How to Grow a Peace Lily in Water

Want to grow a peace lily without soil? Learn how to grow a peace lily in water with this step-by-step guide. Discover care tips for healthy, soil-free plants.

 Can You Grow a Peace Lily in Water?

Yes, you can! Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are elegant houseplants known for their glossy green leaves and white spathe flowers. While they’re traditionally grown in soil, many plant enthusiasts are turning to hydroponic methods—growing peace lilies in water only. It’s not just beautiful and minimalist; it’s also low maintenance and mess-free.

This article will guide you step by step on how to successfully grow a peace lily in water and keep it thriving.

1. Why Grow a Peace Lily in Water?

Growing peace lilies in water has many advantages:

• No soil mess – great for clean indoor spaces
• Lower risk of pests like fungus gnats
• Easy to monitor root health
• Stylish decorative displays in glass containers

However, it also requires specific care to keep the plant healthy.

2. What You’ll Need

To grow a peace lily in water, gather the following:

• A healthy peace lily plant
• A transparent glass container or vase
• Filtered or distilled water
• Optional: activated charcoal or hydroponic nutrients

3. Step-by-Step: How to Grow a Peace Lily in Water

Step 1: Remove the Plant from Soil

• Gently take the peace lily out of its pot.
• Rinse the roots thoroughly under lukewarm water to remove all soil.
• Be careful not to damage the roots.

Step 2: Trim Damaged Roots

• Using clean scissors, cut away any brown, mushy, or damaged roots.
• Healthy roots should be firm and white or light tan.

Step 3: Prepare the Water Container

• Fill a glass jar or vase with filtered, distilled, or rainwater. Tap water with chlorine can harm the plant.
• Optional: Add a bit of activated charcoal to prevent bacterial growth.

Step 4: Submerge the Roots Only

• Place the peace lily in the container so that only the roots are submerged—not the base of the stem or leaves.
• Too much water contact with the stem can cause rot.

Step 5: Position the Plant

• Put your peace lily in a bright, indirect light location.
• Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

4. Care Tips for Peace Lilies in Water

• Change the water weekly to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
• Rinse the roots every 2–3 weeks to remove any slime or buildup.
• If leaves turn yellow or droop, it may be due to:
  • Dirty water
  • Insufficient light
  • Nutrient deficiency

Optional: Use Liquid Nutrients

If you want faster growth or consistent blooming, add a few drops of hydroponic nutrient solution every month. Use fertilizers designed for hydroponic plants, and avoid over-fertilizing.

5. Common Problems and Solutions

Problem	Likely Cause	Solution
Yellowing leaves	Dirty water or too much light	Change water, move to indirect light
Root rot	Stem submerged or old water	Raise plant, trim roots, refresh water
No blooms	Lack of nutrients or light	Add nutrients, adjust lighting
Algae growth	Too much light on water	Use a tinted container or move plant

Growing a peace lily in water is both elegant and rewarding. With proper light, regular water changes, and a little care, your soil-free peace lily will stay healthy and beautiful for months—even years. Whether you’re a plant beginner or an experienced gardener, this hydroponic approach adds both beauty and simplicity to your indoor jungle.