How to Plant a Peace Lily in a Pot

If you're looking for a beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplant, the peace lily is an excellent choice. These elegant plants feature dark green leaves and gorgeous white flowers that bloom periodically throughout the year. Best of all, peace lilies are relatively low-maintenance and thrive in a variety of settings. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to successfully plant a peace lily in a pot.

Choose Your Pot

The first step in planting a peace lily is to choose an appropriate pot. Peace lilies generally prefer pots that are wider than they are deep, as they have shallow root systems. Additionally, the pot should have drainage holes in the bottom to ensure proper water drainage. When selecting a pot, keep in mind that peace lilies prefer to be snug in their containers, so choose a pot that is just slightly larger than the plant's root ball.

Select Your Soil

Once you've chosen your pot, it's time to select the soil for your peace lily. These plants thrive in well-draining soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. You can use a standard potting mix and add perlite, sand, or peat moss to improve drainage. Additionally, peace lilies prefer slightly acidic soil, so feel free to mix in some sphagnum peat moss or pine bark to lower the pH.

Prepare Your Plant

Before transplanting your peace lily, it's important to prepare the plant. First, ensure that the plant has been watered recently and that the soil is moist. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, and shake off any excess soil from the roots. If the root ball is very tightly packed, you can gently loosen it with your fingers or a small tool.

Plant Your Peace Lily

Now that your pot and soil are ready, and your plant is prepared, it's time to plant your peace lily. Begin by filling the pot with enough soil to form a small mound in the center. Place your plant in the center of the pot, and gently pack soil around the root ball. Be sure not to bury the plant too deep - the top of the root ball should be level with the top of the soil. Finally, water the plant thoroughly, until water flows out of the drainage holes in the pot.

Caring for Your Peace Lily

Your peace lily is now planted and ready to thrive! To ensure that your plant stays healthy, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light - avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can burn the leaves. Second, water your peace lily regularly, but be careful not to over-water. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Finally, peace lilies benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy the beauty and grace of a peace lily in your own home. By selecting the right pot and soil, preparing your plant properly, and providing the right care, your peace lily is sure to thrive and bring joy to your space.