Peace lilies are well-known for their beautiful foliage and attractive white spathe that surrounds the flowers which grow on a spadix. These perennial plants, also called “the spathe,” are originally from the tropical areas of the Americas and Southeast Asia.
Peace Lilies are one of the most popular indoor plants. However, these exquisite plants also do well outdoors, under proper care and maintenance, of course.
In this article, we will discuss whether Peace lilies can survive outdoors, how we can properly care for them in the outside setting, and other useful tips to make sure you have the happiest, healthiest Peace lilies for your peace of mind!
Can Peace Lilies Survive Outside?
The simple answer is yes, but not absolutely. Peace lilies do well in outdoor areas in USDA zones 10 to 12; places with warm, humid climates.
Peace lilies’ native habitats are forest lands, usually shaded by huge trees. Their locations allow them to get dappled sunlight and adequate moisture. As tropical plants, they need partial to deep shade and cannot handle direct scorching sunlight.
If you live in a region with a tropical or subtropical climate, you’re in luck!
How To Care For Peace Lilies Outside
With proper care, Peace lilies can survive both indoors and outdoors. Here are things to consider in making sure that your Peace lilies thrive!
Climate
As mentioned above, peace lilies do great outdoors in tropical and subtropical climates. So, if you live in a place in USDA zones 10 to 12 or simply an area with warm, humid temperatures for the whole year, you can plant your Peace Lilies outside where they can get filtered or shaded sunlight.
If you live in cooler climates, however, you can plant your peace lilies in pots where they can be taken outdoors in the warm season and indoors when it gets colder, at least before the temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12.7 degrees celsius)
Location
Since peace lilies are natives from forests where they get partial shade from the canopy of bigger trees, so you have to make sure that they are kept in a place where they don’t get direct sunlight. This type of environment is similar to their native habitat and would help them to thrive.
Too much sunlight can cause sunburns to your peace lily, and this can eventually cause growth stunting. Keep your plant in a location where it can get dappled sunlight, whether early morning or late afternoon sun.
Water
Because of their big leaves, Peace lilies tend to lose their moisture through evaporation. This is more likely to happen when you are planting them outdoors. Therefore, your Peace lilies need to get enough water and consistently, but not excessively moist soil to avoid root rot. If your soil starts to look dry and your Peace lily starts to droop, it is a good indication that it’s time to water your plant.
Peace lilies are sensitive to chemicals found in tap water, such as fluoride, which may cause brown leaf tips. They can also be sensitive to chlorine and to cold water, so let your water sit for some hours to prevent cold shock and chlorine damage.
Soil
Peace lilies prefer fertile, well-draining soil with pH levels ranging from 5.8 to 6.5. If the soil is not well-draining, it’s really going to cause problems.
If you are located in cold regions, avoid planting your peace lily directly to the soil outdoors. Instead, you can put them in pots where you can transfer them easily from outdoors to indoors.
The ground soil temperature should not drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius).
Fertilizer
Peace lilies need little fertilizing, but if you decide to give them fertilizers, you can use a slow-release dry fertilizer once or twice in spring or summer. Do not fertilize in the winter. Because Peace Lilies are quite sensitive to chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers are the best option for your plants.
If you are planning to use a regular balanced fertilizer, fertilizing your Peace lily once every spring and fall would do the trick in keeping your plant healthier.
Can I Put My Peace Lily Outside In The Summer?
Peace lilies would love being outside during the summer season, especially in places where they get enough humidity. However, keep In mind that although they do well outdoors, this is only true when they are placed in areas where they don’t receive harsh direct sunlight.
Excessive direct sunlight can cause some leaf scorching, growth stunting, and severe damage to your plant.
Can Peace Lilies Survive Winter Outside?.
Since Peace lilies are native tropical plants, they are quite sensitive to cold temperatures. Planting them outdoors can only be a good idea if you live in an area with suitable hardiness levels (10-12)
The outside winter temperatures are harsh, and your Peace lily cannot withstand temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. (12.7 degrees Celsius) Keeping your Peace lilies outdoors in winter can cause frostbite, which could damage leaves, stems, and roots.
FAQ
Can Peace Lilies Survive Full Sun?
Peace lilies require medium indirect sunlight to survive. If your Peace lilies are constantly exposed to direct sunlight, this can cause yellow leaves, brown spots, and streaks.
How Tall Do Peace Lilies Grow Outdoors?
Most varieties of peace lily grow to about one to two feet (30 to 60cm) tall. However, when they are grown outdoors in the right environment, they can reach six feet (1.8 meters tall)
Are Peace Lilies Invasive In Outdoor Gardens?
Peace lilies are not known to be invasive plants. This means you can confidently place your Peace lilies along with other plants in your garden, provided that you place them in the soil where they are spaced 2 ½ to 3 feet apart to allow for good air circulation.
Recap
Although they are most popularly known as indoor plants, Peace Lilies are also capable of surviving outdoors as long they are in a suitable climate, have proper sunlight, are placed in the optimal location, have adequate water, and rich-moisturized soil. Although taking care of Peace Lilies outdoors can be more challenging than simply planting them indoors, it’s all worth the effort! With proper care, your healthy Peace lilies will give you happiness and peace of mind!
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