When you think of the elegant peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.), you likely envision it gracing the corner of a well-lit living room or adding tranquility to your workspace. However, the peace lily isn’t just an indoor plant. Surprisingly, it can be a fantastic addition to your outdoor garden. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of peace lilies outdoors, discussing their adaptability, hardiness zones, care tips, and when to consider bringing them back indoors.
If you want to show off your peace lilies then my personal recommendation is to use a liquid leaf shine Click here to check it out on Amazon.com
Can Peace Lilies Survive Outside?
The peace lily, known for its glossy dark green leaves and iconic white spathes, may not be the first choice that comes to mind when thinking about outdoor plants. After all, it is often celebrated for its air-purifying qualities and adaptability to low light conditions. Yet, peace lilies can indeed thrive outdoors under the right conditions.
Peace lilies are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. They have adapted to thrive in the shade of larger plants on the forest floor. This natural habitat gives them a degree of outdoor hardiness that might surprise you. If you want to know how often do peace lilies bloom then check out my recent article How Often Do Peace Lilies Bloom? ( Indoors & Outside ).
In What Hardiness Zones Can I Grow Peace Lilies Outside?
The suitability of peace lilies for outdoor cultivation largely depends on your climate. These plants are considered tropical, which might make you wonder about their cold tolerance. Fortunately, peace lilies can survive outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 11 and 12, which encompass the southernmost regions of the United States.
In these warmer climates, the temperature rarely drops below 40°F (4°C). Peace lilies can handle such conditions as long as they receive proper care. If you live in these zones, you have a good chance of cultivating peace lilies outdoors.
For those residing in regions with colder climates, don’t despair. While it may be challenging to keep peace lilies outdoors year-round, they can still be part of your garden during the warmer months. However, you’ll need to take some precautions to ensure their survival. If you want to know how to make your peace lilies to bloom again then check out my recent article How Do I Get My Peace Lily To Flower Again ( In 5 Steps ).
How to Care for Peace Lilies Outside: Step by Step
Growing peace lilies outdoors involves a different set of care requirements compared to their indoor counterparts. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you maintain a thriving peace lily garden:
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Just like in the wild, peace lilies prefer a shady or partially shaded location. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves. Find a spot that gets filtered sunlight or dappled shade throughout the day.
Step 2: Soil Preparation
Peace lilies thrive in well-draining, rich, and slightly acidic soil. A mix of potting soil and organic matter, like compost, works well. Make sure the soil retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Step 3: Planting
When planting your peace lilies, ensure the root ball is level with the soil surface. Space them about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for healthy growth.
Step 4: Watering
Consistent moisture is key to peace lily health. Water the plants regularly to keep the soil consistently damp, but not soggy. However, they are more drought-tolerant than you might think, so don’t overdo it.
Step 5: Fertilizing
Fertilize your outdoor peace lilies once every two to three months during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to half strength.
Step 6: Pest Control
Keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Treat any infestations promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Step 7: Winter Protection (for Non-Tropical Climates)
As temperatures drop, it’s essential to protect your peace lilies from cold snaps. If you live in a colder climate, consider bringing them indoors before the first frost. Place them in a well-lit area with indirect sunlight and continue regular care.
Step 8: Pruning
Pruning can help keep your peace lilies looking their best. Trim yellow or damaged leaves, but avoid cutting into healthy green foliage.
When Should I Bring the Peace Lilies Indoors?
The decision to bring your outdoor peace lilies back inside largely hinges on your local climate. As mentioned, in zones 11 and 12, you can typically keep them outside all year. However, for regions with colder winters, it’s essential to know when to take action.
A good rule of thumb is to bring peace lilies indoors before the first frost. This often occurs in the fall. Sudden drops in temperature can damage or kill your peace lilies, especially if they have become acclimated to the warmer outdoor conditions.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and aim to bring your peace lilies inside when nighttime temperatures consistently dip below 40°F (4°C). Before moving them indoors, inspect the plants for any pests or issues that you wouldn’t want to introduce into your home. If you want to know the different flower stages of peace lilies then check out my recent article Peace Lily Flower Stages ( A Beautiful Evolution ).
Can I Keep My Peace Lilies Outside All Year Round?
In summary, while peace lilies can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA hardiness zones 11 and 12, they require special care in regions with colder winters. For those in less temperate climates, peace lilies can still be a part of your outdoor garden during the warm months, as long as you take precautions to protect them from the cold.
Remember that peace lilies are primarily tropical plants, so they thrive in warm, humid conditions. When you bring them indoors, maintain a similar environment by placing them in a bright, indirect light spot and keeping the humidity level stable.