How to Care for Spathiphyllum 'Peace Lily'
The Spathiphyllum 'Peace Lily' is a popular indoor plant known for its beautiful, large white flowers and lush, green foliage. It is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Light
The Peace Lily prefers low to medium light, but can tolerate low light conditions. It is best to avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to yellow and wilt. If your plant is not getting enough light, its leaves may appear elongated and weak.
Watering
The Peace Lily prefers to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. It's important to not over-water, as this can lead to root rot. During the winter, reduce watering slightly as the plant goes into a dormant stage.
Humidity
The Peace Lily prefers high humidity, so it's a good idea to place a tray of water near the plant to increase the humidity in the surrounding area. If the leaves start to brown at the edges, it may be a sign of dry air.
Temperature
The Peace Lily prefers warm temperatures between 60-85°F. Avoid placing the plant near drafts or air conditioning vents, as this can cause the leaves to brown and wilt.
Soil
The Peace Lily prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a good quality potting mix, or make your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
Fertilizer
Fertilize the Peace Lily once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Be sure to follow the package instructions for the appropriate amount to use.
Pruning
Prune the Peace Lily as needed to remove yellow or damaged leaves. This will encourage new growth and keep the plant looking its best.
Re-potting
The Peace Lily should be re-potted every 2-3 years, or when it outgrows its current pot. Use a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one, and be sure to use well-draining soil.
Propagation
The Peace Lily can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes, or by taking stem cuttings. For division, carefully remove the plant from its pot and separate the rhizomes. Each division should have at least one growth point and some roots. Re-pot the divisions into separate pots and keep the soil consistently moist until new growth appears. To propagate by stem cuttings, cut a stem that has at least one leaf node, remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a jar of water. Change the water every 2-3 days, and when roots have developed, pot the cutting in well-draining soil.
Common problems
- Yellow leaves: can be caused by over-watering, under-watering, or a lack of humidity.
- Brown leaf edges: can be caused by dry air or low humidity.
- Wilted leaves: can be caused by over-watering or a lack of light.
- Brown leaf tips: can be caused by fluoride or chlorine in tap water.
Overall, the Peace Lily is a hardy and low maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of indoor conditions. With proper care, it can bloom frequently and bring a touch of nature to any room. Remember to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, and to place the plant in a location with bright, indirect light. With the right care, your Peace Lily will thrive for years to come.
