Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) plant is an easy to grow beautiful plant that also does a great job of cleaning your indoor air. The plant has lovely green leaves and a white “flower,” also known as a spath. This video tells you all about peace lily and how to make sure that it thrives in your home. Learn about watering, lighting needs, fertilizing and preferred growing temperatures. Everything you need to know about peace lily plant and how to grow it.
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Welcome to Healthy Houseplants, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors.
Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you’ll find in the comments section below.
This video was requested by one of my viewers, Diane. Thank you, Diane, for suggesting that I discuss peace lilies, their care requirements, and how to keep them healthy.
Today, I have two peace lilies to show you. One is smaller, while the other is larger. You may notice that their leaf colors are slightly different. This variation is perfectly normal. Although they are the same type of plant, some peace lilies naturally have darker green foliage, while others have lighter-colored leaves.
Peace lilies, also known as Spathiphyllum, produce elegant white blooms intermittently throughout the year. Interestingly, these white blooms are actually modified leaves called spathes. Their appearance resembles the flowers of calla lilies. The blooms begin as a pale green color before gradually turning creamy white.
While peace lilies do not follow a strict flowering schedule, they do bloom periodically when provided with proper growing conditions. The plants shown here are currently between blooming cycles.
One of the best things about peace lilies is that they are among the top indoor air-purifying plants. They help remove pollutants such as benzene, acetone, ammonia, and formaldehyde from indoor environments. These chemicals are commonly released from new furniture, carpeting, plastics, and other household materials through a process known as off-gassing.
In addition to being excellent air cleaners, peace lilies are attractive and easy-to-grow houseplants. They tolerate low humidity and occasional drought surprisingly well.
Many people have experienced a peace lily dramatically drooping after being forgotten during watering. Fortunately, these plants are very forgiving. Once watered, they often recover within a few hours. Unlike more sensitive plants, such as maidenhair ferns, peace lilies bounce back well from occasional neglect.
However, for optimal health and flowering, peace lilies should be kept consistently moist. Water when the top half-inch of soil becomes dry. While they can tolerate short periods of drought, regular moisture encourages stronger growth and more frequent blooms.
Always water peace lilies with lukewarm to warm water. Avoid softened water, as excess salts can cause leaf tip burn. Fluoride and chlorine in tap water may also contribute to browning leaf tips.
If you notice brown leaf tips, possible causes include:
- Salt buildup from softened water
- Fluoride or chlorine in tap water
- Low humidity
- Chronic underwatering
Although peace lilies tolerate average household humidity, homes in very dry climates may require supplemental humidity. Occasional misting, grouping plants together, or using humidity trays can help improve growing conditions.
Feed peace lilies monthly with a balanced organic fertilizer. Every six months, top-dress the soil with approximately half an inch of worm compost. Worm castings provide valuable micronutrients, improve soil health, and help retain moisture around the roots.
Routine pruning is also important. Remove spent flower stalks after blooming. Dead or dying plant material can attract pests and encourage disease problems.
Peace lilies prefer indoor temperatures between 65°F and 70°F (18°C to 21°C). They can tolerate temperatures slightly below 60°F (16°C), but prolonged exposure below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage.
Fortunately, peace lilies are relatively pest-resistant. However, they can occasionally experience problems with:
- Mealybugs
- Scale insects
- Spider mites
Mealybugs can be treated with isopropyl alcohol, scale insects with horticultural oil, and spider mites with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Mulching is another helpful practice. Worm compost works well as a mulch, but shredded bark can also be used to help retain soil moisture.
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of peace lily care. These plants thrive in medium light and can tolerate lower light conditions. However, excessive light can prevent blooming and cause leaf burn.
Signs of excessive light include:
- Brown spots in the middle of leaves
- Leaf scorching
- Fading or lighter-colored foliage
Peace lilies perform especially well under full-spectrum grow lights and in north-facing windows. East-facing windows can also work well, provided the morning sunlight is not too intense. If necessary, move the plant slightly away from the window to reduce light exposure.
Peace lilies are beautiful, elegant houseplants that enhance indoor spaces while helping improve air quality. With proper watering, lighting, feeding, and occasional maintenance, they can thrive for many years.
Thank you for stopping by today. Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see in future videos. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video.
Peace Lily Care Frequently Asked Questions
What is a peace lily?
A peace lily, also known as Spathiphyllum, is a popular indoor plant valued for its glossy foliage, white blooms, and air-purifying qualities.
How often should I water a peace lily?
Water a peace lily when the top half-inch of soil becomes dry. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Can peace lilies survive drought?
Yes. Peace lilies are fairly drought-tolerant and often recover quickly after watering, even when they have wilted from lack of moisture.
Why are the tips of my peace lily leaves turning brown?
Brown leaf tips can result from low humidity, underwatering, salt buildup from softened water, or fluoride and chlorine in tap water.
Do peace lilies need high humidity?
Peace lilies tolerate average indoor humidity levels but benefit from additional humidity in very dry climates.
What type of water is best for peace lilies?
Lukewarm water with low salt content is best. Avoid softened water whenever possible to prevent leaf tip burn.
How often should I fertilize a peace lily?
Feed peace lilies monthly with a balanced organic fertilizer during active growth.
Are worm castings good for peace lilies?
Yes. Worm castings provide micronutrients, improve soil structure, and help retain moisture while acting as a natural mulch.
What temperature is ideal for peace lilies?
Peace lilies prefer temperatures between 65°F and 70°F (18°C to 21°C) and should be protected from temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
What pests commonly affect peace lilies?
Common pests include mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Early treatment helps prevent infestations from spreading.
How much light does a peace lily need?
Peace lilies thrive in medium light and tolerate lower light levels. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn and discoloration.
Why isn’t my peace lily blooming?
Insufficient light, poor watering practices, or nutrient deficiencies can reduce flowering. Providing medium indirect light encourages blooming.
Are peace lilies good air-purifying plants?
Yes. Peace lilies help remove indoor pollutants such as benzene, ammonia, acetone, and formaldehyde from the air.
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