Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum wallisii
An evergreen herbaceous perennial featuring glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves that arise directly from the soil, complemented by characteristic white spathes enclosing a spadix when in flower.
- Light
- Prefers bright, indirect sunlight for 6 to 8 hours daily. Avoid direct sun exposure, which can scorch the leaves.
- Water
- Water thoroughly whenever the top 1 to 2 inches of soil become dry. The plant exhibits a noticeable drooping posture when thirsty and recovers rapidly after a thorough watering. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Growth
- Clumping herbaceous perennial houseplant with an upright growth habit, typically maturing to a height and spread of 1 to 3 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and feed with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer every six to eight weeks during the spring and summer growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Prefers bright, indirect sunlight for 6 to 8 hours daily. Avoid direct sun exposure, which can scorch the leaves.
Watering
Water thoroughly whenever the top 1 to 2 inches of soil become dry. The plant exhibits a noticeable drooping posture when thirsty and recovers rapidly after a thorough watering. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
Requires a rich, loose, and well-draining potting mix containing organic matter such as peat moss and perlite, with an optimal pH range between 5.5 and 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA hardiness zones 11 through 12, typically grown strictly as an indoor houseplant in cooler climates as it cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
Growth habit
Clumping herbaceous perennial houseplant with an upright growth habit, typically maturing to a height and spread of 1 to 3 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Blooms primarily in spring, often with sporadic flowering throughout the year under optimal indoor conditions, producing a white or yellowish-white spadix surrounded by a white or pale green modified leaf called a spathe.
Propagation
Propagated primarily through division of the root clump during repotting in the spring, separating sections that contain healthy roots and several active leaf stems.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Leaf tip browning can occur due to underwatering, low humidity, or excess mineral buildup from tap water. Prevent issues by maintaining steady moisture, high humidity, and good air circulation.
Similar species
Anthurium species, which can be distinguished by their brightly colored, waxy red or pink spathes and heart-shaped leaves compared to the solid green leaves and white spathes of the peace lily.