Peace lilies are among the UK's most popular houseplants, prized for their lush green leaves and white flowers. They are generally easy to care for, usually needing only regular watering. However, it is common for peace lilies to droop or develop crispy brown leaves in autumn if they are placed in the wrong spot.
Many houseplant owners keep their plants on windowsills for sunlight, but these areas can become drafty as September brings colder, windier weather. Windows expose peace lilies to more extreme temperatures that can dry out the plant and cause stress.
Expert advice on positioning
Craig Wilson from Gardener's Dream has shared that moving peace lilies to a better position in the home is a simple way to give them the best chance of survival. He said: "The best place to keep a peace lily is either in the bathroom or in a room that is frequented by people, such as a living room. This is because peace lilies love humidity and both people and bathroom equipment cause lots of humidity."
He added: "It is best not to leave peace lilies by external doors or windows because the plants don't do well in exposed conditions."
Why move peace lilies in autumn?
Peace lilies naturally grow on the ground of rainforests, surrounded by large trees that take most of the rainfall. They have adapted by taking moisture out of the air. While they still need watering, peace lilies also require a humid environment to keep their large leaves healthy and hydrated.
Windowsills can become cooler and drier in autumn, reducing humidity around the plant and causing leaves to develop brown edges or shrivel. Moving peace lilies off windowsills in September, before it gets really cold, helps reduce stress and keeps leaves green so the plant can continue to grow.
Best places for peace lilies
Bathrooms are one of the best places for peace lilies, as they generate steam after showering, keeping the room warm and humid. Peace lilies thrive on this humidity and are commonly kept in bathrooms, which also helps keep mould off showers and tiles.
People naturally generate humidity, so rooms like bedrooms and living rooms are also good choices. Kitchens produce steam through cooking, and peace lilies can be placed there, but should not be near fruit bowls. Many fruits, such as bananas, apples, and avocados, produce an airborne hormone called ethylene, which helps ripen fruit but can cause plants to decay and die prematurely.
Peace lilies still need sunlight, so they should be placed near a window rather than directly touching the glass. Counters, tables, or desks are better surfaces, but avoid radiators, as they can suck moisture out of a room and dry out plants. Moving a peace lily to a more suitable spot takes only seconds and helps it stay healthy, avoiding drooping and crispy leaves this autumn.
