The Peace Lily (also known as Spathiphyllum) is one of those classic, low-maintenance houseplants we all love. But if you want to make your life even easier, try growing it in hydroponics! Using a water level indicator takes all the guesswork out of your watering schedule.
Location and Care
When it comes to finding the perfect spot for your Peace Lily, it doesn’t really matter if it’s sitting in soil or a hydro setup. However, there are a few small but important differences in how you’ll care for it.
Watering
During the growing season (March through October), a Peace Lily usually needs a drink about once a week. Since this houseplant likes a little winter nap, you can scale back to watering every 14 days during the colder months. To make sure you aren’t drowning your plant, let the water level indicator be your guide.
Once the indicator drops below the “Minimum” mark, it’s time to water. For the best results, I recommend a little “wait and see” approach:
- In bright spots, wait another two to three days before refilling.
- In shadier corners, wait four to five days after it hits minimum.
As for the amount, watch that indicator! As soon as it starts to move, aim to keep it around the minimum mark. Only fill it up to “Maximum” if you’re heading out of town for a while.
Fertilizing
When fertilizing, make sure to use a nutrient solution specifically designed for hydroponics. Stick closely to the dosage on the label—Peace Lilies are sensitive, and over-fertilizing can cause some serious damage.
Repotting
One of the perks of hydro is that it takes much longer for the roots to completely fill the pot compared to soil. This means you don’t have to swap out the clay pebbles (LECA) very often. However, it’s a good idea to replace the top inch or two of pebbles every year to get rid of any accumulated mineral salts.
Switching from Soil to Hydroponics
I generally don’t recommend trying to convert an established soil plant to hydroponics. To do it right, you have to scrub every single bit of dirt off the roots. If even a little bit stays behind, it often leads to mold or root rot, which can be lights out for your Peace Lily.
