How To Grow and Care For Peace Lily Plant

Spathiphyllum wallisii or Peace Lily is one of the low-light tolerant indoor plants that requires low maintenance and has identified aesthetic benefits including air purification. Boasting lustrous, lance-shaped, dark green leaves that are either arching or pendant, it has an ideal height of up to 16 inches and a spread of up to 18 inches.

Originating from Central and South America, the peace lilies are members of the Arum family of plants. They usually start blossoming during early spring and each flower has a longevity of at least four weeks. They are moderate growers with approximately a 3-year maturity period. 

However, for precautionary measures, it is recommended that they be kept away from children as well as pets.

Caring for the Peace Lily consists of considering some factors, which are described below:

Light

From their growth requirement, it is clear that peace lilies prefer indirect but bright sunlight for their overall health. It is also important not to expose peace lilies to direct sunlight during the day as this may result in the browning of the leaves.

Select the most appropriate position with indirect light, for instance, the window that receives light from the east or the north.

Water

Water your plants frequently, but be cautious not to overwater the plants, let the soil feel slightly moist to the touch. The plant will slightly wilt when it requires water to give the owner a heads-up. 

To maintain the moisture in the peace lily, it should be watered once a week with the leaves sprayed with water during summer. It is preferable to use filtered and lukewarm water due to the sensitivity of peace lilies to chemicals, especially fluoride, which is present in tap water.

Temperature

They bloom preferably at a temperature range of 65°F to 75°F during the day. During the night, one should keep the temperature a few degrees lower than during the day, preferably by 10 degrees.

One thing to avoid is cold temperatures coming from windows or doors. Temperature is important for their stability, and it should remain constant.

Humidity

What peace lilies like is high humidity. Spray your peace lily several times a day, and let the rainforest shower give its leathery skin joy. Put the pot in a tray of pebbles and water so that it can be like a miniature rainforest. 

Soil

Peace lilies grow best in fertile, and light soil. Also, a well-draining mixture can be more appropriate for planting these plants since they cannot cope with very wet soil conditions.

Fertilization

For peace lilies, use an organic houseplant fertilizer or a half-strength liquid fertilizer. This solution works best when used every month, especially during the growing seasons of spring and summer.

Before applying the fertilizer to the plant, water the plant and use the recommended amount of fertilizer available in the pack.

Pruning

Trimming eliminates the unsightly withered and drooping leaves from the peace lily hence enhancing its appearance and presentation. Further, trimming is helpful in the promotion of new growth in the plant and in avoiding congestion in the plant.

The practice can also improve the spacing or proximity of the plant to the air and decrease the likelihood of diseases. Prune peace lilies as needed during the year by pinching off any dead or dying leaves.

Support

When the stems are long and start bending in the peace lily, it indicates that it requires support so that the plant stays firm.

Slowly insert stakes into the ground adjacent to the stems and then tie them loosely. Ensure that the roots are safe and sound in the process. This support helps the peace lily to become erect and robust.

This step-by-step guide will help you understand the repotting process of the Peace Lily:

1. Collect a new container with drainage holes and fresh soil, gardening gloves and the pruning shears.
2. Transplanting during the growing period when the plant is actively growing mostly coincides with spring or early summer.
3. Fill the new pot with fresh potting mix to the recommended level leaving a little space for the root ball of the Peace Lily.
4. Slowly transplant the Peace Lily out of the current container while ensuring that the base of the plant is adequately supported.
5. Scan the roots for any manifestations of rot or overcrowding. Prune the roots with clean scissors to remove old or softened portions.
6. If the plant has outgrown the pot, then it can be divided and transplanted into different pots with each containing healthy roots and foliage.
7. Carefully transplant the Peace Lily into the new pot while ensuring the soil line is at the same level as the top of the root ball but slightly below the rim of the pot.
8. Pile more potting mix at the edges of the root mass in a manner that will anchor the plant.
9. Following transplanting, it is advisable to water the peace lily well which will help the soil to settle and moisten the roots.
10. Reposition the repotted peace lily in a bright, indirect light area, and resume typical care, such as watering and feeding if appropriate.

Since peace lilies undergo heavy hybridization, they come with over 100 types. These varieties can range from miniature to large and can have a variety of leaf colors, including variegated, chartreuse, or blue-green.

Some of the popular types of peace lilies are as follows:

1. Sensation Peace Lily: Known for its large size, this plant is capable of growing up to 6 feet in height.
2. Golden Delicious Peace Lily: This variety of peace lilies constitutes a stunning golden-green color.
3. Patricia Peace Lily: Featuring deep green foliage and elegant white blooms, this offers a classic and timeless appearance.
4. Sonia Peace Lily: Recognized for its abundant flowers and compact growth habit, it has been a popular choice for indoor settings.

Like most houseplants, the Peace Lily is susceptible to some common issues and challenges. However, these issues can be solved with proper care and grooming of the plant. 

Yellowing Leaves

Many reasons such as over-watering, underwatering and drainage problems cause peace lily leaves to turn yellow and droop.

Use a proper drainage system, and water the plant occasionally. Do not make a practice of using tap water to water the plant.

Browning Leaves Or Leaf Tip

Late blight happens when the plants are exposed to direct sunlight, have been over-fertilized, are over-watered or under-watered, and have low humidity, and poor aeration.

Relocate the plant from the direct sun, maintain the watering frequency and use a balanced fertilizer to reduce the chances of the tips of the plant turning brown.

Curling Leaves

Curled leaves usually suggest that the plant is exposed to too much light. 

Hence, it is suggested to transfer these plants to a place where there is less amount of sunlight.

Failure To Bloom

Sometimes, flowers in this plant may fail to bloom due to insufficient light or lack of proper care being accorded to the plant.

To avoid this, ensure that the plant is provided with very consistent ideal conditions.

Pest Infestation

Keep peace lily free of pests such as scale and mealybugs as these are some of the problems that affect the health of the plant.

Remove and control the pests by washing the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil and monitoring for any signs of pests.