Spathiphyllum: How to Care for Peace Lilies
- Su Whale
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Pronounced ‘spath-ee-PHIL-um’ the Peace Lily, as it’s popularly known, is one of the best loved flowering houseplants on the market. Evergreen, with a profusion of glossy leaves it also produces elegant white flowers in spring and summer. The Peace Lily is fairly easy to look after and will reward the dedicated plant parent.
Peace lily displayed in a pink vase with a single white flower peace lily in a dark container shaded but with good light available
Good for your Health
The Peace Lily's air cleaning abilities have put it into NASA’s top ten houseplants, by absorbing pollutants in the air, breaking them down to use as microbes in its compost. It removes, amongst others, ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
Where to display in the shop
Spathiphyllum can be displayed almost anywhere as long as it is not in a draught. On arrival, remove them from any protective sleeves and give them room to spread out. To keep them looking fresh and at their peak, keep the leaves free from dust and cut away any flowers that have gone over.
peace lily in flower displayed at hope in a bright area but not direct sunlight
Where is the best place for it at home?
Any warm room in the house, as long as it is not in direct sunlight. They will tolerate light shade, and prefer some humidity, so these are good plants for bathrooms or bedroom.
How to care for the Peace Lily
Temperature: Warm to hot, 13-24°C.
Watering: Keep soil moist but avoid overwatering. If in a pot cover, always check that the plant is not sitting in water before topping up.
Humidity: Mist leaves leaves in hot, dry spells and stand in a shallow pebble tray, but don’t get the flowers wet.
Light: Indirect light, away from bright sunlight which may scorch the leaves.
Feeding: Every two weeks between spring and autumn.
Winter Care: Water less and stop feeding during the winter months when the plant goes into its semi-dormant stage. Place into a cool room where it will still receive some light.
How to bring a Peace Lily into flower
Winter downtime is important. Resume feeding in early spring and ensure the plant is in a bright spot, if it’s too shady the flowers will not develop. Once it does bloom, their anthurium-style white flowers will last for weeks.
Top Tip: Young plants will not flower, the plant needs to be mature, at least one to two years old.
How to care for a Peace Lily after it’s flowered
Spathiphyllum flowers will gradually change from white to green as they mature. Once they start to turn brown, cut them off from the base of the stem, removing any yellowing leaves at the same time. Keep feeding the plant until the winter.
Did you know: The flower is actually a spathe surrounding a spadix, the same as an Anthurium? They are both in the same flower family and share similar characteristics.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with Peace Lilies
Limp and wilting leaves? The plant is either too dry or to wet. If it’s waterlogged, take it out of its container and let it drain. Always check the compost before watering.
Yellowing leaves? Over exposure to light, move the plant into a shadier position.
Spathiphyllum as a cut flower
The flowers on a Spathiphyllum can be cut and used in floral designs very much like an Anthurium, as they share the same long-lasting qualities. Their size makes them an interesting flower for a buttonhole for a contemporary wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to keep a Peace Lily?
Peace Lilies grow best in a warm room with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, and keep plants away from cold draughts.
How often should I water a Peace Lily?
Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged. Always check the soil before watering and avoid leaving the plant sitting in water.
Why are my Peace Lily's leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves are often caused by too much light. Move the plant to a shadier position and remove any damaged foliage.
Why is my Peace Lily not flowering?
Peace Lilies need plenty of indirect light and a period of winter rest to encourage flowering. Young plants may also need one to two years to mature before producing blooms.
How do I care for a Peace Lily after flowering?
Remove flowers once they start to turn brown and continue feeding regularly until winter. Reduce watering and stop feeding during the plant's semi-dormant winter period.
Images Envato Elements
Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.
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