Peace Lily Plant Features Peace lily is a common houseplant that bears broad, dark green leaves and charming, white calla-like flowers on tall stems above the foliage. When in bloom, the plant looks best when grouped in clusters of three or more. Peace lily fits in well in just about every style of interior design, particular country and causal looks. Large specimens look great on the floor; smaller peace lily plants are perfect for tabletops or plant stands. Because peace lily is one of the most efficient houseplants at filtering indoor pollutants from the air, its a great pick for bedrooms.
Peace Lily Growing Instructions Peace lily blooms best in high-light situations. It will tolerate low-light conditions well, but wont bloom much, if at all, so keep lighting in mind if the flowers or foliage is more important to you. Water peace lily enough to keep the potting mix moist, but not wet or soggy. The plant will wilt dramatically when it gets too dry, but happily, its leaves pop back quickly after it gets moisture. Being a tropical plant, peace lily prefers high levels of humidity. If the leaf edges turn brown, supply more humidity by grouping it with more houseplants (which release moisture into the air as they breathe) or set it on tray of gravel and water so the pot sits on top of the gravel, above the water. Fertilize peace lily once or twice a year (every six months or so) at the minimum. You can fertilize your plant more frequently if you wish, especially if you want it to grow faster or bloom better. You can use any general-purpose fertilizer; peace lily isnt particular as to types or brands. Do be sure the follow application rates as recommended on the product packaging. Note: Peace lily is not intended for human or animal consumption.
Is a Peace Lily a Tropical Plant? Answering Common Questions About This Popular Houseplant’s Origins
As an enthusiastic indoor gardener, I’m always looking to add new green companions to my home. One plant that frequently tops wish lists is the graceful peace lily, with its lush dark leaves and elegant white blooms.
But I had questions about properly caring for this popular houseplant. Specifically I wondered – is the peace lily really a tropical plant? Understanding its background would help me better meet its needs.
In researching the peace lily’s origins and requirements, several key facts came to light. Let’s examine the evidence and answer some common questions about whether this favorite houseplant qualifies as tropical.
The Peace Lily’s Tropical Roots
To determine if the peace lily is tropical, we need to trace its origins. The peace lily belongs to the genus Spathiphyllum, comprising around 40 species native to tropical regions of the Americas and Southeast Asia.
Most common indoor varieties originate from Spathiphyllum wallisii, native to rainforests in South America. This reveals the peace lily evolved in warm, humid tropical environments.
In their natural habitat, peace lilies thrive in shady forest understories and along tropical streams and rivers, where moisture levels are consistently high. This tropical background provides our first clue that yes, the peace lily is indeed a tropical plant.
Ideal Growing Conditions Mimic the Tropics
To keep peace lilies healthy indoors, it’s vital to replicate the warm, humid tropical conditions they naturally prefer. Here are the key factors:
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Temperature – Consistent warmth around 70-80°F days and 60-70°F nights suits them best. Avoid exposing them to cold drafts.
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Light – Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal. Some sun is beneficial but prolonged direct sun will scorch leaves.
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Water – Soil should be kept moist but not saturated. Allow the top inch to dry out between waterings.
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Humidity – Higher humidity is preferable. Misting leaves or using a humidifier nearby helps.
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Soil – Use a rich, organic potting mix that retains moisture but still drains well.
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Fertilizer – Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
The peace lily’s need for steady warmth, humidity, and shade confirms its tropical nature. It could not withstand winters outdoors in any climate colder than Zones 10-11 without protection.
Reading the Signs of a Happy Tropical Plant
One benefit of the peace lily’s tropical origins is it clearly shows when environmental conditions aren’t optimal. Watch for these cues:
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Wilting or drooping leaves usually indicate it needs more water. Allow the soil to dry out only slightly between waterings.
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Yellow leaves may signal overwatering or underwatering issues. Adjust your watering practices accordingly.
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Brown leaf tips are generally caused by dry air. Increase humidity around the plant.
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Lack of flowers means insufficient light. Provide bright filtered sunlight to encourage blooming.
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Insect pests like mealybugs or fungus gnats may become a problem. Isolate and promptly treat any infestations.
Paying attention to these signals allows you to tweak care to keep your tropical peace lily thriving happily in an indoor setting.
Caring for Peace Lilies Outdoors in Warm Zones
In frost-free climates like Zones 10-11, gardeners can grow peace lilies outside as landscape plants. Similar care as indoor plants is required.
Select a shady planting site protected from hot direct sun. Enrich the soil with organic matter like compost to retain moisture. Water whenever the top inch of soil dries out and apply mulch to conserve moisture.
Fertilize every 6-8 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Prune off any damaged leaves and dead or spent flower stems as needed.
In winter, shelter potted plants in a protected area and reduce watering frequency. You can also carefully dig up the roots and overwinter plants indoors until spring returns. With moderate seasonal care, peace lilies can thrive year-round in warm zone gardens.
The Ideal Houseplant for Beginners
The peace lily’s tropical adaptations make it one of the easiest houseplants to grow. It’s an ideal choice for indoor gardening beginners. Here are some of its top advantages:
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Thrives in normal indoor conditions found in most homes.
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Doesn’t require high light like some houseplants. An indoor window is sufficient.
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Wilting leaves clearly signal when it needs water.
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Bounces back quickly after wilting if watered promptly.
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Has generally robust health with minimal pest or disease problems.
Give this tropical plant a little basic care tailored to its preferences, and it will reward you with lush growth, charming blooms, and purified indoor air.
Tropical Appeal for Home Décor
With its wide waxy leaves and unique white spathe flowers, the peace lily provides an exotic tropical flair in any indoor space. It’s a simple way to bring a sense of the tropics into your home decor.
Here are some tips for showcasing peace lilies:
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Display a large plant in a sturdy pot as a floor plant.
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Group three smaller plants together on a plant stand.
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Place pots on bookshelves, cabinets, mantels, or as a table centerpiece.
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Grow in a hanging basket suspended from the ceiling.
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Tuck into bare corners to fill empty space with vibrant greenery.
Pair these exotic-looking plants with warm lighting, rattan or bamboo furniture, and other greenery for maximum tropical ambiance.
A Versatile Tropical Plant
Whether kept as a single architectural specimen or informal mass planting, the peace lily’s versatility shines. This easygoing tropical plant suits nearly any location.
The peace lily can be:
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A tall dramatic statement piece or carpeting filler plant.
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Traditional or modern, casual or elegant.
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Youthful and playful or sophisticated and elegant.
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An air purifier or living floral bouquet.
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Grown in soil or hydroponically without soil.
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Displayed in bright light for maximum blooms or dim corners for foliage.
With proper care tailored to its tropical needs, the incredibly adaptable peace lily thrives in virtually any indoor setting or design style. It’s a tropical plant that’s easy to fit into your life and home.
Bringing the Tropics Home, Anywhere You Live
Whether you live in a chilly northern climate or the steamy tropics, growing peace lilies allows you to infuse your indoor spaces with a taste of the rainforest. Caring for these exotic tropical plants is enjoyable and rewarding.
The peace lily’s lush foliage and frilly white blooms will transport you to a tropical paradise. Its presence calms and enlivens rooms with natural beauty. Given simple proper care, this beloved houseplant can thrive for many years, gracing any home with a touch of the tropics.
So if you long for a bit of the exotic tropics, or just want an easy, rewarding houseplant, the graceful peace lily perfectly fits the bill. It is undeniably a tropical plant through and through. With modest care tailored to its preferences, you can readily recreate a tropical environment for a thriving indoor peace lily.
Little Angel Peace Lily
Little Angel peace lily is a dwarf, compact variety that blooms more readily than many older varieties.
Patricia is a compact variety that features rich green leaves and white flowers.
Piccolino is a dwarf, compact variety with dark green leaves and pure white flowers.
Sonia stands out from other peace lilies because of its small stature and adorable white flowers.
White Stripe Peace Lily
This compact variety has green leaves with a matte finish and a white stripe running up the center. Note: Costa Farms no longer grows White Stripe.
Perhaps the largest peace lily available, this giant has massive tropical leaves and can reach 6 feet tall!
Jetty is a variety that features lush, full growth and long-lasting white flowers.
Top 5 Peace Lily Care Tips You Need to Know
FAQ
How often should I water my peace lily?
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Check Soil Moisture:Instead of a fixed schedule, regularly check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil about an inch deep.
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Water Thoroughly:Water the plant until water starts to come out of the drainage holes, then empty any excess water from the saucer within 30 minutes.
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Signs of Thirst:Peace lilies will droop when they need water, so pay attention to their leaves and water them before they become too limp.
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Don’t Overwater:Avoid letting the soil become waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
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Winter Watering:During the winter months, you may need to water less frequently as the plant’s growth slows down.
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Water Quality:Use room temperature water, and avoid using water that is too cold or too hot.
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Light and Humidity:Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. If your home is dry, consider misting the leaves occasionally.
Where is the best place to put a peace lily in the house?
Peace lilies thrive in bright but indirect sunlight, so near a north, north–east or north–west facing window is ideal – small plants work well on a window sill. They don’t do well on shelves unless the light source is directly above them (for example beneath a skylight).
Can I put my peace lily outside?
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Light:Peace lilies thrive in bright, indirect light, so avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can burn their leaves.
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Temperature:Peace lilies prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 68 and 85°F (20 and 29°C) during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night.
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Humidity:They also benefit from higher humidity levels, so consider misting them or placing them near other plants to create a more humid microclimate.
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Watering:Ensure the soil remains evenly moist, but not waterlogged, and make sure the pot has drainage holes if it’s likely to be rained on.
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Gradual Acclimation:If you’re moving your peace lily outdoors, do so gradually to allow it to adjust to the new environment and temperature.
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Pests and Diseases:While outside, regularly check for any pests or diseases and address them promptly.
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Sheltered Outdoor Location:Choose a spot with fertile soil and dappled sunlight (or partial shade) that provides shelter from strong winds.
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Toxicity:Keep in mind that peace lilies are toxic to humans, cats, and dogs, so keep them out of reach of pets and small children.