Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)

Family: Araceae

Origin: Tropical regions of the Americas and Southeast Asia

The Size: Spathiphyllum is a compact to medium-sized tropical foliage plant that can typically grow 1–4 ft. tall and wide indoors, depending on the variety. Its lush foliage and upright white flowers make it an attractive choice for indoor spaces.

Temperature & Humidity: Spathiphyllum prefers warm and humid conditions. Ideal temperatures are between 65–80 degrees F. It should be protected from cold drafts and temperatures below approximately 55 degrees F. Moderate to high humidity helps maintain healthy foliage and encourages flowering.

Lighting: The peace lily prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower-light conditions. Avoid strong direct sunlight, especially during the afternoon, as it can scorch the leaves. Brighter indirect light generally encourages more frequent flowering.

The Soil: Spathiphyllum grows best in a rich, loose and well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture. A mixture containing peat or coco coir, quality potting soil and perlite works well. Good drainage is important to prevent root problems.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently and lightly moist, but avoid allowing the plant to sit in standing water. Water when the upper layer of soil begins to dry. The leaves may temporarily droop when the plant needs water, but prolonged wilting should be avoided. Reduce watering slightly during cooler months.

Fertilizer: Spathiphyllum benefits from regular feeding during the growing season. Apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer approximately once a month during spring and summer. Avoid excessive fertilizer, as it can cause brown leaf tips and damage the roots.

Reproduction: The peace lily is most commonly propagated by division. Mature plants can be carefully divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has healthy roots and several leaves or growing points.

Transfer: Repot Spathiphyllum every one to two years, or when the roots become crowded. Choose a container with good drainage holes and move the plant into a pot only slightly larger than the previous one. Repotting is best carried out during spring.

Features of Care: One of the great things about Spathiphyllum is its lush green foliage and elegant white flowers. It is well suited to indoor environments and can tolerate lower-light conditions than many flowering houseplants. With the right balance of light, moisture and humidity, it can flower several times throughout the year.

Difficulties: Brown leaf tips can be caused by dry air, inconsistent watering or excessive fertilizer. Yellow leaves are often associated with overwatering or poor drainage. Drooping leaves usually indicate that the plant needs water, although persistent drooping can also be caused by root problems. Common pests such as spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects may occasionally affect the plant.