Are your Peace Lilies failing to bloom or looking wilted despite you showering them with affection and diligent care? The issue most likely stems from not meeting their specific light requirements. Insufficient or excessive light can lead to poor growth and an unhealthy appearance, leaving you to guess the problem and your plants just lying there suffering from deficiency or over-exposure. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution. By understanding this article and providing the ideal lighting conditions, you can rejuvenate your Peace Lilies, turning them into the lush, vibrant plants they’re meant to be. Let’s explore how to achieve the perfect balance of light for your Peace Lilies to thrive.
How much light does a peace lily need?
In short, Peace Lilies thrive in bright, indirect light. They do well in filtered sunlight, such as near a north or east-facing window. Leaves can get scorched with high intensity direct sunlight on the plant. If there is a limited exposure of natural light on the plant, Peace Lilies can also adapt to fluorescent lighting that you can buy online, making them suitable for offices and indoor spaces. Ideally, they should receive about 10-12 hours of light per day to maintain their health and vibrant appearance.
For science geeks, Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum spp.) require a light intensity of about 1,000-5,000 lux (approximately 100-500 foot-candles for you American folks) to thrive. They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Research indicates that while Peace Lilies can survive in low light, their growth and flowering are optimized in moderate to bright indirect light conditions.
If you are someone who likes to keep the plants outdoors or a place with exposed sunlight, a study by Indian researchers have shown that shade nets with a shade intensity of 75% would result in better growth and production of potted spathiphyllum
You can read more amazing facts about peace lilies and the science behind it in these research papers –
1. Influence of light intensity on growth and flowering ornamental plants in constructed wetlands
2. Photoacclimation in Spathiphyllum
Sunburned Peace Lily
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) leaves are sensitive and prefer bright, indirect light. When placed in direct sunlight, the intense light and heat can damage the leaves, leading to sunburn. Common signs of sunburn are brown, scorched leaves, wilting or early yellowing of leaves.
Some indications for each of these are –
Brown or scorched spots: Typically on the tips or edges of the leaves.
Yellowing leaves: Sunburned areas may turn yellow before becoming brown.
Wilting: The plant may appear wilted or droopy despite regular watering.
Simple solutions:
- Relocate your Peace Lily to a spot with bright, indirect light. North or east-facing windows are ideal. You can use curtains that pass less intense lights through it and those light is exposed to the plant
- Cut/ prune the damaged leaves
Best light for peace lily
Even though indirect sunlight is enough for peace lily’s needs, you can use artificial lighting sources. Peace lilies require light for photosynthesis, the process by which they convert light energy into chemical energy. Chlorophyll in the leaves absorbs light, primarily in the blue (400-500 nm) and red (600-700 nm) wavelengths, to drive this process. Use full-spectrum or daylight CFL bulbs with a color temperature of 5000-6500K. T5 or T8 fluorescent tubes are suitable for this. Ensure they are labeled as full-spectrum or cool white for the best results. You can search for the best ones on online shopping sites.
Sample setup:
Light Type: Full-spectrum LED grow light.
Intensity: Adjustable settings, providing 100-500 foot candles (1,000-5,000 lux).
Placement: 6-12 inches above the plant, ensuring even coverage.
Duration: 10-12 hours of light per day.
FAQs
Does peace lily need sunlight?
Yes, peace lilies do need light to grow and thrive, but they do not necessarily require direct sunlight.
Can Peace lily grow in low light?
Peace lilies can grow in low light conditions, such as those found in rooms with north-facing windows, offices, or spaces with artificial lighting.
Does a peace lily need a lot of sun?
A peace lily does not need a lot of sun to thrive. In fact, it prefers lower light conditions compared to many other houseplants.
