Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) thrive in UK homes at 200-800 lux, 18-24C, and 40-60% humidity. They tolerate north-facing rooms but flower best at 500+ lux. Water weekly with filtered or rainwater in hard water areas above 200 mg/l CaCO3. A 2022 University of Birmingham study showed peace lily removed roughly 50% of NO2 from indoor air within one hour. Toxic to cats and dogs.
Key takeaways
- Peace lilies photosynthesise at just 200 lux but need 500-1,000 lux to produce flowers reliably
- UK central heating drops humidity to 30-40% in winter, well below the 50-60% peace lilies prefer
- Hard water areas (London, SE England, over 200 mg/l CaCO3) cause brown leaf tips — use filtered or rainwater
- Peace lily removed roughly 50% of NO2 from indoor air in University of Birmingham 2022 trials
- Feed fortnightly March to September with half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser, stop in winter
- Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed — calcium oxalate crystals cause mouth irritation and swelling
peace lily Spathiphyllum indoor plants house plants low light plants UK homes houseplant care
Our team produces practical UK gardening guidance from source research, contributor records and established horticultural practice. Editorial standards are overseen by Matt W.
