Being able to grow both indoors and outdoors easier, Peace Lily adds outstanding beauty and charm where it has been. That’s why this houseplant has been the focal point of many spaces. Although it is called Peace Lily, it isn’t an original lily. Conversely, this plant is a member of the Araceae family. And it is a relative plant with Dumb Cane and Chinese Evergreen. This plant has different names, for example, Spath, Closet Plant, and so forth. Also, its scientific name is “Spathiphyllum”. Apart from that, it is native to the tropical regions of America and South Asia. What’s more interesting, this houseplant has air-cleaning features such as purifying airborne toxins, according to NASA’s testing.
General Information
Peace Lily typically features herbaceous stems emerging from the soil, and glossy, dark green monocot leaves (grass-like leaves). Single leaf broadness changes from 1,2 inches (3 cm) to 10 inches (25 cm). Also, its length range is roughly 13 inches (34 cm). All leaf size changes according to how much nature was mimicked while the plant grows. As for flowering, this houseplant has a white spathe covering the white spadix, just like Heartleaf Philodendron growing in natural conditions. Generally, such inflorescence is observed in spring. The plant’s height could reach up to 16 inches (40 cm) indoors and 6 ft (2 m) outdoors. Just like Green Velvet Alocasia, it is an evergreen perennial. It is a mildly toxic plant. For that reason, this flowering plant may cause some health problems for pets and even adults when ingested.
How to Care for Spathiphyllum
Sunlight: Such plants don’t need too much sunlight. Instead, moderate and low sunlight help it thrives better. For that, you can put the potted lily in a sheltered location. Alternatively, east-facing and north-facing windowsills would be an ideal spot for this houseplant to get the necessary sunlight.
Watering: Weekly watering meets its water need in general. As long as you keep the soil moist, there won’t be any problem. Also, you can neglect water to a certain degree. In a sense, it is a forgiving plant. But yet drooping leaves must be the limit for watering. In this case, you have to water it.
Humidity: High humidity fastens the flowering process. To raise the humidity, there are automatic humidifiers, wet pebble trays, and water sprays. Particularly, misting the plant daily would get more effective when it gets done with watering.
Temperature: In between 65°F – 80°F (18°C – 27°C) would be the optimal temperature range for this houseplant. But, sudden weather fluctuations and cold drafts cause the plant to get damage. According to the USDA plant hardiness map, zones 11-12 would be the best for outdoor plant growing.
Soil Type: This plant prefers loamy soil in general. Thanks to this kind of soil, this plant can absorb essential minerals. Also, such soils are useful for evacuating excess water.
Fertilizer: Unlike other plants, this flowering plant needs relatively fewer inputs. For that reason, it isn’t a fussy plant which means it can resist throughout all seasons with proper care. The fake lily plant needs all-purpose fertilizers twice a year in general. Water-soluble ones are more effective than others.
Propagation: To propagate such plants, the division is a reasonable way. But, on the other hand, starting from seeds is also a good way. However, reaching a mature state takes years. So the division should come first.
Repotting: If the plant whose roots come out from the pot is overgrown, you should certainly change it. The second pot should get 2,5 inches (6 cm) big than the previous one. For example, you can use pallet planters in outdoor spaces.
Common Problems
Dusty leaves: Such plants magnet a lot of dust on their foliage when neglected too much. Dust covers all of the leaf’s pores. Therefore, it cannot get the necessary amount of light. All in all, unintended consequences related to this problem occur quickly.
Chlorine water: If your city’s water grid has chlorine water, you should be careful about it. Because water, with such chemical, gives damage to its roots.
Pest infestation: Scales, mites, aphids, red spiders, mealybugs, and so on destroy the plant. They invade the fake lily plant because of having been neglected too much.
Suggestions for problems
To avoid dusty leaves, you should clean leaves with a damp cloth four times a year. Therefore, Peace Lily breathes easily. If your tap drains chlorine water, there is no problem because you can leave the necessary amount of water overnight. This way, chlorine vaporizes and goes up to the air. Alternatively, boil the water for 15 minutes to remove chlorine. Or use bottled water. When it comes to pest infestation, you can use alcohol-based wipes, neem oils, and pesticides.
