Can You Grow Peace Lily Plants Without Sunlight?

Indirect Light

• When grown as a houseplant, peace lilies improve indoor air quality because they remove toxins from the air through their natural gas exchange. To successfully grow an indoor plant, keep the peace lily near a window with indirect light. For example, place the peace lily on a table that is approximately 6 feet away from a west-facing window. The plant receives the indirect morning sunlight, much like a forest floor where larger plants shield the peace lily from direct light.

Artificial Light

• In a windowless office, peace lilies brighten the room, and the always-on fluorescent lights provide the plant with enough light. Because these indoor lights are typically running for a full 8-hour workday, the peace lily leaves have enough time to photosynthesize for robust growth. To grow a healthy peace lily, place the plant near a window occasionally so it can get some natural, indirect light. Alternating artificial and natural light allows the plant to grow larger leaves for increased energy production and growth.

Encouraging Flowers

• Although the deep green foliage is attractive, you may want to encourage flowers. Young plants do not produce flowers, because they're not yet strong enough. Larger plants that get indirect light typically flower when temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Moving your indoor plant outdoors to a shady spot helps it gain the strength to flower. Natural, indirect sunlight is necessary for flower formation. If you keep your peace lily indoors year-round, it may remain a foliage plant.

Direct Sunlight and Cool Temperatures

• Direct sun on your peace lily will cause widespread damage. Sunscald and browning on the leaves directly affect photosynthesis and may kill the plant. A peace lily's natural habitat is under large tree canopies -- indirect artificial and natural light are the only energy sources that do not harm the plant. You should also keep your lily sheltered from low temperatures. Because of their tropical heritage, temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit often cause problems.