Spathiphyllum is a low maintenance plant that enhances the living space with the beauty of its flowers and leaves. This guide will cover everything you need to know about Spathiphylum Care.
The species known as the Peace lily stands out in particular. The white flowers of the Peace lily in contrast to the leaves give a special touch wherever this plant is.
So stick around 🙂
Spathiphillum Plant ClassificationÂ
Clade: Angiosperms
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Spathiphyllum
Within the genus, there are over 40 species. Among them is a species known as a Peace lily or Spathe flower, which we will discuss here.
Peace Lily Basic FeaturesÂ
Spathiphyllum wallisi or popularly known as Peace Lily is a tropical plant, originating from Central America and Asia.
Its natural habitat is warm and with high air humidity.
In the USA, it is only grown indoors as houseplant. This practically means that you can bring this plant home at any time of the year.
In the summer, you can take Peace lily outside and plant it in the garden. But when it gets a little cold, bring it back into your house.
Peace Lily Appearance
 Peace lily has a long green stem with white flowers and glossy leaves. However, it is not a lily but a member of the Araceae family.Â
The flower consists of a spathe, white or yellowish leaf-like bract that grows on a spadix (thick stem covered with tiny flowers). Practically speaking, the bloom is not a flower, but a bract, or modified leaf.
Otherwise, the flower resembles a flag as a symbol of peace, hence the name. These plants bloom in spring, twice a year in total.
The leaves are glossy, green, and oval. The big contrast between the leaves and the flowers catches the eye, which gives this plant a special charm.
You may enjoy the below related article “Rhaphidophora Decursiva: Care Guide”
Peace Lily Size
This perirenal plant reaches its maturity in 3 to 5 years.
Mature size for indoor plants is 1 to 4 feet (30cm to 1.2m) tall and 1 to 4 feet wide.
Peace Lilies that live outside can get big, up to 6 feet (1.8 m) in height.
Important to Know
Peace lily belongs to the group of air-purifying plants. It purifies the air we breathe in our living space.
Spathiphyllum Care
Your plant should grow in conditions that mimic the natural environment of a tropical area.
Light
Place the pot with your plant in bright, indirect sunlight.
Peace lily can survive low light, but it will certainly bloom more and grow faster if there is a lot of light. That light should be filtered, never direct light.
Your plant should not be in complete darkness, because then it will wither and perish. It is best to put the pot on an east-facing window.
If there is not much natural light, use artificial light.
Temperature and Humidity
Place your plant in a place where it is warm and with high air humidity. Best in the bathroom.
Avoid low temperatures, below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). The ideal temperature for the Peace Lily is room temperature and slightly warmer, between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 27 degrees Celsius).
During the summer, moisten the leaves with water using a spray bottle or a cloth. Periodically clean the dust from the leaves. A thick layer of dust impairs photosynthesis.
Water
Regularly watering is also a part of Spathiphyllum care. During the growth period, water 1 to 2 times a week. In winter, reduce it to 1 time in two weeks or even less often.
The soil should be evenly moist, but not wet. The water should drain well.
Water the plant when you see that the surface part of the soil has dried.
Peace lily can tolerate a low level of water.
However, it certainly can’t do without water for a long period. Otherwise, it will start to wither. If that happens, don’t despair. Start watering again, and your plant will recover quickly.
Fertilizing
Feed your plant with liquid fertilizer in spring and summer. Better to use special fertilizer for flowering plants.
Do this once a month. Your plant will thank you by giving you beautiful flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is rarely done, only if you want to reduce the size of your plant. Then prune at the base of the plant.
Also, remove the yellowed leaves from time to time. Deadhead spent blooms.
Potting and Repotting
You should transplant your Peace Lily into a slightly larger pot every couple of years. Do that in early spring.
When the roots pass through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot or through the surface of the soil at the top of the pot it is a sign that your plant needs more space.
Fill â…” of the new pot with fresh soil. The potting mix should be high quality, loose, with a lot of organic matter, and well-drained. Peat moss helps to retain some moisture.
The top of the root ball should be ½ to 1 inch (1-2.5 cm) below the rim of the pot. Water well and allow to drain.
Propagation
Separate several parts from the plant. Any stem that has 2 or 3 leaves on it with an attached root can continue its growth successfully.
Fill the pot with a high-quality potting mix. Plant your Peace lily, and water it. In less than a month, the roots will stabilize.
Peace lily can also grow in water, so these plants are often sold in vases with water.
Spathiphillum Care – Common Problems
Here we will list the most common problems that occur during Spathiphyllum care.
Never Flowers
Caring is not difficult, but it takes patience to achieve the right conditions that imitate a tropical environment. Only in proper conditions can the plant flourish.
Check if the plant receives enough water and light. If the plant does not bloom, it can also be a sign of improper fertilization. Use fertilizer only for flower plants.
Droopy Plant
If the plant is constantly droopy, check if it is overwatering. In that case, reduce the watering of the plant.
The Plant Perishes
This can happen if the roots sit in waterlogged soil. Then the roots rot and the plant can die. The reason for that could be:
- root bound
- can’t drain water well
- potting soil too dense, no aeration
- holes blocked
In this case, it is best to transplant the plant using a fresh potting mix.
Curling Leaves
Curling and pale leaves occur when the plant is exposed to too much light.
Scorched leaves appear from too much direct sunlight.
Brown Leaf Tips
- This happens due to insufficient or overwatering. The reason is usually the underwatered plant with low humidity.
- Poor soil drainage or excessive use of fertilizers can also lead to this condition.
- This plant is sensitive to chemicals in the water, which also results in brown leaf tips. If you can, use the filtered water.
- Maybe your plant is getting too much direct sunlight. Move the plant to more shade.
Note: If the leaves turn yellow, remove them.
Green Flowers
This appears from too much fertilizer (which contains high-level of nitrogen).
Pest Control for Peace Lilies
Pests generally do not occur on this plant. If they appear, it is usually scale or mealybugs. Wipe the leaves with insecticidal soap or dish soap.
If the compost is moist, fungus gnats can appear. Reduce watering. Also, you can leave shallow dishes with beer or wine to kill them. Organic pesticides Bacillus Thuringiensis can also be an option.
Toxicity
This plant is moderately toxic. If ingested, due to the presence of calcium oxalate, it can cause:
- swelling of the tongue
- stomach irritation (vomiting)
- respiratory irritation
So no small children and pets close to the plant.
Conclusion
Here you could learn all about the Spathiphyllum plant, and especially about species known as Peace Lily.
 We have covered everything from classification, basic plant characteristics, Spathiphyllum care, common problems and toxicity.
Now you are ready to bring your new Spathiphyllum plant home and take care of it.
If you have any suggestions or questions about Spathiphyllum care, feel free to join the discussion. Please leave a comment below.
I have a big problem with my flower. Once it is completely green, and often catches some of its leaves turning yellow. Or some green leaves at the very tip are withering at the tips. I don’t know what’s wrong with him and how to make him always look beautiful. Do they constantly need to be repotted into larger pots, or does it eventually stop growing because it takes up the entire pot from time to time and I repot it into a larger one?
Hello, thank you for your comment. Check if you provide your plant with all the necessary conditions that I mentioned in the article, watering, room temperature, humidity, sun exposure, and fertilizing. Are you watering the plant enough? Water it 1 to 2 times during the summer and spring, once every two weeks in the winter, or even less often.
Peace lily can grow a lot when it is in its natural habitat. The plant can become large also in the house but of course less than in its natural environment. Every few years you can transplant the plant into a bigger pot, but of course, it depends on you. If it suits you that the plant is not too big, then there is no need to transplant it so often.
I hope I helped you with my answer. All the best!