Can a Peace Lily Grow in Water Only?

Can a Peace Lily live in water? It can, and that’s probably why so many people like the look of a Peace Lily in a glass of water on a shelf or desk. The clean roots, white blooms, and glossy leaves make the plant feel a little more modern than the usual soil-filled pot. 

Still, water growing is not quite the same as dropping the plant into a vase and leaving it there. The roots need cleaning, the water needs changing, and the plant still needs light and nutrients. So, can you grow a Peace Lily in water?

About the Peace Lily Plant

The Peace Lily, or Spathiphyllum, is not a true lily, although the name has stuck. It belongs to the Araceae family, the same group as many popular tropical houseplants. Its dark green leaves and white spathes give it a clean, calm look, which is one reason it’s so popular in homes and offices. 

Peace Lilies come from the warm, humid forests of Central and South America. Outdoors, they suit USDA Zones 10 to 11, but most people grow them indoors. They prefer bright, indirect light, light moisture, warmth, and a little humidity. These blooming plants are fairly easygoing, though they will droop dramatically when thirsty.

The Peace Lily plant is often associated symbolically with peace, sympathy, purity, and fresh starts. It’s not considered pet-friendly, as it contains calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate cats, dogs, and people if chewed. 

But can Peace Lily survive in water only?

Can a Peace Lily Grow in Water?

Yes, you can grow Peace Lily in water, and it looks especially nice when the roots show through a glass vase. Can a Peace Lily live in water only? It can, but don’t sink the whole base. The crown needs to stay dry, with just the roots sitting below the waterline. Give it gentle light, fresh water, and a weak liquid feed now and then.  

How Long Can a Peace Lily Live in Just Water?

A Peace Lily can last a surprisingly long time in water, sometimes for years. Will a Peace Lily grow in water? Yes, but it may not grow quite as fast as one in the soil. The trick is to keep the water clean and trim away any roots that turn soft, brown, or smelly. 

How to Grow a Peace Lily in Water Only

Can you put your Peace Lily roots in water? Yes, and it’s not too difficult, but the messy bit comes first. A plant that has lived in soil needs a careful clean-up before it can settle into water. Leftover soil around the roots can cloud the water and encourage rot.

Here’s how to turn a Peace Lily into a water plant:

• Water the plant the day before, so the roots are easier to loosen.
• Slide the Peace Lily out of its pot and shake away loose soil.
• Rinse the roots gently under lukewarm water until most of the potting mix is gone.
• Trim any black, mushy, or damaged roots with clean scissors.
• Choose a clean vase, bowl, or glass container that supports the plant well.
• Place the Peace Lily roots in water, making sure the crown of the plant is above the waterline.
• Don’t use heavily treated tap water, but filtered, distilled, or aquarium water instead.
• Place the plant in bright, indirect light and give it a week or two to adjust to the new conditions.

Why Is My Peace Lily Dying in Water? Troubleshooting & Care Tips

A Peace Lily in water can start to struggle if the roots sit in dirty water, the crown gets wet, or the plant runs short on nutrients. Yellow leaves, drooping, cloudy water, or mushy roots are usually signs that something needs changing. 

• Use a weak liquid fertilizer: Water alone will not feed the plant for long. Add a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer every few weeks during spring and summer.
• Change the water every 7 to 10 days: Fresh water helps keep the roots clean and reduces smells, algae, and bacteria. Rinse the container each time.
• Choose the right water: Filtered, distilled, or aquarium water is usually better than heavily treated tap water. Let tap water sit overnight if that’s all you have.
• Keep it warm and bright: Place your Peace Lily in bright, indirect light and normal indoor warmth. Cold rooms and direct sun can both cause stress.
• Check for pests and diseases: Look under leaves and around the base for pests, fungus, or slimy growth.
• Prune problem areas: Trim yellow leaves, damaged stems, and any soft or rotting roots with clean scissors.

If you feel your Peace Lily is struggling in the water, then you can always repot it back in soil. Whether you choose to transfer it to a self-watering pot or a regular planter, it will have every chance of revival with some extra care.

Peace Lily in Water Only: FAQs

Q: Can a Peace Lily grow hydroponically?

A: Yes, you can grow a Peace Lily hydroponically, but it needs more than plain water. In a proper hydroponic setup, the plant gets nutrients through the water instead of the soil. For a simple home version, use clean water and add a very weak liquid fertilizer during the growing season. 

Q: Is it better to grow a Peace Lily in water or soil?

A: Soil is usually the easier choice if you want fuller growth and regular flowers. It gives the roots support and holds nutrients well. A Peace Lily in a water vase is more decorative, but it takes a little more checking because the water can go cloudy or stale, leading to yellow foliage and wilted flowers. 

Q: Why is my Peace Lily rotting in water?

A: Root rot usually starts when the base of the plant sits too low. The roots can be in water, but the crown needs to stay above it. Old soil, dirty water, and a vase that hasn’t been rinsed can also cause that sour, mushy root problem.

Q: Can a Peace Lily grow in water permanently?

A: Yes, it can, although “permanently” depends on care. Some plants live this way happily for years. Others sulk after being moved from soil. Keep the water fresh, feed lightly, and don’t let the base of the plant sit underwater. 

Q: Can you put a Peace Lily in a fish tank?

A: You can grow Peace Lilly roots in water above a fish tank, but don’t submerge the leaves or crown. Also, be careful with fertilizers, plant treatments, or anything else that could harm fish. A separate vase is often simpler.  

Q: Can you propagate a Peace Lily in water?

A: Yes, you can propagate a Peace Lily in water, but use division, not a leaf cutting. Split off a small clump with roots attached, rinse it well, and place the roots in water. Keep the crown dry while it settles. 

Conclusion

Peace Lily can live in just water, but it still needs proper care to stay healthy. Clean roots, fresh water, gentle light, warmth, and the occasional weak feed all make a big difference. A Peace Lily in a water bowl or vase can look simple and elegant, especially when the roots are on show.

For a fuller indoor display, pair it with easygoing companion plants such as Golden Pothos, Chinese Money Plant, or Parlor Palm.