Can Peace Lilies Live Outside? — The Answer

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Peace Lilies are tropical perennials that repeatedly bloom with proper care.

They are stylish houseplants with pointy green leaves and flower bracts that are pure white, and they originate from Central America.

All 47 varieties of Peace Lily are great for indoor gardening, but many growers want to try growing them outdoors.

In this article, we’ll discuss whether this is a good idea or not and how to care for outdoor Peace Lilies.

Can Peace Lilies Live Outside?

Peace Lilies can live outside in USDA hardiness zones 10-12. You can plant them directly in the soil as ground cover or in large planters. Outdoors Peace Lilies should be pruned regularly and placed in dappled shade for best results. Avoid temperatures below 55 degrees °F (12.7 degrees °C).

Ideal Environment for Peace Lilies

As tropical plants, Peace Lilies are sensitive to cold temperatures. You should grow them outdoors only if you live in a suitable hardiness zone. The recommended USDA hardiness zone for Peace Lilies is 10-12.

Peace Lilies can be grown in garden soil in tropical areas like Hawaii and Florida. For other regions, most gardeners recommend growing them in pots.

You can place your pots in a shaded deck, porch, or doorway.

Potted Peace Lilies can be grown outside in the warm months of summer. But you will have to bring them indoors once the temperature drops.

These plants cannot withstand temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12.7 degrees Celsius) so make sure the temperature is not below this on winter nights.

In their natural habitat, Peace Lilies grow under the shade of trees, and the soil is rich in decaying organic matter. The same growing conditions should be mimicked to grow Peace Lilies as an outdoor plant.

With the lush green foliage, Peace Lilies serve as a wonderful ground cover in a shady spot of your outdoor garden.

You should plant them in a position where they can be easily moved and protected from winter damage. Peace Lilies do not go through dormancy. Therefore, they can be planted at any time of the year.

You can follow the steps given below to plant a Peace Lily in garden soil.

• Start by digging the soil to a depth of 1 foot (30 cm). Now fill this area with sandy loam, peat moss, and well-rotted compost. Compost is an optional ingredient, but I would highly recommend adding it to the soil to create better conditions for your outdoor Peace Lilies.
• Take a pH test and ensure the soil pH falls within the range of 5.8 to 6.5. Just make sure your soil mix is rich and well-draining.
• Plant the Peace Lilies with a spacing of 24 to 36 inches (60cm to 91 cm). You can plant them with the same spacing in box containers.
• Each plant should be buried in the ground at the same height as they were in the pots. Water your Peace Lilies right after planting.
• Next time, wait for the plant to droop before adding any water. Overwatering should be avoided as it is detrimental for not just new plants but established ones as well.
• Always keep a close eye on the moisture level to decide when your outdoor Peace Lily should be watered.
• There are several options for fertilizing Peace Lilies growing outdoors. You can use a slow-release dry fertilizer, and it should be mixed in soil at the time of planting.
• But my favorite option is a 3:1:2 liquid fertilizer. You can apply it on a weekly basis with the water. You should dilute 1/8 teaspoon of liquid fertilizer in about two gallons of water.

Caring for Outdoor Peace Lilies

Once you are finished decorating your outdoor space with young Peace Lilies, the next step is to care for them.

For light, outdoor Peace Lilies prefer partial or deep shade. Ensure direct sunlight never falls on your plant, as it will burn the foliage.

The leaves usually start browning in the middle due to sunburns. However, they can easily tolerate a few hours of morning or evening sunlight.

I would recommend keeping them in dappled shade, as this lighting setting closely relates to their native shady environment on forest floors.

To maintain the neat appearance of the foliage, prune your plant regularly. But always ensure you use disinfected tools for pruning.

Peace Lilies can thrive with little feeding, but outdoor Peace Lilies need a boost of fertilizer for good growth. If you are using a regular balanced fertilizer, you should fertilize once in spring and fall.

Never let your Peace Lily remain thirsty. Water regularly and deeply to make sure the garden soil remains moist. Remember, the transpiration rate for outdoor Peace Lilies is higher than those grown indoors.

However, watering should be regulated based on temperature, light, and soil mixture. In summer, you water them several times during the week. The plant grows slower in winter, so water it less.

You should reduce the watering frequency if there is adequate rainfall in your area. You can protect your Peace Lily against chlorine and cold damage by using water at room temperature.

If there is a chance of frost in your area, immediately transfer your outdoor Peace Lilies to a warm area since they are sensitive to frost.

You should also spray your outdoor Peace lilies with insecticidal soap or neem oil to protect them from pests and fungal issues. Regularly clean the debris at the base of the plant.

Extra Tips for Peace Lilies Planted Outdoors

• Outdoor Peace Lilies should be divided after one or two years of growth as they are fast-growing tropical plants. Once your plant is 1 year old, it will also start blooming.
• Mulch the soil with 1 inch of natural mulch or shredded bark. This will not only improve the appearance but also keep the soil in place.
• Peace Lilies cannot tolerate salts, so never plant them in locations with sea breezes or high salt content in the soil.
• If you live in an extremely cold region, you should avoid planting Peace Lilies in the soil. Instead, grow them in planters that can be moved conveniently.
• You might have to water your plant more on windy days as the water evaporates faster.
• The ground soil temperature should not drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius).

Frequently Asked Questions about Growing Peace Lily Outdoors

Are Peace Lilies invasive in outdoor gardens?

Peace Lilies are not invasive plants, so they will not take over other plants in your outdoor garden.

How can I ensure good air circulation for my outdoor Peace Lilies?

For best air circulation, space your outdoor lilies at a distance of at least 2.5-3 feet (0.76 – 0.9m). If the foliage is overgrowing and blocking the airflow, you can trim it to a reasonable size.

Why are the edges of my outdoor Peace Lilies turning brown?

There are two common reasons for the browning of Peace Lilies growing outdoors. You are either overwatering your plant or over-fertilizing it. Fix your watering scheduling by adding water only when needed and reduce the frequency or quantity of fertilization.