With flowers reminiscent of white peace flags, peace lilies have long been a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts. They make an elegant, aromatic addition to the houseplant collection.
Many homeowners like peace lilies not only for their stunning evergreen leaves and magnificent white blooms but also for their ability to adapt to extreme growing conditions. But will they grow in water? Absolutely, YES. Although peace lilies are known to grow well in soil, they can thrive in water.
Growing lilies in water offers a unique and exotic way to display these shade-loving plants while doing away with the hassle of worrying about watering and soil. If the idea of growing peace lilies piques your interest, read on.
Will peace lily thrive in water?
Yes, peace lilies can grow and thrive in water. However, they are more commonly grown in soil.
Peace lilies that grow in water have adapted to extreme growing conditions. They are usually suspended above the water line to allow roots to develop while keeping the base of the lily and leaves from being wet. However, they tend to be shorter-lived than their soil-grown counterparts.
Generally, peace lilies grown in water live for about 12 – 15 months.
Growing peace lilies in water
Growing a peace lily, also known as the spathe flower or white sails plant, in water makes for a stunning display of foliage, which many gardeners love.
Here are steps and tips to help you grow peace lilies in water successfully:
1. Find a glass container and fill it with water
When it comes to growing peace lilies in water, is it best (advisable) to grow them in a glass container. While you can use your favorite vases, a glass container allows you to see the progress and condition of the roots.
Once you have identified an ideal container, fill it with tepid distilled water. Avoid using tap water as it may contain harmful chemicals chlorine and fluoride that may harm your peace lily plant.
2. Make a plastic stopper
Unless you are using a special vase or glass jar with a narrow mouth, you will need a plastic stopper to hold your plant in place at the container’s mouth.
Get a plastic stopper and cut a hole in its center. The hole should be slightly larger than the diameter of the peace lily you want to plant.
3. Pick a healthy plant
For good results when growing a peace lily in water, it is best to purchase one that is already growing in water and has developed the root system necessary for those conditions.
Before you place the peace lily in your container, examine the roots for signs of rot or damage, then remove any damaged roots with shears. The plant should also be mature and generally healthy.
4. Plant your peace lily
Gently insert the peace lily into the plastic stopper and ensure that the roots are completely submerged in the water. Notably, only the roots need to be submerged in the water, not any other part of the plant, including its base.
Once the peace lily is in the right position, position it in a place where it is exposed to low light. Peace lilies are shade-loving plants and will thrive in east or north-facing windows or under a fluorescent light.
5. Fertilize your peace lily to keep it healthy
Although peace lilies are generally not heavy feeders, when grown in water, they need to be fed every so often to stay healthy.
When it comes to fertilizing water-grown lilies, it is advisable that you feed the plant a few drops of liquid fertilizer once every two weeks. You will also need to change the water, preferably on a bi-weekly basis. Changing water often can go a long way to keeping things from stagnating.
After changing water, always confirm to ensure the roots are completely submerged.
Final thoughts
While peace lilies are typically grown in soil, they can adapt to grow well in water. Even better, growing them in water is not overly difficult as long as you can do things right. With the steps and tips in the guide, hopefully, you will get to enjoy having a peace lily growing in water.
Related Article: Overwatered Peace Lily the Ultimate Guide to Saving Your Plant