The scientific name for peace lilies is Spathiphyllum, and they are native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Americas. Though they are commonly loved as houseplants indoors in the United States, they can thrive outdoors in the summertime under the right circumstances. These plants are not true lilies but belong to the Arum family. They need dappled sunlight, which is essential to replicate at home for their health and thrive on the forest floor.

Peace lilies are generally easy to maintain; they need bright, filtered light, but not direct sunlight. Their sizes can differ significantly; indoor varieties typically grow to a maximum of 16 inches, while some outdoor varieties can have leaves as tall as 6 feet. The plant is distinguished by its velvety, deep green leaves and unusual white “flowers,” specialised leaf bracts. When there is enough light, these blooms can be most abundant, starting in the early summer and continuing all year long in the right circumstances.

USDA Zones 11 to 12 are ideal for growing peace lilies because they thrive in warm, humid climates and are not cold-hardy. A healthy, peaceful lily depends on regular moisture and humidity both in its natural habitat and at home.

Facts about Peace Lilies

  • Botanical name: Spathiphyllum is the botanical name for peace lilies. Another name for it is the spathe flower.
  • Origin: Tropical America and Southeast Asia are the native habitats of peace lilies.
  • Look: Peace lilies are large, semi-evergreen perennial herbs. They have characteristic white spathes surrounding a spadix, which are sometimes confused for petals.
  • Light and temperature: Peace lilies need little light or water but are sensitive to cold and drafts. They grow best in partial to deep shade and prefer temperatures between 65 and 80°F.
  • Lifespan: Peace lilies can live indoors for more than 20 years, but they usually only last three to five years.
  • Air purification: Peace lilies eliminate acetone and alcohol vapours from the air, making them excellent indoor plants.
  • Repotting: The ideal times to repot and propagate peace lilies are late winter or early spring.

Also read: Plant of the month: Care tips for Lilies

Growing Peace Lily Plants: How to, Light, Temperature, and Watering

With a little trial and error, your plant should bring years of beauty to your home if you follow this growing advice.

Light

Because of their graceful appearance and comparatively simple maintenance needs, peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are a popular choice for indoor environments. They are native to tropical forests in Central and South America, where they flourish in environments that are simple to duplicate in your house or place of business.

Light Requirements:

  • Excellent shade tolerance in low-light environments, such as fluorescent-lit offices.
  • Bright, filtered light is best for this plant; keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid scorching the leaves.

Temperature

Stable conditions with constant warmth are ideal for peace lilies to flourish in. During the day, their optimal performance ranges from 65 to 80°F (18 to 27°C). A small drop of roughly 10°F is helpful at night to replicate their natural tropical habitat.

Keep peace lilies away from drafts and sudden changes in temperature, as these can cause stress to the plant. To avoid damaging the leaves of peace lilies, keep them away from cold drafts and direct heat sources such as radiators or heating vents.

Watering

To grow, peace lilies must be watered carefully, balancing between getting enough moisture and not too much. By being aware of their requirements, you can keep the ideal moisture content for their healthy growth:

  • Watering Methods and Frequency: Watch for Drooping: Peace lilies droop slightly to indicate they need water. Watering right before the typical drooping can avoid stress.
  • Control Soil Moisture: Assess Soil Dryness: Check the soil every week by touching the top layer instead of watering it on a set schedule. Only add water if it seems dry.
  • Making Water Quality Adjustments: Chlorine Sensitivity: If the chlorine content in your tap water is high, let it sit overnight before using it to water your plants. This makes the water safer for your peace lilies by allowing the chlorine to evaporate.

Tips to Identify and Prevent Peace Lily Diseases

Although peace lilies are usually hardy, they can face a few common problems, such as pests and diseases:

  • Pests: Look for common pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Use a suitable insecticidal soap or frequently wipe the leaves down with a moist cloth to combat these. 
  •  This keeps the plant’s foliage clean and gets rid of pests, which improves the plant’s ability to photosynthesise.
  • Yellow leaves are frequently an indication of overlighting or overwatering. Move the plant to an area with better lighting, and then adjust your watering schedule to suit.
  • Brown leaf tips or edges may be a sign of overfertilization, excessive sun exposure, or overabundance of water. Move the plant to a spot with indirect light, and reduce how often it gets watered and fertilised.
  • Drooping Leaves: Usually an indication of low humidity or underwatering. Ensure the soil is consistently moist, and consider using a humidifier or setting the plant on a pebble tray with water to increase the surrounding humidity.
  • Wilting or Noticeably Drooping Leaves: Usually brought on by low humidity or underwatering. Plant turgidity can be restored with timely watering and increased surrounding moisture.
  • Overwatering is a common cause of root rot. Make sure the soil in the pots for your peace lily drains appropriately. Keep the plant out of any standing water.
  • No Blooms: Your peace lilies may be too crowded in their current pot or may require additional light if they aren’t blooming. To give them more room, think about repotting or moving them to a brighter area.

Also read: Plant of the month: Lilies

Are Peace Lilies Dangerous to Pets and Children? What Cat and Dog Owners Should Know

It is true that peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are toxic if consumed by humans or pets. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth and throat and induce mild symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. However, peace lilies are not nearly as toxic as true lilies (Lilium species), which are especially deadly to cats.

Pets that have consumed something may exhibit signs such as salivation, mouth pawing, and oral pain. Severe cases may cause breathing or swallowing difficulties. Rinsing the animal’s mouth, removing any leftover plant matter, and seeing a vet if symptoms worsen are all part of immediate care.

Preventive actions for people, particularly kids, include keeping peace lilies out of reach and wearing gloves to prevent skin irritation. If swallowed, it is advised to rinse the mouth and apply ice to minimise swelling. It is advisable to consult a doctor or poison control centre as soon as possible for medical advice.

Putting peace lilies out of pets’ reach and teaching them to avoid the plant are two ways to prevent pet poisoning. Removing fallen plant parts as soon as possible can also lower the chance of ingestion.

Also read: Plant of the Month: Tips for growing lilies 

Plant of the Month: Tips for growing lilies