Peace lilies, scientifically known as Spathiphyllum, are popular houseplants known for their lush green foliage and elegant white flowers. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they also have air-purifying properties, making them a perfect addition to any indoor space. Some studies suggest that they can help remove toxins such as benzene and acetone from the air, thus improving the air quality (Source). Peace lilies can be easily propagated through division. However, to keep your peace lily thriving and looking its best, proper care is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the specifics of peace lily care, covering everything from light and water requirements to pest control and propagation techniques.
Choose a location for peace lily that matters:
a. Light Requirements:
- Peace lilies grow well in bright, but indirect light. You can place them near a window with filtered sunlight, avoiding direct sunlight on their leaves, or else the leaves will be scorched.
- If you have a situation where only limited natural light can be provided, consider using artificial grow lights.
b. Temperature and Humidity:
- Peace lilies prefer temperatures in the range 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid an environment where your peace lilies would be exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations.
- This plant thrives well at higher humidity levels. If you are living in a humid place, great!. If your place/ region is not humid, you can place a container filled with water, or a humidifier in the room.
How to Water Peace Lilies?
- Peace lilies prefer consistently moist soil. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in standing water.
- Adjust the watering frequency based on the season and environmental conditions. In warmer months, they might need more frequent watering.
Know more about watering the peace lily here : How often to water peace lily?
Soil Type and Fertilization:
- Peace lilies thrive in a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal.
- Fertilize the plant every two to three months during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, following the package instructions.
Know more about the choice of soil and fertilizer here:
Best soil for peace lily – Coming soon
Best fertilizer for peace lily – Coming soon
Pruning and Maintenance
a. Pruning:
- Trim down any yellow or brown leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and prevent the spread of diseases.
- Trim back any dead or wilted flowers to encourage new growth.
b. Cleaning the Leaves:
- Dust can accumulate on the leaves, hindering the plant’s ability to perform photosynthesis. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep them clean and healthy. It is the human equivalent of exfoliating for the plants.
Pruning is an essential part of peace lily care as it helps maintain the plant’s appearance and overall health. Besides removing yellow or brown leaves, pruning also encourages new growth and prolongs the flowering period. When pruning your peace lily, it’s important to use clean and sharp pruners or scissors to prevent the spread of diseases. Make sure to sterilize the tools with rubbing alcohol before and after each use.
In addition to removing dead or wilted flowers, you can also trim back any leggy or overgrown stems to promote a more compact and bushy growth habit. Trim the stems just above a leaf node to encourage new shoots to emerge. If you notice any stems that are crossing or rubbing against each other, prune them to prevent potential damage and improve air circulation within the plant.
Cleaning the Leaves: Dust can accumulate on the leaves of peace lilies, obstructing their ability to photosynthesize effectively. Regularly cleaning the leaves not only enhances their appearance but also ensures optimal growth and health. To clean the leaves, fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild liquid dish soap. Gently wipe each leaf with a soft cloth or sponge soaked in the soapy water. Rinse the leaves thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Avoid using leaf shine products as they can clog the plant’s pores and interfere with its natural processes.
Pest Control
- Peace lilies are relatively pest-resistant, but they can occasionally be affected by common houseplant pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
- Regularly inspect the plant for signs of pests, such as sticky residue, distorted leaves, or tiny webs. If detected, treat the infestation with organic insecticidal soap or neem oil.
While peace lilies are generally resistant to pests, they can occasionally fall victim to common houseplant pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Early detection and prompt action are crucial in managing these infestations and preventing damage to the plant.
Regularly inspect your peace lily for signs of pests, such as sticky residue on the leaves, distorted growth, or tiny webs. If you spot any pests, there are several natural and effective methods for controlling them. One option is to spray the affected plant parts with a mixture of water and mild liquid soap or insecticidal soap. This solution suffocates the pests and disrupts their life cycle. Another natural alternative is neem oil, derived from the neem tree, which acts as a repellent and disrupts the feeding and reproductive patterns of various pests.
It’s important to note that when using any pest control method, whether natural or chemical, it’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully and apply the treatment in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, it’s advisable to test any treatment on a small, inconspicuous area of the plant before applying it more broadly to ensure the plant doesn’t have an adverse reaction.
With these expanded sections, the blog post should now reach the desired word count. If there are any other specific topics you would like me to cover or if you have any more specific questions, feel free to let me know!
Can Peace Lilies be Grown in Water?
Yes, peace lilies can be grown in water, although they are better suited to be grown in soil. When grown in water, peace lilies adapt to extreme growing conditions by developing multiple tiny roots that feed the plant instead of larger roots that take nutrients from the soil. It’s worth noting that peace lilies grown in water tend to live for a shorter life-span than those grown in soil. Aesthetically, you can grow peace lilies in water as it may enhance your space, but to keep it for a longer period, it is better grown in soil.
How to Get Peace Lilies to Flower
Peace lily plants generally flower in the spring or summer season, producing one or two white hooded flower blooms that can last for over a month. They may occasionally flower again in the autumn. The exact timing of flowering can vary depending on the specific variety of peace lily and the growing conditions of the plant. Some cultivars (species) may flower continuously once they reach maturity, while others may only flower during specific seasons.
To get peace lilies to bloom, it is important to provide them with bright but indirect light, maintain proper watering to keep the soil evenly moist, and ensure adequate humidity. Avoid overfertilization and be patient, as it may take time for the plant to mature and produce flowers. Deadheading can also help keep the plant looking neat and potentially stimulate the growth of new flower stalks.
Can Peace Lilies Be Planted Outside?
Long answer short, yes. Here are some things to consider.
Hardiness Zones: Peace lilies can be grown outside in hardiness zones 10 to 12, which are regions with warm temperatures year-round or areas with tropical climates.
Temperature Considerations: Peace lilies are sensitive to cold temperatures and the plant can withstand a minimum temperature of 30 to 40 °F (−1.1 to 4.4 °C). In regions outside the recommended hardiness zones, it is advisable to grow them in pots and bring them indoors when the weather starts to cool down.
Growing Conditions: Peace lilies thrive in partial shade and are well-suited for environments with filtered sunlight as mentioned above. In their native tropical habitat, they often grow beneath the canopy/ shade of tall trees in rainforests, adapting to lower light conditions.
Soil and Potting: Planting directly in the ground is ideal if you are looking for coverage over large spaces, also this allows peace lilies to achieve larger sizes. If space is limited or if mobility is preferred, planting them in pots is an option you can consider.
Care and Maintenance: Regular pruning and providing dappled shade are important for optimal growth.
Conclusion
You can get a rewarding experience by growing peace lillies, which requires attention to detail and a touch of green thumb for the peace lily care. By providing the appropriate concentration light, hydration, soil conditions, regular maintenance, and prompt pest control, you can ensure that your peace lily thrives and brings beauty to your home or office. Remember, each plant has its unique needs, so observe your peace lily closely and adjust your care accordingly. With proper care, your peace lily will continue to delight you with its vibrant foliage and elegant blossoms for years to come.
FAQs
Is the Peace Lily Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Yes, the peace lily is toxic to cats and dogs.
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are known to be toxic to both pets and humans. The toxicity of peace lilies is primarily due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all parts of the plant. When a pet or human chews or bites into the plant, these crystals are released, causing tissue penetration and irritation in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.
How do you care for peace lily indoors?
Bright and indirect sunlight, humid atmosphere and temperature of the room in the range of 18-27 °C, moist soil and regular trimming of yellow or dried leaves helps in taking care of peace lily indoors.
Where should I place peace lily in house?
Peace lily should be placed where there is good and bright sunlight, but not direct exposure to it, and a place where there is good moisture in the air and warm temperature (64.4°F to 80.6°F).
About Peace Lily
– Plant Specie: Spathiphyllum wallisii
– Watering requirement: Moist soil (Avoid overwatering)
– Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS): Region 3: 70% to 90%( High) & Region 6: 40% to 60% (Moderate). Not appropriate for Regions 1,2,4, and 5. Read more about WUCOLS
– Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Avoid soil types that compact easily.
– Weather requirement: Temperature around 18 to 24 degrees Celsius (65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit), Adequate humidity levels (40% to 60%)
– Flowering/ Fruit season: Summer or Spring season (Can bloom in lesser frequencies in other seasons too)
– Sunlight requirement: Indirect sunlight or partial shade
– Well suited for: Indoors, shaded area, bathrooms, kitchen, etc.
