Beginner Houseplants: Peace Lily
Best Low Light Houseplant: Peace Lily
This weekend, I found myself standing in the garden department of Lowe's, having an internal debate over what kind of plant to pick up. Every time I pick up a plant and get to strike it off my wishlist, I add 2 more. It's a one step forward, two steps back kind of thing. I find myself here often - struggling to make a decision amongst the greenery - I want to take them all home! I happened to be in the area as they were getting a new shipment of plants in (pure heaven) and I found myself in a sea of peace lilies. I was absolutely shocked at how large some of them were! They were seriously peace lily #goals. Does that make me sound like a plant nerd? I kind of am. However, peace lilies are really cool (and great plants for beginners) for several reasons and they're pretty darn easy to take care of.
THE BEST HOUSEPLANTS FOR BEGINNERS
In case you need a refresher, here are what I believe to be the best houseplants for beginners:Devil's Ivy (Golden Pothos) - Care tips found hereSucculentsAir Plants... and what this post is about - Closet Plants (peace lilies)I started my collection with these to learn on and gradually have added to my collection with more finicky plants. 
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Peace Lily Care Tips
Watering
Peace lilies like moist soil and on the off chance you let them go a little too long without water, they'll start to visibly droop. When you see your plant droop, give it a drink! They perk back up really quickly. It's the instant gratification not all plants provide. Try to keep your soil evenly moist, but don't let your plant sit in water. Much like most others - peace lilies don't like "wet feet".
Light
They actually like low light and they bloom most efficiently in low light conditions. I have found that the perfect place for mine is about 4 feet away from a South Eastern window. It gets ambient light - not direct light. Mine has been blooming frequently ever since I brought in home in January, so clearly I've done something right in the lighting situation.I've read that if your peace lily won't bloom, try moving it to a darker place. Of course, it's a plant and it does need some light, so even though they're nicknamed "closet plants", maybe don't put this one in complete darkness. 
Potting
You should repot your peace lily about once a year, typically in the spring. When you repot any plant, you should choose a pot that is about 2" larger in diameter. Any more could shock the plant. Be sure to use potting soil that drains well. I like to use this one. Fertilize about every 6 weeks during the spring and summer months at about one half of the recommended dose to keep your lily healthy and ready to bloom! For instance, my favorite houseplant fertilizer calls for 1/2 tsp per gallon. To fertilize my lily, I'll dilute 1/2 tsp in 2 gallons of water.
Disease
If you find that the leaves of your peace lily are turning brown, you'll need to troubleshoot. Brown leaves could be from: too much light, too much or too little water, or over fertilization. Reevaluate these variables and make changes as necessary. The good news is lilies are fairly resilient. Note: It is normal for the flowers to turn brown, whither, and die. When they do, cut them off at the base and throw them away... then wait for the next bloom to emerge!
Other Peace Lily Care Tips
Native to the rainforest, peace lilies enjoy the humidity. Mist the leaves once a day in the morning to keep the humidity up! If you've done everything by the book, but your peace lily still isn't thriving, make sure it's not in a drafty area. Peace lilies perfect warm places, so if possible, make sure it's in a place with some heat. The bathroom may be the perfect place if there's a natural light source! 
I am really thankful for my peace lily. It brought me a lot of happiness right after my mom died. Every time I look at it, I think of how loved we are and how lucky we are to have amazing people in our lives. Of course, it's the standard funeral flower, but I believe it's so popular for a reason. Grieving people tend to not be the best at taking care of other things... and the peace lily is a great, forgiving houseplant. That's why I think peace lilies are perfect for the beginner houseplant lover.
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