Everything to know about Peace Lily! the ultimate guide

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What is Peace Lily?

The popular indoor plant peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is renowned for its graceful white blooms and ability to cleanse the air. The name and symbolism of the peace lily originate from the fact that its white spathe—which is sometimes confused for a flower—resembles a white flag, a well-recognized symbol of a cease-fire.

Although the word “lily” suggests otherwise, peace lilies are members of the Araceae family, which also contains calla lilies and flamingo flowers.

Peace Lily Benefits

When it comes to benefits, the peace lily provides you with advantages just like its name: Peace.  

  1. Improves the Mood
  2. Master of Air Cleaning
  3. Humidity Booster:
  4. Great for Terrariums

◼Improves the Mood

True to their name, studies indicate that peace lilies might help lower stress and anxiety by encouraging feelings of relaxation and peace, which boost the overall mood.

◼Master of Air Cleaning

NASA has acknowledged peace lilies as masters of air cleaning, making them a powerhouse in the field. They efficiently rid interior environments of typical pollutants, including benzene, ammonia, and formaldehyde.

◼Humidity Booster

The inherent moisture-trapping ability of peace lilies increases the relative humidity of the surroundings. This is an advantage in drier areas or during the winter when indoor air tends to be dryer.

◼Great for Terrariums

Because of their higher humidity levels, several dwarf peace lily cultivars may grow well in terrariums.

What makes Peace Lily Special?

◼Beauty in Disguise

The actual peace lily blooms are small and barely noticeable, arranged in a cluster on a yellow spadix near the middle of the white spathe. Because of it, the plant gains a sense of surprise and interest.

◼Long-Lasting Blooms

Although peace lilies are not regular bloomers, one-bloomed peace lilies are capable of keeping their white spathes for several weeks or even months if given the ideal conditions.

Where to place your Peace Lily?

Peace lilies aka Spathiphyllum are considered beneficial for a variety of reasons in Vastu. Here is a summary of their significance and the best location for them based on Vastu principles:

◼Positivity and Peace

Vastu places a strong emphasis on the necessity of a good flow of energy in a home. Because of their well-established ability to cleanse the air, peace lilies are said to aid in clearing out negative energy and fostering a more peaceful and positive atmosphere.

◼Tranquility and Well Being

In Vastu, the white spathe of the peace lily is frequently connected to purity and tranquility. It’s said that having this plant in your house promotes peace and wellbeing.

In a Vastu plan, certain energy types are linked to specific zones. The following regions are said to benefit, especially from peace lilies: 

North for Tranquility and Mental Calrity:
Oversees tranquility and mental clarity. It is thought that placing a peace lily here will strengthen these attributes.

East for a New Start and Personal Development:
The East represents new beginnings and personal development. It is said that a peace lily in the east zone encourages these qualities.

Peace Lily specifications

Botanical Name 🌱 Spathiphyllum 🌱
Color
  • White “flowers” (spathes)
  • Dark green leaves
  • Variegated types with white or cream stripes
Size
  • Dwarf: 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) tall
  • Common: 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall (plus cascading leaves)
  • Large: Up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall (including cascading leaves)
Origin 🌍 Indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Madagascar, and southern Asia. 🌴
Flowering
  • Occasional white blossoms on tall stalks
  • Blooming uncommon indoors
  • Spathes surround small genuine flowers
Pattern 🌿 Consistent dark green leaves; variegated types have white or cream stripes. 🍃
Planting Season
  • Not very seasonal; can be grown indoors year-round above 50°F (10°C)
  • Spring and summer preferable for active growth
  • Can also be planted in fall and winter

Peace Lily Types and Varieties

Peace lilies are available in a variety of sizes and leaf kinds to suit every taste. While some have more matte leaves or even variegated patterns, others have glossy dark green leaves. This wide assortment gives you various options that precisely match your home décor.

◼Spathiphyllum wallisi

Spathiphyllum wallisi is the most common variety of peace lily found in cultivation. It typically has dark green leaves and elegant white spathes.
Dinesh Valke from Thane, India, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

◼Spathiphyllum 'Sensation'

With wider white borders along the length of the green leaves, this variation is a subtype of the variegated spider plant. In addition, its leaves are shaped significantly differently than those of the traditional variegated type.
Spathiphyllum 'Sensation' a variety of peace lily in a pot
Ben P L, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

◼Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa'

Known for its larger size and abundant flowering, ‘Mauna Loa’ produces larger white spathes compared to standard peace lilies.
Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa' plant with flower
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

◼Spathiphyllum 'Domino'

‘Domino’ adds a little variation to the traditional peace lily appearance with its green leaves that are flecked or streaked with creamy white markings.

◼Spathiphyllum floribundum

Spathiphyllum floribundum has clusters of white spathes and large, lush green leaves. Its aesthetic value and ability to purify the air make it a popular indoor plant.
Jotbepe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

◼Spathiphyllum cuspidatum

Spathiphylla cuspidatum is distinguished by its slender, pointed leaves and white spathes. This species, like many other peace lilies, is commonly grown as a houseplant due to its attractive foliage and ability to purify the air.
Spathiphylla cuspidatum is a species of peace lily
NasserHalaweh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

◼Spathiphyllum montanum

It has large, glossy leaves and distinctive white husks. Spathiphyllum montanum is popular as a houseplant because of its elegant appearance and ability to purify indoor air.
Spathiphyllum montanum is a species of peace lily
Franz Xaver, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

◼Spathiphyllum kochi

Meet Spathiphyllum kochii – the graceful peace lily that adds beauty to any space while naturally purifying the air. With its delicate leaves and delicate white flowers, it brings a sense of serenity to your home without requiring much care.
Spathiphyllum kochi is a species of peace lily
Vimalananth V, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Peace Lily Care and Maintenance

Peace lilies are admired for their graceful white “flowers” and air-purifying qualities. Although caring for a peace lily isn’t very difficult, otherwise I wouldn’t include it in the list of low-maintenance indoor plants, they do need some care. Here are the key tips you need to keep in mind.

◼Lighting and Placement

For Spring and Summer:
Peace lily prefers bright, indirect sunshine. An east-facing window with morning sunlight is good. South-facing windows may require some shielding from intense afternoon light.

For Fall and Winter:
As natural light fades, move the plant closer to a window, if feasible, to take advantage of the available light.

◼Watering

For Spring and Summer:
Water your peace lily once the top inch or two of soil is dry to the touch. Water thoroughly until the water drains out of the drainage holes, but don’t let the plant rest in it. Keep in mind that peace lilies prefer to be underwater rather than overwatered.

For Fall and Winter:
Reduce watering when the plant enters semi-dormancy in fall season. Watering every two to three weeks may be adequate, but modify according to soil dryness.

◼Temperature

Peace lilies like normal indoor temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Do not expose them to chilly breezes or frost.

◼Humidity

Peace flowers like moderate humidity levels (about 40-50 percent). They can withstand lower or slightly higher humidity levels, but extremes can be problematic.

To enhance the humidity level a bit, use a pebble tray filled with water and ensure not to submerge the pot.

◼Fertilizer

Peace lilies aren’t heavy feeders. A modest treatment throughout the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength is adequate.

Avoid overfertilization, which might result in discolored leaf tips.

◼Repotting

Report only when roots have outgrown the pot and become pot-bound. You will see the signs which include roots around the container or pushing up through the dirt. Usually outgrowth of the roots in visible with 2-3 years after repotting.

◼Soil

Choose a well-draining potting mix. So a commercial cactus or succulent mix works well, but you can make your own by combining potting soil, perlite, and, if desired, orchid bark or coco coir for additional drainage.

◼Cleaning

Peace lilies do not require substantial cleaning, but cleaning the leaves down now and again with a moist towel will do good. Check that you are not using strong chemicals or any leaf-shine solutions.

◼Pruning

Pruning is not necessary, but it can help preserve a clean appearance while stimulating new growth. When needed prune discolored or damaged leaves, as well as cut lanky stems using the clean cutters or blades.

Peace Lily Propagation

◼By dividing

During repotting, gently remove healthy clumps of the plant’s roots to make young peace lilies.

◼By leaf cutting

This procedure is less successful, and usually not recommended. But give it a try. First, take a healthy leaf with a short stem part and place it in a container with wet, well-drained soil. Then, cover the pot with a plastic bag to keep it damp and offer strong, indirect light. Rooting might take months.

Plant Problems in Peace Lily

◼Brown Leaf Tips or Drooping Leaves

Underwatering can lead to issues with brown tips, droopy leaves, or both. To fix the issues, simply water thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.

◼Yellowing leaves or Root Rot

Do not water on a set timetable, but when the top inch or two of soil feels entirely dry to the touch, water the soil only. Always make sure the openings in your pot can drain extra water.

And finally, remove any damaged roots from the plant and repot it in new, well-draining soil if the overwatering damage is severe.

◼Discoloration of the Leaf Tips

Fertilization during the growth season, that is, spring and summer, is recommended, but extra care should be taken to not overfertilize this plant. Overfertilization can cause the discoloration of the leaf tips.

◼Mealybugs infestation

These white, cottony insects feed on leaf sap. Sticky sap and the presence of bugs are both signs of an infestation.

If you have identified the mealybugs, act immediately, isolate the plant, and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Apply the solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Repeat the treatment every few days until the infestation is under control.

You can also purchase our recommended organic product.

◼Other possible infestations

Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that can be green, brown, or black. They also suck sap from leaves.

Fungus gnats are tiny flying insects that are drawn to damp soil. While they are not detrimental to the plants, they may be a nuisance.

Scales are armored insects that attach themselves to plants and stems.

Insecticidal soap or neem oil spray can be useful against these less frequent pests.

Common Misconceptions about Peace Lily

Are you hesitant as a beginner to bring a peace lily into your home? Well, guess what? Despite the popular belief that peace lilies are high-maintenance, they’re not! They can flourish in low to moderate light conditions and only require occasional watering.

They’ve got these white spathes that totally seem like flowers. Actually, they are just fancy-schmancy altered leaves called spathes. And tiny blooms are situated on a central stem within these spathes.

Final Thought and Personal View

Peace lilies are lovely, low-maintenance plants that provide air purification and a sense of calm to your surroundings. With a little care, they’ll flourish for years! Speaking from the experience.

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