Peace lily

The Peace Lily, scientifically known as Spathiphyllum, is a popular houseplant valued for its attractive foliage and elegant white flowers. Here’s some information about the Peace Lily plant:

Appearance: The Peace Lily is characterized by its glossy, dark green leaves that are oval or lance-shaped. The plant typically grows in clumps and can reach a height of around 1-4 feet (30-120 cm) tall, depending on the variety. The most notable feature of the Peace Lily is its unique white flowers, which consist of a white leaf-like bract surrounding a spadix.

Watering and Humidity: Peace Lilies like to be kept evenly moist but not overly saturated. It’s best to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to ensure proper drainage. These plants appreciate higher humidity levels, so misting the leaves or placing the plant on a tray with water and pebbles can help increase humidity.

Air Purification: Peace Lilies are known for their air-purifying qualities. They have been found to filter various indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. This makes them a popular choice for improving indoor air quality.

Toxicity: It’s important to note that Peace Lilies are toxic to both humans and pets if ingested. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. It’s advisable to keep Peace Lilies out of reach of curious pets and children.

Care and Maintenance: Peace Lilies are generally low-maintenance plants. Regular dusting of the leaves and occasional wiping with a damp cloth helps keep them clean and promote healthy growth. They benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.

Propagation: Peace Lilies can be propagated through division. When the plant becomes overcrowded, you can carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each division has healthy roots and leaves. Replant the divisions in separate containers and provide proper care to help them establish.

Overall, Peace Lilies are popular houseplants known for their lush foliage, graceful flowers, and air-purifying properties. With proper care, they can thrive indoors and add a touch of beauty to your living spaces.

Here are some common types of Peace Lily:

Spathiphyllum wallisii: This is the most commonly found Peace Lily variety, known for its dark green leaves and white flowers. It is a compact variety that grows to about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in height.

Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’: ‘Mauna Loa’ is a larger cultivar that can grow up to 6 feet (180 cm) tall. It features broader and longer leaves compared to the standard Peace Lily and produces larger white flowers.

Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’: ‘Sensation’ is a larger variety, similar to ‘Mauna Loa,’ but with even more elongated leaves. It can reach heights of up to 5 feet (150 cm) and has showy white flowers.

Spathiphyllum ‘Domino’: ‘Domino’ is a unique Peace Lily cultivar known for its variegated leaves. The foliage features dark green color with white stripes or speckles. It produces white flowers that contrast beautifully with the variegated leaves.

Spathiphyllum ‘Clevelandii’: ‘Clevelandii’ is a compact variety with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. It grows to a height of about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) and produces delicate white flowers.

Spathiphyllum ‘Petite’: As the name suggests, ‘Petite’ is a smaller cultivar of Peace Lily, reaching a height of only about 12-15 inches (30-38 cm). It has narrower leaves and produces dainty white flowers.

Problems:
Problem for Cats
Problem for Dogs
Problem for Horses

Nomenclature

Botanical Name Spathiphyllum
Family Araceae
Genus Spathiphyllum
Species
Types Spathiphyllum wallisii, Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa', Spathiphyllum 'Sensation', Spathiphyllum 'Domino', Spathiphyllum 'Clevelandii', Spathiphyllum 'Petite'

Planting Guide

Flowers

Flower Color: Cream/Tan, Green, White
Flower Inflorescence: Spadix
Flower Value To Gardener: Long Bloom Season, Showy
Flower Shape: Tubular
Flower Petals: Bracts

Fruits
Leaves

Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics: Semi-evergreen
Leaf Color: Green
Leaf Feel: Glossy
Leaf Type: Simple
Leaf Arrangement: Rosulate
Leaf Shape: Elliptical, Lanceolate, Oblong, Ovate
Hairs Present: No

Collect Seeds
Harvest  

Harvesting a Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is not typically done in the same way as harvesting fruits or vegetables. Instead, the focus is on maintaining the health and appearance of the plant. Here are some tips related to care and maintenance:

Removing Dead or Yellowed Leaves:
As a Peace Lily grows, older leaves may naturally turn yellow or brown and die off. These leaves can be gently pulled or cut off at the base of the plant. Regularly removing dead or yellowed leaves helps maintain the plant’s appearance and overall health.

Trimming Browned or Damaged Flower Spathes: After the flowers have finished blooming, the spathes (modified leaves that surround the flowers) may turn brown or become damaged. Trim these browned or unsightly spathes by cutting them back to the base of the plant. This helps keep the plant looking neat and encourages new growth.

Division: Over time, a Peace Lily may become overcrowded, resulting in diminished growth and fewer flowers. When this occurs, it can be beneficial to divide the plant. Gently remove the entire plant from its pot, separate the root mass into smaller sections, and replant each division in its own container with fresh potting mix. This process rejuvenates the plant and promotes healthier growth.

Routine Maintenance: Regular care and maintenance are crucial for the ongoing health and appearance of a Peace Lily. This includes providing appropriate watering, ensuring the plant receives the right amount of light (bright, indirect light is ideal), and maintaining moderate humidity levels. Regularly dusting the leaves with a soft cloth or misting them with water helps keep them clean and free from dust accumulation.

Remember that Peace Lilies are primarily grown as ornamental houseplants, appreciated for their lush foliage and elegant flowers. While they do not produce edible fruits or undergo traditional harvest, proper care and maintenance practices help ensure the plant’s vitality and beauty.

Soil Texture High Organic Matter
Soil Drainage Moist
Soil Chemistry

pH ranges from 5.8-6.5

Cultivation

Germination 14 days
Bloom Peace Lilies can bloom at different times of the year, but they often have a primary flowering season in spring or early summer.

Temperature (Climate)
Temperature 68 and 85 °F
Light Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) and Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Health Benefits

Here are the potential health benefits associated with Peace Lilies:

✓ Air Purification: Peace Lilies are renowned for their ability to remove harmful indoor air pollutants. They have been shown to effectively filter and absorb various toxins, including formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide, from the air. By doing so, they can help improve indoor air quality and create a healthier environment, particularly in spaces with inadequate ventilation.

✓ Allergen Reduction: Peace Lilies can potentially reduce allergens in the air, such as dust, mold spores, and pollen. By trapping and absorbing these particles, they may offer some relief to individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies.

✓ Humidity Regulation: Peace Lilies naturally release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration. This can help increase humidity levels in dry indoor environments, which is beneficial for respiratory health. Adequate humidity can help alleviate dry skin, and irritated nasal passages, and reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

✓ Stress Reduction: Some studies suggest that indoor plants, including Peace Lilies, can have a positive impact on mental well-being by reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm. Being around plants and nature-like elements may contribute to improved mood, concentration, and overall psychological health.