The DIY Soil Recipe For Thriving Peace Lily Plants

Peace lilies, also known as spathe flowers (Spathiphyllum), are low-maintenance plants with glossy, deep-green foliage and showy white blooms. The plants work beautifully in containers indoors and outdoors, and while they are low-maintenance and beginner-friendly, certain conditions are necessary to keep your peace lilies healthy and thriving.

Aside from the right sunlight and water, the key to nailing peace lily care is starting with the perfect soil mix. Peace lilies are not actually lilies, but members of the Araceae family, or aroids. This plant family is particular about its moisture level; soil that holds too much moisture can lead to root rot, while soil that drains too quickly can cause the roots to dry out. You'll run into these problems with many store-bought potting mixes that aren't formulated for aroids, so it might be better to just make your own easy DIY soil mix. The perfect soil for peace lilies is a balanced mix of nutrient-rich organic matter and coarse materials that allow water to pass through.

The best soil mix for peace lilies actually doesn't include soil. Instead, a mix of orchid bark, perlite, activated charcoal, coir, and worm castings provides the perfect environment for a peace lily to thrive. Orchid bark and coconut coir encourage drainage while simultaneously retaining moisture. Perlite also encourages drainage, helping relieve excess moisture from your plants. Conversely, activated charcoal absorbs excess moisture, preventing mold and fungi from growing. Worm castings add nutrients and structure to the mix.

A ratio of about 5 parts orchid or pine bark, 4 parts coconut coir, 5 parts perlite, 2 parts activated charcoal, and 2 parts worm castings is a good place to start. You can adjust the recipe according to how much soil you need. In a pinch, you can also add 1 part bark or perlite to 2 parts indoor potting mix or cactus mix to improve aeration and drainage. This option is also inexpensive.