Peace Lily Care in February: The 5-Minute Midwinter Reset

holding a peace lily — (Image credit: perfectlab / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images)

If your peace lily looks a little quieter in February, you’re not imagining it. The light is weaker, the air is drier, and growth naturally slows. This is the month when small missteps – too much water, too little humidity, a cold draft – tend to show up quickly in drooping leaves or brown tips.

Good peace lily care at this time of year isn’t complicated, but it does require a slight shift in approach – one that only takes five minutes to master. Understanding what to do with a peace lily in February is really about adjusting to winter conditions rather than pushing for new growth.

1. Ease Up on Watering

Peace lilies naturally slow down in winter, settling into a quieter rhythm. With less light and very little new growth, they simply don’t need as much water as they do in spring or summer.

One of the most common peace lily mistakes this time of year is sticking to a strict watering schedule. Instead, check the soil with your finger: if the top inch feels dry, water thoroughly and let it drain. If it’s still slightly damp, wait a few more days before checking again.

Overwatering is easily the most frequent misstep. Cooler indoor temperatures mean soil holds onto moisture far longer than you might expect, and soggy soil stresses the roots. In February, it’s much safer to err on the side of slightly dry soil – a little patience now will keep your peace lily thriving and glossy when spring arrives.

2. Make the Most of the Light You Have

With winter’s short, low-light days, every bit of light counts – and your peace lily feels the difference. These tropical beauties thrive in bright, indirect light, so if yours has been tucked away in a darker corner, now’s the perfect time to move it closer to a window.

If natural light is limited in your space, a gentle grow light can make a big difference. Just an extra hour or two of soft illumination helps the leaves stay healthy and vibrant through the darker months. The key is soft, steady brightness – enough to keep the plant happy without stressing it – so it can hold its glossy, lush foliage until spring finally returns.

Using a grow light for an hour or two in the morning or evening can help supplement natural light in the winter. For a reliable option, this top-rated LED Grow Light from Amazon delivers gentle, full-spectrum illumination without overheating your plant – perfect for maintaining healthy growth until spring.

3. Don’t Forget About Humidity

If your peace lily’s leaves are developing brown tips this winter, the culprit is usually dry indoor air. Central heating can quickly sap moisture from a room, and tropical plants like peace lilies feel that drop almost immediately.

The good news is that the fixes are simple. Grouping a few plants together creates a small pocket of natural humidity, giving your leaves a little extra protection. A compact, nearby humidifier – like the LEVOIT Top Fill Humidifier from Amazon – can make a surprisingly big difference, keeping the air around your plant comfortably moist.

Even something as simple as a pebble tray filled with water – such as the Bonsai Humidity Tray from Amazon – placed beneath the pot can help maintain a gentle, humid microclimate. Just be careful that the roots aren’t sitting directly in water, and your peace lily will thank you with glossy, healthy leaves all winter long.

4. Keep Temperatures Steady

Peace lilies thrive on consistency. Sudden drafts from windows, chilly night air, or hot blasts from radiators can all stress them out. Try to keep them in a spot with a steady, comfortable temperature – if it feels cosy to you, it’s usually perfect for your plant too.

If you notice the leaves drooping after a cold night or a chilly draft, don’t panic – it’s often just a temporary reaction to a sudden temperature change. With a little stability, your peace lily will bounce back and stay happy through winter.

5. Hold Off on Feeding

February isn’t the month for fertilizing. Your peace lily is in its winter slowdown, so adding feed now can do more harm than good – think salt buildup in the soil or scorched leaf tips. It’s much better to wait until spring, when fresh growth starts to appear, before gently reintroducing fertilizer. This way, your plant gets exactly what it needs to thrive without any unnecessary stress.

Once spring growth begins and you’re ready to start feeding again, I like to keep it simple. A liquid peace lily fertilizer is ideal because you can dilute it and control exactly how much you’re giving. I’ve had good results with the TPS Liquid Peace Lily Plant Food from Amazon. If you prefer something more hands-off, Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food Spikes are a reliable low-maintenance option. You simply press them into the soil and let them do the work gradually over time.

Peace lilies don’t need anything dramatic in February – what they really need is gentle, thoughtful care. A little less water, a touch more light, a hint of extra humidity. Think of this month as a pause rather than a push.

By keeping conditions steady and balanced now, you’re setting your plant up to bounce back strong and healthy once the longer, brighter days of spring arrive.

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Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens, bringing years of interiors experience across the US and UK. She has worked with leading publications, blending expertise in PR, marketing, social media, commercial strategy, and e-commerce. Jennifer has covered every corner of the home – curating projects from top interior designers, sourcing celebrity properties, reviewing appliances, and delivering timely news. Now, she channels her digital skills into shaping the world’s leading interiors website.