a feed.

Feeding Calendar

Spring & Summer

Half-strength balanced liquid every 6-8 weeks

Early Fall

One quarter-strength feeding, then stop

Late Fall & Winter

No feeding

What Is the Best Fertilizer for Peace Lily?

A balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) diluted to half strength is a safe, reliable choice for Peace Lily. If you want to encourage more of those white spathes, choose a formula slightly higher in phosphorus, like a 10-30-20 bloom booster.

Peace Lilies are sensitive to mineral salts, so less is always better. Full-strength fertilizer commonly causes brown leaf edges, which is the number one complaint with this plant.

Stick with liquid fertilizer rather than granules. Liquids distribute evenly through the soil and are easier to control. Granules can create hot spots that burn Peace Lily's fine roots.

Synthetic

Jack's Classic All Purpose 20-20-20

Clean-dissolving balanced formula. Mix 1/4 tsp per gallon for Peace Lily, which is half the label rate.

Schultz All Purpose 10-15-10

Affordable liquid with slightly higher phosphorus to support blooming. Use 3-4 drops per quart for Peace Lily.

Organic

Liqui-Dirt Organic Concentrate

Very gentle all-in-one organic formula, which is ideal for salt-sensitive Peace Lily. One scoop per gallon.

Worm castings

The gentlest feeding option. Top-dress with a thin layer every 2-3 months. Zero risk of salt burn.

How Do I Fertilize My Peace Lily?

Water thoroughly first

Give your Peace Lily a full watering and let it drain. Dry soil absorbs fertilizer unevenly and increases the risk of root burn.

Dilute to half strength

Mix your balanced liquid fertilizer at half the label rate. Peace Lilies are salt-sensitive, so erring on the weaker side protects those fine roots.

Pour slowly over the soil

Apply the solution evenly across the soil surface. Avoid pouring directly onto the leaves or into the crown of the plant, which can cause rot.

Let excess drain away

Allow all runoff to flow out completely. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes so the roots are not sitting in fertilizer water.

Flush soil between feedings

Once between each fertilizing, water deeply with plain water until it runs freely from the drainage holes. This rinses out accumulated salts that cause brown leaf tips.

Got More Questions?

Can I use coffee grounds on my Peace Lily?

It is best to avoid them. Peace Lily does not need acidic soil, and wet coffee grounds on the surface often lead to fungus gnat problems. A diluted liquid fertilizer is safer and more effective.

What happens if I over-fertilize my Peace Lily?

The leaf tips and edges turn brown and crispy. In severe cases, the roots can burn and the plant wilts even when the soil is moist. Flush the pot with plain water several times and skip fertilizer for 2-3 months.

Will fertilizer help my Peace Lily bloom?

Fertilizer alone does not trigger blooming. Peace Lily needs bright indirect light to flower. Fertilizer supports bloom production once light conditions are right, but it cannot replace adequate light.

Should I fertilize a Peace Lily right after buying it?

Wait at least 2-3 months. Nursery plants are typically fed heavily before sale, and the potting mix has enough nutrients for a while. Feeding too soon adds to salt buildup.

Can banana peels help my Peace Lily?

Not in a meaningful way. Banana peels decompose too slowly in a pot to deliver useful nutrients. They are more likely to grow mold. A balanced liquid fertilizer gives Peace Lily exactly what it needs.

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About This Article

Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist

About the Author

Kiersten Rankel holds an M.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University. A certified Louisiana Master Naturalist, she has over a decade of experience in science communication, with research spanning corals, cypress trees, marsh grasses, and more. At Greg, she curates species data and verifies care recommendations against botanical research.

See Kiersten Rankel's full background on LinkedIn.

Editorial Process

Fertilizer recommendations verified against Spathiphyllum wallisii growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.

70,185+ Greg users growing this plant

USDA hardiness zones 10a–12b

Citations:
NC State Extension
Missouri Botanical Garden
Royal Horticultural Society

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