October is an important month for peace lily care, particularly in the US, where cooler temperatures and shorter days can affect how well your plant grows. If yours has spent the summer outdoors, now is the time to bring it inside before chilly nights set in.

I have the Peace Lily Plant from Trees.com in my own home, and a few simple changes to watering, light, and positioning can make all the difference as the seasons change.

With a little extra attention now, you can help your peace lily stay healthy and keep its beautiful foliage looking its best throughout winter.

1. Adjust Your Watering Routine

One of the most important parts of peace lily care in October is adjusting your watering routine. As daylight hours decrease and growth slows, your plant will need less water than it did during summer.

Knowing when to water a peace lily is key. Check the top inch of potting mix with your finger and water when it feels dry, keeping the soil lightly moist without leaving the roots sitting in water. A watering can with a narrow spout, such as the Fiskars 40oz Indoor Watering Can, available on Amazon, makes it easier to direct water into the soil rather than onto the foliage.

Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain away, emptying the saucer afterward to help prevent root rot. If you notice brown leaf tips, your tap water could be a factor, as peace lilies can be sensitive to fluoride. Try filtered water or collected rainwater instead, and consider an XLUX Soil Moisture Meter from Amazon if you're unsure when your plant needs a drink.

The key is to check the soil rather than stick to a rigid watering schedule, as your peace lily's needs will change as the weather cools.

2. Move It to a Brighter Spot Before the Days Get Shorter

Peace lilies can tolerate lower light levels, making them a popular choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and offices. However, as fall brings shorter days, they may need a brighter spot to keep their foliage healthy and encourage flowering.

Knowing where to place a peace lily can make all the difference. An east-facing window is often ideal, offering gentle morning sunlight, while a bright spot near a north-facing window can also work. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, and keep your plant away from cold window glass as temperatures drop.

If your peace lily is tucked into a dim corner, consider raising it on this decorative Wood Plant Stand Side Table from the Magnolia collection at Target to bring it closer to a window and make it a feature in your space. If natural light is limited, a full-spectrum LED grow light from Amazon can provide extra support through the darker months.

3. Bring Outdoor Peace Lilies Inside Before Temperatures Drop Too Far

If your peace lily has spent the summer on a shaded patio or porch, October is the time to check the forecast and plan to bring it indoors. These tropical plants prefer warm conditions and can suffer when temperatures fall below 60°F, so it's best to move yours inside before chilly nights arrive rather than waiting for the first frost.

Knowing the places to never grow a peace lily is just as important as finding the right spot. Avoid positioning yours beside drafty exterior doors, cold windows, fireplaces, or heating vents, where sudden temperature changes and dry air can stress the plant.

Before bringing it indoors, check the leaves and stems for pests, inspect the potting mix, and remove any dead or damaged foliage. Once inside, choose a warm spot with bright, indirect light and keep the plant away from cold drafts.

If you need to move your peace lily away from a chilly windowsill, a rolling plant caddy from Home Depot makes it easier to reposition a heavier pot as the seasons change. You could also use an indoor plant stand from Lowe's to elevate it in a warmer part of the room, away from direct heat.

4. Keep It Away From Heating Vents and Cold Drafts

As temperatures drop in fall, turning on the heat can make your home more comfortable, but the warm, dry air isn't always ideal for tropical houseplants. Peace lilies prefer consistent warmth, so keep yours away from heating vents, fireplaces, drafty windows, and exterior doors. Sudden temperature changes can stress the plant, leading to wilting, yellow leaves, or brown tips.

Aim to keep your peace lily in a comfortably warm room, ideally around 65–80°F, and avoid spots where temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. Indoor heating can also lower humidity, which peace lilies appreciate, so consider using a Canopy humidifier from Amazon to add moisture to the air, particularly if your home feels dry.

You can also group your peace lily with other houseplants to help create a more humid microclimate. A bathroom can be another good option, provided it gets enough indirect natural light. For more inspiration, we've rounded up the best bathroom plants that thrive in these naturally humid conditions.

5. Clean the Leaves and Ease Back on Fertilizer

October is a good time to give your peace lily a little TLC before winter. Gently wipe its broad leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, check for pests, and trim away any dead or damaged foliage with clean scissors.

It's also time to ease back on feeding as growth slows. If you're wondering how to fertilize a peace lily, use a gentle feed, such as TPS Plant Foods Peace Lily Fertilizer, following the label instructions. You can also find Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food at Walmart. Avoid overfeeding, and pause fertilizing over winter if growth slows.

Finally, hold off on repotting until spring unless there's a problem with the roots or drainage. A little maintenance now will help your peace lily stay healthy until the growing season returns.

Peace lilies don't need much fuss to get through fall and winter. A few simple adjustments to watering, light, and positioning in October can help keep their foliage healthy as temperatures drop and daylight fades. Give your plant the right conditions now, and it will be well placed to thrive until brighter days return in spring.