Can A Peace Lily Outside in Winter and Summer | Moving Tips

Not too long ago, one of our readers made an interesting observation. They noticed their neighbor displaying a gorgeous Peace Lily, not inside their home but proudly outdoors on the front porch. This got us thinking: Can Peace Lilies really thrive outside, especially through the challenges of summer and winter? While most of us picture these plants brightening our indoor spaces, the idea of them enjoying the outdoors is intriguing. Let’s explore whether Peace Lilies can flourish outside in both the warmth of summer and the chill of winter.

Quick Answer

A peace lily can be placed outdoors in summer if kept in a shaded, humid area, but it struggles in winter and should be brought inside to avoid frost damage. Proper seasonal care helps it thrive year-round.

Can a Peace Lily Survive Outdoors?

Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum), native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. This beautiful indoor plant thrives in low light, adding a touch of greenery and elegance to homes. However, many plant enthusiasts wonder if these tropical plants can also survive outdoors. The answer is YES, but with a few critical considerations to ensure their health and survival.

Understanding the Peace Lily’s Natural Habitat

In their natural environment, Peace Lilies are native to tropical rainforests, where they enjoy warm temperatures, high humidity, and indirect light. These factors make them sensitive to extreme weather conditions when grown outdoors, such as excessive heat, direct sunlight, and cold temperatures.

Best Climate for Growing a Peace Lily Outdoors

Peace Lilies thrive best in tropical and subtropical climates, mimicking their natural habitat’s warm, humid conditions. If you’re considering moving your Peace Lily outdoors, understanding its climate needs is crucial to ensuring its survival and growth.

Ideal Climate Conditions

The ideal climate for growing a Peace Lily outdoors is where temperatures remain consistently warm, and the air is filled with moisture. These plants flourish in areas where:

• Temperatures range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C).
• Humidity levels are high, which helps keep the plant’s foliage vibrant and healthy.
• Indirect sunlight or partial shade is available, as Peace Lilies are sensitive to direct, harsh sunlight.

Can Peace Lily grow outside in the USA?

For outdoor Peace Lily growth, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) hardiness zones 10-12 offer the best conditions for these plants. These zones represent areas with warm, frost-free climates, making them perfect for year-round outdoor growth. Here are some regions where Peace Lilies can thrive outdoors without needing to be moved indoors:

• Zone 10: Southern coastal areas, parts of southern California, and Florida.
• Zone 11: Tropical areas like southern Florida, Hawaii, and some coastal regions.
• Zone 12: Equatorial tropical climates like Hawaii and certain U.S. territories.

What to do in cooler climates?

In areas outside of zones 10-12, Peace Lilies can still be placed outdoors, but they will need extra care, especially during colder months.

• Bring the plant indoors when temperatures fall below 55°F (13°C).
• If you anticipate frost or a cold snap, use protective covers and consider moving the plant to a warmer spot.
• Position the plant near walls or under trees to create a microclimate in your garden, where it can be sheltered from colder winds and frost.

Cooler climates pose risks like frost and temperature drops, which can severely harm or even kill the plant. If you live in such areas, follow these steps for outdoor care.

Can You Keep a Peace Lily Outside in Summer?

Yes, Peace Lilies can be kept outdoors during the summer, but it’s important to provide them with the right conditions to ensure they thrive. Summer brings warmth and sunlight, which can be beneficial for these tropical plants, but too much heat or direct exposure can lead to stress and damage.

Ideal Summer Conditions

During summer, Peace Lilies flourish outdoors when temperatures range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). These conditions closely resemble the plant’s natural tropical habitat, where it grows best in warm, shaded environments. However, when temperatures rise above 90°F (32°C), your Peace Lily can experience heat stress. Signs of stress include wilting, browning leaves, or stunted growth.

what to do in Hot Condition (Summer Caring Tips)

To keep your plant healthy in hot conditions:

• Monitor temperatures, especially during heatwaves.
• Water more frequently, but avoid waterlogging the soil.
• Consider moving the plant to a cooler indoor spot during extremely hot days.

Watering Needs in Summer

During the hot summer months, Peace Lilies grown outdoors require more frequent watering due to increased evaporation rates. Warm temperatures and sun exposure can dry out the soil faster, so it’s essential to keep the plant hydrated without overdoing it. Here’s how to maintain proper summer watering:

• Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
• Monitor the plant daily for signs of wilting or drooping, which could indicate the need for more water.
• If the plant is in a container, ensure it has good drainage to prevent standing water at the bottom of the pot.

Always check the top inch of soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water, but if it’s still moist, hold off to prevent overwatering.

Protection from Direct Sunlight

One of the most critical factors when keeping a Peace Lily outdoors in summer is protecting it from direct sunlight. These plants naturally grow under the shade of taller trees in their tropical environments, so they require indirect light or partial shade to prevent leaf burn. Here’s how to shield your plant from harsh sunlight:

• Place it under trees, a covered porch, or use a garden umbrella to provide filtered light.
• Avoid placing the plant in areas where it gets strong afternoon sun, as this can lead to leaf scorching and dehydration.
• Check your Peace Lily’s leaves regularly—yellow or brown edges often indicate too much sun exposure.

Maintaining Humidity

Peace Lilies love high humidity, which can sometimes be a challenge to maintain outdoors, especially in drier climates. During hot summer months, humidity levels can drop, causing the plant to dry out. To mimic the humidity of its natural habitat, you can try a few simple methods:

• Misting the plant regularly helps keep the leaves hydrated and cool.
• Placing the plant near a water feature like a fountain or pond adds moisture to the surrounding air.
• Place a tray filled with water and pebbles under the pot. As the water evaporates, it increases humidity around the plant.

In the summer, peace lilies face challenges such as watering needs, low humidity, and extreme heat. Homes Flora provides the best solution to extend the lifespan of your Peace Lily.

Can a Peace Lily Survive Outside in Winter?

what to do in Freeze Condition (Winter Caring Tips)

Handle cold temprature Risk

Peace Lilies thrive in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C), but as soon as temperatures drop below 55°F (13°C), the plant’s health starts to decline. Cold temperatures can lead to stunted growth, and in more extreme cases, frost and freezing conditions can cause irreversible damage to the plant. Frostbite on the leaves can result in wilting, discoloration, and even death of the plant. Here are the risks posed by cold temperatures:

• Frost damage: Frost can cause the Peace Lily’s leaves and stems to freeze, leading to browning, wilting, and eventually plant death.
• Freezing temperatures: Prolonged exposure to temperatures near freezing or below can kill the plant’s roots, making it impossible for it to recover.

In winter climates where temperatures frequently dip below 55°F, leaving your Peace Lily outside is too risky without extra precautions.

Alternatives for Cold Climates

For those living in colder regions, taking steps to protect your Peace Lily during winter is essential. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to help safeguard your plant during the colder months:

• Bring the plant Indoors: The easiest and most effective way to protect your Peace Lily is by moving it inside before winter hits. Place it in a bright but indirect light spot indoors, where the temperature is warm enough to mimic its natural tropical environment.
• Use Frost Covers: If you live in a mild winter climate where temperatures occasionally drop near the danger zone, you can cover your Peace Lily with a frost cloth or a plant blanket to provide temporary insulation during cold nights.
• Place it in a Greenhouse: For gardeners with access to a greenhouse, Peace Lilies can thrive in this controlled environment during the winter months. A greenhouse offers the warmth and humidity that the plant requires without the need to move it indoors entirely.

Watering in Winter

As the temperature drops, Peace Lilies enter a slower growth phase, meaning their water requirements change. Whether outdoors in mild climates or brought inside, winter care involves reducing the amount of water your plant receives:

• Water less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings. Since the plant isn’t growing as actively, it doesn’t need as much hydration.
• If your Peace Lily is brought indoors for the winter, place it in an area with indirect light and keep it away from cold drafts or heating vents.
• Humidity levels may drop indoors due to heating systems, so consider misting the leaves occasionally or placing the plant near a humidifier to prevent it from drying out.

How to Shift a Peace Lily Between Indoors and Outdoors

Transitioning a Peace Lily between indoor and outdoor environments can be a delicate process, as sudden changes in light, temperature, and humidity can shock the plant. To ensure a smooth transition and maintain the health of your Peace Lily, it’s essential to follow a gradual, step-by-step approach. Here’s how to do it effectively, whether moving your plant outside for the summer or bringing it inside for the winter.

indoor to outdoor transition Guide

• Choose the Right Timing: Begin the transition in late spring or early summer, when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 55°F (13°C), to avoid cold stress.
• Start with Shade: Place your Peace Lily in a shaded outdoor area with indirect light for a few hours each day. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves. Gradually increase the amount of time the plant spends outside over 7–10 days.
• Increase sunlight Gradually: Once the plant has acclimated to outdoor conditions, you can gradually introduce it to more sunlight, but always keep it in a shaded or partially shaded spot to prevent leaf scorching.
• Monitor Temperature and Humidity: Keep a close eye on the weather. If temperatures rise above 85°F (29°C) or if a heatwave is expected, consider bringing the plant inside temporarily or moving it to a cooler spot. Additionally, mist the plant or use a pebble tray to maintain humidity.
• Check for Stress: Look for signs of stress during the transition, such as wilting, yellowing leaves, or drooping. If the plant shows signs of discomfort, reduce outdoor time or adjust the conditions.

outdoor to indoor transition Guide

• Prepare for the Move Indoors: As fall approaches and nighttime temperatures start dipping below 55°F, it’s time to move your Peace Lily back indoors to protect it from the cold.
• Gradually Reduce Outdoor Time: Start by bringing the plant inside for part of the day over the course of a week. Begin with the cooler evenings and then gradually increase the time indoors, until the plant stays inside full-time.
• Adjust Indoor Conditions: Once indoors, place the plant in a spot that receives indirect light and is free from cold drafts or heat sources like radiators. Peace Lilies prefer consistent temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C) indoors.
• Maintain Humidity: Indoor heating during winter can dry out the air, so be sure to maintain humidity around the plant by misting it, using a humidifier, or placing the pot on a pebble tray with water.
• Check for Pests: Before fully transitioning the plant indoors, inspect it for any pests that might have hitched a ride during its time outside, and treat accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, we hope this guide has answered all your questions about caring for a peace lily outdoors. With insights into the ideal climate, seasonal care, and the best practices for transitioning your plant between indoor and outdoor settings, you can now make confident decisions for your peace lily’s well-being. Remember, each plant has unique needs, and with the right care, your peace lily will continue to thrive and bring beauty to your home, inside or out. Thank you for trusting us with your gardening journey!