Peace Lily

Overview

The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is one of the most popular and recognizable houseplants, beloved for its elegant white flowers and glossy, dark green foliage. Native to tropical regions of the Americas and southeastern Asia, this versatile plant has become a staple in homes and offices worldwide due to its adaptability, air-purifying qualities, and relatively low maintenance requirements.

The name "Peace Lily" comes from the plant's white flower, which resembles a white flag of surrender or peace. However, what most people consider the flower is actually a specialized leaf bract called a spathe, which surrounds the actual tiny flowers clustered on the spadix (the spike in the center). This distinctive flowering structure is what gives the genus its scientific name, Spathiphyllum.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Peace Lily gained additional popularity after NASA's Clean Air Study identified it as an effective air purifier, capable of removing common indoor pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Its combination of beauty, symbolism, and functionality has made it a thoughtful gift for housewarmings, sympathy offerings, and various other occasions.

With its forgiving nature and ability to thrive in low light conditions, the Peace Lily is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts alike, bringing a touch of tropical elegance to any indoor space.

Care Guide

Light Requirements

Peace Lilies are prized for their ability to thrive in low light conditions, making them ideal for dimmer indoor spaces:

• Low Light: Can survive and grow, though flowering may be limited
• Medium Light: Ideal for healthy growth and occasional flowering
• Bright Indirect Light: Promotes more frequent flowering
• Direct Sunlight: Avoid as it can scorch the leaves

For optimal growth and flowering, place your Peace Lily in a spot with bright, indirect light. However, they will adapt to lower light conditions, making them perfect for north-facing windows or interior rooms with limited natural light. If you notice your Peace Lily isn't flowering, try moving it to a slightly brighter location while still avoiding direct sun.

Watering

Peace Lilies are known for their dramatic way of indicating when they need water - they droop significantly when thirsty:

Watering Schedule:

• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry or when leaves begin to droop slightly
• Typically water once a week, but adjust based on your home's conditions
• Reduce watering in winter when growth slows
• Peace Lilies prefer to be slightly underwatered rather than overwatered

Watering Technique:

• Water thoroughly until it flows from the drainage holes
• Empty the saucer to prevent the plant sitting in water
• Use room temperature water
• Peace Lilies are sensitive to chemicals in tap water, so filtered or distilled water is preferable, or let tap water sit out overnight before using

One of the benefits of Peace Lilies is their clear communication - when they need water, they'll droop noticeably, but will quickly perk up after watering. This makes them ideal for those who sometimes forget to water their plants.

Soil

Peace Lilies thrive in well-draining soil that retains some moisture:

Ideal Soil Mix:

• Standard potting mix with added perlite for drainage
• Commercial houseplant or aroid mix
• DIY mix: 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite, 1 part coconut coir or peat moss

The soil should be light and airy while still retaining enough moisture to support the plant between waterings. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is preferred. Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, preferably in spring.

Temperature & Humidity

As tropical plants, Peace Lilies prefer warm temperatures and high humidity:

Temperature:

• Ideal range: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Minimum temperature: 55°F (13°C)
• Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes
• Keep away from heating vents and air conditioners

Humidity:

• Prefers humidity levels of 50% or higher
• Will tolerate average household humidity but thrives with higher humidity
• Increase humidity by:
  • Grouping with other plants
  • Using a humidifier
  • Placing on a pebble tray with water
  • Misting occasionally

Peace Lilies are more tolerant of average home humidity levels than many tropical plants, but will show their appreciation for higher humidity with lusher growth and more flowers.

Fertilizing

Peace Lilies are not heavy feeders but benefit from regular, light fertilization:

Fertilizing Schedule:

• Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer (NPK 20-20-20) diluted to half strength
• Feed once every 6-8 weeks during spring and summer (growing season)
• Reduce or eliminate fertilizer in fall and winter
• Alternatively, use a slow-release fertilizer once at the beginning of the growing season

Over-fertilizing can cause brown leaf tips and salt buildup in the soil. If you notice this, flush the soil thoroughly with water to remove excess salts. Peace Lilies can bloom without fertilizer, but proper nutrition encourages more frequent flowering.

Propagation

Peace Lilies are typically propagated by division rather than cuttings:

Division Propagation:

1. Wait until the plant has grown large enough to have multiple crowns (clusters of leaves emerging from the soil)
2. Remove the entire plant from its pot
3. Gently separate the crowns, ensuring each division has adequate roots attached
4. If necessary, use a clean, sharp knife to separate connected roots
5. Plant each division in its own pot with fresh soil
6. Water thoroughly and place in indirect light
7. Keep soil consistently moist until new growth appears

The best time to divide Peace Lilies is during repotting in spring or early summer. Each division should have at least 2-3 leaves and a good portion of roots to ensure successful establishment. Newly divided plants may droop initially but should recover within a week or two.

Common Problems

Despite being relatively low-maintenance, Peace Lilies can face several issues:

Drooping Leaves:

• Cause: Underwatering is the most common cause, but overwatering can also cause drooping
• Solution: If soil is dry, water thoroughly. If soil is wet, check for root rot and improve drainage.

Brown Leaf Tips or Edges:

• Cause: Tap water chemicals, low humidity, over-fertilization, or dry soil
• Solution: Use filtered water, increase humidity, reduce fertilizer, and maintain consistent watering.

Yellowing Leaves:

• Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or natural aging of older leaves
• Solution: Adjust watering schedule, ensure proper drainage, and remove only completely yellow leaves.

No Flowers:

• Cause: Insufficient light, improper fertilization, or immature plant
• Solution: Move to a brighter location (still avoiding direct sun), fertilize appropriately, and be patient with young plants.

Pests:

• Common pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids
• Signs: Webbing, sticky residue, visible insects, or stippled leaves
• Treatment: Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or rubbing alcohol. Repeat treatments weekly until pests are gone.

Root Rot:

• Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage
• Signs: Yellowing leaves, foul smell, mushy stems
• Solution: Remove from pot, trim away rotted roots, repot in fresh soil with better drainage, and adjust watering habits.

Leaf Spot Diseases:

• Cause: Fungal or bacterial infections, often from water sitting on leaves
• Signs: Brown or black spots with yellow halos
• Solution: Remove affected leaves, avoid getting water on foliage, and improve air circulation.

Popular Varieties

There are numerous Peace Lily varieties available, varying in size, flower production, and leaf characteristics:

Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa'

• One of the most common varieties
• Medium to large size, reaching 3-4 feet tall
• Large, dark green leaves
• Abundant white flowers

Spathiphyllum 'Sensation'

• Largest Peace Lily variety
• Can grow up to 4-6 feet tall and wide
• Massive leaves up to 20 inches long
• Impressive when mature but needs more space

Spathiphyllum 'Domino'

• Variegated variety with white speckles on leaves
• Medium size, typically 2-3 feet tall
• Requires slightly more light than solid green varieties
• Less common and more sought after

Spathiphyllum 'Petite'

• Compact variety reaching only 8-12 inches tall
• Perfect for small spaces or as a tabletop plant
• Produces flowers in proportion to its size
• Same care requirements as larger varieties

Spathiphyllum 'Power Petite'

• Small variety similar to 'Petite'
• Known for prolific flowering
• Compact growth habit
• Ideal for offices and small apartments

Spathiphyllum 'Wallisii'

• Smaller variety with narrow, lance-shaped leaves
• More delicate appearance than other varieties
• Abundant but smaller flowers
• Often sold as a miniature Peace Lily

With their elegant flowers, air-purifying abilities, and tolerance for low light conditions, Peace Lilies are versatile houseplants that can thrive in a variety of indoor environments. Their dramatic response to watering makes them perfect for beginners who are still learning plant care, while their beautiful blooms and lush foliage ensure they remain favorites among experienced plant enthusiasts as well.