Bring a serene touch to your space with the graceful elegance of a Peace Lily
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular indoor plant native to the forest floors of tropical Central America and Southeast Asia. It is prized for its attractive foliage and unique, white, spathe-like flowers.
Description: Peace Lily is an evergreen perennial plant with glossy, dark green, elongated leaves that grow directly from the plant’s base. The leaves are typically 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) long and about 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) wide.
Growth habit: Peace Lilies have a clumping growth habit, with leaves and flowers emerging directly from the soil. They grow in a dense, upright form, making them well-suited for indoor container growth.
Size: The size of a Peace Lily can vary depending on the specific variety, with most plants ranging from 1 to 4 feet (30-120 cm) in height and a similar width.
Flowers: Peace Lily flowers consist of a white, modified leaf called a spathe, which surrounds a central, spike-like structure called a spadix. The spadix contains tiny, true flowers that can produce pollen. The blooming season for Peace Lilies typically occurs from spring to late summer, although they can bloom sporadically throughout the year under ideal conditions.
Hardiness: Peace Lilies are not cold-hardy plants and are typically grown as houseplants. They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 11 and 12 when planted outdoors.
Uses: Peace Lilies are primarily grown as ornamental houseplants or office plants due to their attractive foliage, unique flowers, and ability to tolerate low-light conditions.
Toxicity: Peace Lilies are toxic to both humans and pets. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause irritation and burning sensations in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. Keep Peace Lilies out of reach of children and pets.
Peace Lilies are special for several reasons, making them popular choices as indoor plants. Some of their noteworthy characteristics include:
Air-purifying qualities: Peace Lilies are known for their ability to remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. This makes them an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality in homes and offices.
Low light tolerance: Peace Lilies can thrive in low-light conditions, making them suitable for indoor spaces with limited natural light, such as offices or rooms with small windows.
Unique flowers: The elegant white spathes and central spadices of Peace Lilies make them stand out from other indoor plants. The flowers’ simple yet sophisticated appearance adds a touch of beauty to any space.
Easy care: Peace Lilies are relatively low-maintenance plants, requiring only regular watering and occasional fertilization. They are forgiving of occasional neglect, making them an excellent choice for novice gardeners or those with busy schedules.
Evergreen foliage: Peace Lilies’ dark green, glossy leaves provide year-round beauty, making them an attractive and long-lasting addition to indoor spaces.
Growing a Peace Lily plant is relatively simple, as they are low-maintenance and adaptable plants. Follow these steps to care for a Peace Lily:
Choose a location: Place your Peace Lily in a spot with bright, indirect light. They can tolerate low-light conditions but will grow and bloom better with more light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your Peace Lily when the top inch of the soil feels dry. If the leaves begin to droop, it’s an indication that the plant needs water. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Humidity: Peace Lilies prefer higher humidity levels. To increase humidity, you can place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water or use a humidifier. Regularly misting the plant with water can also help maintain humidity.
Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C) for optimal growth. Keep the plant away from cold drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations.
Fertilization: Feed your Peace Lily with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Follow the fertilizer package instructions for proper dilution and application.
Pruning: Remove dead or yellowing leaves by cutting them at the base. After the flowers have faded, trim the flower stalks close to the base to encourage new blooms.
Repotting: Repot your Peace Lily every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) larger in diameter than the current one, and use a fresh potting mix to encourage healthy growth.
By following these care tips, you can successfully grow a healthy and attractive Peace Lily plant in your home or office.
Peace Lilies are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they can still experience some common problems. Here are a few issues you may encounter and how to address them:
Mealybugs: These small, white, cottony insects can be found on leaves and stems. They excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold. To treat mealybugs, remove them manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or use insecticidal soap.
Scale insects: Scale insects appear as small, round, brown or tan bumps on stems and leaves. They can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. To control scale insects, scrape them off with a soft brush, use insecticidal soap, or apply neem oil.
Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, a fungal disease that causes roots to become mushy and discolored. To prevent root rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. If your plant is affected, remove it from the pot, trim away the affected roots, and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Yellow leaves: Overwatering is a common cause of yellow leaves in Peace Lilies. Ensure that the plant has proper drainage and that you’re only watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. Other potential causes of yellow leaves include under-watering, insufficient light, or a lack of nutrients.
Brown leaf tips: Brown leaf tips can result from underwatering, low humidity, or a build-up of salts from tap water or fertilizers. Increase watering frequency, raise humidity levels, or use distilled or rainwater for watering. If you suspect a build-up of salts, flush the soil with water to remove excess salts.
Drooping leaves: Drooping leaves can be caused by under-watering, overwatering, insufficient light, or temperature fluctuations. Adjust your care routine accordingly to address the specific issue.
Wilting or rotting: Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, causing the plant to wilt and the roots to turn mushy and discolored. Remove the plant from its pot, trim away the affected roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil. Adjust your watering routine to prevent future occurrences.
Failure to bloom: If your Peace Lily is not blooming, it may be due to inadequate light, insufficient nutrients, or stress. Move the plant to a brighter location, fertilize regularly during the growing season, and ensure proper care to encourage blooming.
You can maintain a healthy and attractive plant by monitoring your Peace Lily’s health and addressing any issues as they arise.
Peace Lilies typically bloom in the spring and summer, but they may not produce flowers if their growing conditions aren’t optimal. To encourage your Peace Lily to bloom, follow these tips:
Provide adequate light: Peace Lilies prefer bright, indirect light for optimal growth and flowering. While they can tolerate low-light conditions, they may not bloom as well in low light. Place your plant near a window with filtered light or in a well-lit room, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Maintain proper temperature: Peace Lilies thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Keep the plant away from drafts, air vents, or extreme temperature fluctuations, as these can stress the plant and hinder blooming.
Fertilize regularly: Feed your Peace Lily with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). This will provide the necessary nutrients for growth and flowering. Be sure to follow the fertilizer package instructions for proper dilution and application.
Water consistently: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Irregular watering can stress the plant and affect its ability to bloom. Water your Peace Lily when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
Monitor humidity: Peace Lilies prefer higher humidity levels, which can promote blooming. Increase humidity by placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, using a humidifier, or regularly misting the plant with water.
Prune spent flowers: After the flowers have faded, trim the flower stalks close to the base of the plant. This will encourage the plant to produce new blooms.
Give it a rest: Some Peace Lilies may benefit from a short rest period during the winter months to prepare for the next blooming cycle. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing during this time, but ensure the plant is still receiving adequate light.
By following these tips and providing optimal growing conditions, you can encourage your Peace Lily to produce beautiful blooms. Keep in mind that some plants may take longer to bloom than others, so patience is key.
Propagating a Peace Lily plant is relatively easy and can be done through a process called division. This method involves separating the root ball into smaller sections, each containing roots and leaves, and then replanting those divisions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to propagating Peace Lilies:
Choose the right time: The best time to propagate a Peace Lily is during the repotting process, usually in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Remove the plant: Carefully remove the Peace Lily from its current pot. Gently shake off excess soil and loosen the root ball to expose the roots.
Divide the root ball: Examine the root ball and look for natural divisions, which are clusters of leaves with their own root systems. Using your hands or a clean, sharp knife, separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has a healthy set of roots and at least two or three leaves.
Prepare the new pots: Choose pots with drainage holes and fill them with a well-draining, high-quality potting mix. The pots should be large enough to accommodate the root systems of the divisions.
Plant the divisions: Place each division into a prepared pot, positioning it at the same depth it was originally growing. Gently fill in the potting mix around the roots, firming the soil to eliminate air pockets.
Water and care: Thoroughly water the newly potted divisions, allowing excess water to drain. Place the pots in a location with bright, indirect light and maintain the same care routine as for a mature Peace Lily, including regular watering and occasional fertilization.
Monitor growth: In the weeks following propagation, keep a close eye on the divisions to ensure they are establishing well. New growth should appear within a few weeks, indicating successful propagation.
By following these steps, you can propagate your Peace Lily plants and create new plants to share with friends and family, or expand your own collection.
Are peace lilies toxic to cats?
Yes, peace lilies are toxic to cats. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract when ingested. Symptoms of ingestion may include drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and pawing at the mouth. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a peace lily.
Are peace lilies toxic to dogs?
Yes, peace lilies are toxic to dogs for the same reasons as cats. If ingested, they can cause similar symptoms, including drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and pawing at the mouth. If you think your dog has ingested a peace lily, contact your veterinarian right away.
How often to water peace lily?
Watering frequency for peace lilies depends on factors like pot size, soil type, and environmental conditions. Generally, you should water your peace lily when the top inch of the soil feels dry. This could be anywhere from every few days to once a week, depending on the specific conditions. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Why is my Peace Lily Drooping?
There are several reasons why your peace lily may be drooping:
| Hardiness |
11 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Houseplants, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Araceae |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
1' - 4' (30cm - 120cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 4' (30cm - 120cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Garden Uses | Patio And Containers |
Giovani Dressler, FotoHelin, Ludmila Kapustkina, Shutterstock
| Hardiness |
11 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Houseplants, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Araceae |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
1' - 4' (30cm - 120cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 4' (30cm - 120cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Garden Uses | Patio And Containers |
How many Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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