If you’re wondering, can a peace lily live outside in the summer, the answer is a cautious yes. These popular houseplants can enjoy a summer vacation outdoors, but they need very specific conditions to thrive and not just survive. Moving them outside isn’t as simple as just plopping them on the patio. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to give your peace lily a safe and healthy outdoor experience.
Can a Peace Lily Live Outside in the Summer
While peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are tropical plants, they are adapted to the understory of forests. This means they are built for bright, indirect light and consistent warmth—not the full, harsh elements of a typical summer yard. Success depends entirely on replicating their preferred jungle floor conditions as closely as possible.
Understanding the Peace Lily’s Natural Habitat
To keep your plant happy outside, you must think like its natural environment. In the wild, peace lilies grow beneath the canopy of larger trees. They receive dappled sunlight, protection from strong winds, and enjoy high humidity with consistent moisture. Summer weather can provide the warmth and humidity they love, but it often delivers too much direct sun and erratic watering conditions.
- Light: Filtered or dappled light is ideal. Direct sun, especially midday sun, will scorch their leaves.
- Temperature: They thrive between 65°F and 85°F (18°C – 29°C). Anything below 60°F (15°C) can cause damage, and frost is fatal.
- Humidity: High humidity is a key to lush growth. Dry, hot air can cause brown leaf tips.
When and How to Move Your Peace Lily Outside
Timing and acclimation are everything. A sudden change will shock the plant, leading to wilting or leaf burn. Follow these steps for a smooth transition.
Step 1: Wait for the Right Time
Do not move your peace lily outside until nighttime temperatures are reliably above 60°F (15°C). In most regions, this is well after the last spring frost, often in late spring or early summer. A cold night can set the plant back significantly.
Step 2: The Acclimation Process (Hardening Off)
This is the most crucial step. Over 7-10 days, gradually introduce your plant to outdoor conditions.
- Days 1-3: Place the plant in a fully shaded, sheltered spot for just 2-3 hours during the warmest part of the day. Bring it back inside.
- Days 4-6: Leave it in the same shaded spot for 5-6 hours.
- Days 7-10: You can now leave it in its permanent shaded outdoor spot all day and night, if temperatures allow.
Never skip this process. It allows the plant to build a tolerance to breeze, sun, and temperature fluctuations.
Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Location
Finding the right spot is non-negotiable. Your goal is to avoid direct sun. Here are the best options:
- Under a Tree: A spot under a tree with high, dappled shade is perfect. It mimics their natural habitat.
- On a Covered Porch or Patio: A north or east-facing porch that gets only gentle morning light is excellent.
- Under a Pergola or Shade Cloth: If you only have a sunny area, use a 70-80% shade cloth to create a suitable environment.
Avoid south or west-facing exposures without heavy filtering. Watch for sunbeams that move throughout the day; a spot that’s shaded in the morning might be in full sun by afternoon.
Essential Care Adjustments for Summer Outdoors
Your care routine will need to change once the plant is outside. Outdoor conditions like wind and heat can dry the plant out much faster.
Watering Needs Increase
Outdoor peace lilies will need water much more frequently than they did indoors. Check the soil daily by sticking your finger an inch into the pot. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. You may need to water every day or every other day during hot, dry spells. Always water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage holes.
Humidity and Misting
Even in summer humidity, potted plants can dry out. Grouping your peace lily with other plants can create a beneficial microclimate. If the air is very dry, a gentle misting in the morning can help, but avoid wetting the leaves in the evening as this can encourage fungal diseases.
Fertilizing for Growth
Summer is the prime growing season. Feed your peace lily with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (like a 20-20-20) diluted to half strength. Do this every 4-6 weeks during the summer. Do not over-fertilize, as this can damage the roots and cause brown leaf tips.
Common Outdoor Problems and Solutions
Keep a close eye on your plant. It will tell you if something is wrong.
- Brown, Crispy Leaf Tips or Patches: This is almost always sunburn. Move the plant to a shadier location immediately. Trim off the damaged leaves for appearance.
- Wilting: This usually means thirst. Water the plant deeply. If it wilts even with wet soil, it might be getting too much sun or the pot might be waterlogged.
- Pests: Outdoor plants are more suseptible to pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Inspect leaves regularly. Wash pests off with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Yellowing Leaves: Could be overwatering, poor drainage, or sometimes a natural process of shedding older leaves. Adjust your watering and ensure the pot drains well.
Bringing Your Peace Lily Back Inside
As summer ends, you must reverse the process. This is critical to avoid bringing pests inside with your plant.
- Timing: Move the plant back inside when nighttime temperatures begin to consistently dip toward 60°F (15°C).
- Inspect for Pests: Thoroughly check the tops and undersides of leaves, stems, and the soil surface for any insects. A gentle spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil can be a good preventative treatment.
- Acclimate to Indoors: If possible, bring the plant into a bright room initially, as it will be used to more light than your indoor winter conditions provide. It may drop a few leaves as it adjusts to lower light and humidity levels inside.
When to Keep Your Peace Lily Inside
There are some situations where it’s best to just leave your peace lily as a houseplant. If you live in a region with very hot, dry summers (like a desert climate), the low humidity and intense sun make it nearly impossible to provide a good outdoor spot. Similarly, if your only outdoor space is a windy balcony or a fully sun-baked patio, the risks likely outweigh the benefits.
FAQ: Your Peace Lily Summer Questions Answered
Can peace lilies live outside in full shade?
Yes, deep shade is much better than any direct sun. They can tolerate and even thrive in full, dense shade where they receive only ambient light.
How often should I water my peace lily outside?
There’s no set schedule. Check the soil daily. Outdoor plants in pots can dry out incredibly fast on hot days and may need daily watering. Always go by soil moisture, not the calendar.
Will my peace lily flower more outside?
It might. The ideal warm, humid conditions and increased light (without being direct) can encourage blooming. However, the plant needs to be mature and healthy first. Don’t expect flowers if the plant is stressed.
Can I plant my peace lily directly in the garden bed for the summer?
It’s not recommended. Peace lilies have very specific root needs and are sensitive to soil conditions. Planting them in the ground makes it harder to control water, and digging them up in fall will cause major root disturbance. Keeping them in their pot is much safer and easier.
What if it gets below 60°F at night unexpectedly?
Bring the plant inside for the night if you can. If it’s too large or you’re away, a single cool night might cause some minor damage but likely won’t kill it. Prolonged cool temps are the real danger.
By following this guide, you can safely give your peace lily a refreshing summer change of scenery. The key is always to prioritize shade, consistent moisture, and a gentle transition. With the right care, your plant can return indoors in the fall healthier and more vibrant than ever.