The Small Change That Can Help Your Peace Lily Thrive Throughout Winter

We love the pop of green that a peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) can add to our homes, especially at the height of a dull, gray winter. But in order to make sure your houseplant thrives in the heated and dry indoor air, you should raise the humidity around the plant. There's no need to buy an expensive machine to add moisture inside. Simply create a moisture tray with rocks and water for the easiest way to keep your favorite indoor plant happy during colder weather.

Dry winter air can be a problem for many houseplants, including peace lilies. While these normally tropical plants prefer moisture levels in the air to be at least 40%, dry indoor air can have humidity of 20% or less.  Houseplants in low humidity tend not to do as well — most prefer more. Your peace lily's air might be too dry if you notice leaves begin to brown. Using rocks or pebbles and water in trays helps plants, because as the water evaporates, it adds moisture to the air. 

To create your own moisture-boosting tray, grab some rocks or pebbles and a tray that's larger than your plant container. You'll need enough rocks or pebbles to fill the entire tray. Pick a tray that's waterproof, and use one that's at least an inch deep and larger than the bottom of your potted plant. Read on for the easy steps to put it all together.

To make a humidity tray for your plant, fill the dry plastic tray with your pebbles or stones. Then, pour water into the tray, but don't completely submerge the rocks. You don't want the bottom of the pot or its drainage holes sitting in the water. The pebbles should do the heavy lifting, literally, of your peace lily pot. 

Next, set the plant's container right on the rocks. Just double-check the drainage holes aren't submerged. As the water evaporates, it'll make a moist environment your plant will love. Just remember to check your pebble tray every two or three days and refill as needed. You might be shocked by how quickly that water disappears. 

Of course, the pebble tray doesn't take the place of your watering can. The peace lily will need a dose of water every week if it sits in bright light. If your peace lily dries out between waterings and tends to wilt at the drop of a hat, you might need to repot it. Sometimes an overcrowded peace lily isn't able to hold the moisture its roots need. Remember, the right amount of water in the soil or humidity in the air is just one way to keep your houseplant healthy. Don't forget that your plant might also like some fertilizer. Try using some coffee grounds or Epsom salt, staples you already have in your home that will help peace lilies thrive.