Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum wallisii
An evergreen perennial houseplant characterized by glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves that rise directly from the soil, complemented by distinctive white spathes surrounding a central spadix.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light, approximately 6 to 8 hours per day; protect from direct, harsh sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
- Water
- Water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. The plant is sensitive to drought, often drooping dramatically when dry, but quickly recovers after watering. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and root rot.
- Growth
- Clump-forming herbaceous perennial with a moderate growth rate, typically reaching a mature height and spread of 1 to 4 feet depending on the specific cultivar.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight, keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged, and maintain high humidity with a balanced liquid fertilizer applied monthly during the spring and summer growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light, approximately 6 to 8 hours per day; protect from direct, harsh sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
Watering
Water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. The plant is sensitive to drought, often drooping dramatically when dry, but quickly recovers after watering. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and root rot.
Soil
Rich, well-draining potting mix containing peat moss, perlite, and organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.8 to 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA Zones 11 to 12 when grown outdoors; primarily cultivated as an indoor houseplant in cooler regions.
Growth habit
Clump-forming herbaceous perennial with a moderate growth rate, typically reaching a mature height and spread of 1 to 4 feet depending on the specific cultivar.
Bloom season
Spring and summer, occasionally re-blooming throughout the year under optimal indoor conditions. Produces a white or yellowish-white spadix enclosed by a white or pale green spathe.
Propagation
Propagated primarily through division during repotting in the spring by carefully separating established root clumps into smaller individual sections.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects, which can be managed with insecticidal soap. Common cultural problems include brown leaf tips caused by low humidity, chemical-heavy tap water, or fertilizer burn.
Similar species
Anthidium species, which feature similar glossy foliage and spathe-and-spadix flower structures, but can be distinguished by their brightly colored, highly vibrant red, pink, or orange spathes.