Peace Lily - Growing Spathiphylum

The first thing to know about growing the Peace Lily is that it is not a Lily and needs fairly different growing conditions. Sold widely as an indoor plant this is actually an understory plant from tropical rainforests of South America. If we are going to care for it properly we need to mimic these natural growth patterns. Botanical name is Spathiphyllum wallisii, readily available for sale form listed nurseries

Lighting

What makes these a great indoor plant is that the lighting conditions that they would naturally receive, filtered light in a rainforest are replicated in indoor situations. Consider the lighting created beneath a shady tree, it is not really dark, but little direct sunlight. Direct sun will burn the foliage.

Watering

One thing that will kill any plant is overwatering, or, lack of water. Peace Lilies need a moist but well drained soil, they require more water when in active growth and less in the cooler months. Make sure that you do not overpot Spathiphylum as this leads to to much water and can cause rot. Always water indoor plants with water that is at room temperature, cold water can be a bit of a shock

Humidity and Temperature

These plants prefer a little humidity and they do not like the cold. Humidity can be added by placing a saucer of water beneath the plant, sit some small pebbles in the the saucer to lift the pot out of the water (otherwise it gets to wet). As for temperature, ideally around 21C (70F) to 26C (80F) with a drop overnight to 12C (55F). Low temperatures over extended periods will kill these plants.

Problems

Not really many if you provide the right conditions. Give the leaves a clean with a damp, chemical free cloth if they get dusty, watch out for any insects at the same time. Use a general purpose slow release fertiliser at 1/3 recommended rate.

Yellow Leaves - This is often caused by root rot, we told you not to overwater......

Other Care

Do not overpot, but do pot up one pot size if the plant becomes crowded. Trim spent foliage and remove any damaged parts. Repot every 2-3 years as potting mix becomes exhausted. With regular watering potting mix tends to need to be replaced to provide proper root growth and conditions

Varieties