The peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii, also called White Sails) is the flowering houseplant for the spots other plants give up on. It keeps its glossy, dark green leaves in low light, sends up long-lasting white blooms, and tells you when it is thirsty by drooping, then standing back up after a drink. A traditional symbol of peace and renewal, it is one of the most-gifted sympathy plants we grow.
Easy to care for, the peace lily plant prefers bright, indirect light, tolerates low light, and wants a drink whenever the top inch of soil dries. You can grow it permanently in water, too. Whether you are a new plant parent or a longtime houseplant expert, it suits any bedroom, bathroom, or low-light corner.
Each purchase comes with a Mini Care Guide.
*May not have white spath showing on arrival.
*Our blooms vary and may not arrive as they are pictured. We ship our plants still in buds so you can enjoy a fresh bloom in your home.*
Peace Lily Care Guide & Presentation
For the healthiest plant care routine, place it in bright, indirect natural light; it is adaptable across a range of low to high light.
Use a simple watering technique: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, then water thoroughly and let the excess drain. A thirsty peace lily droops and recovers within hours of a drink.
Prefers humidity. Spritz occasionally.
Keep this plant out of cold drafts near open windows or doors.
Outside: Keep them in full shade on a patio out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
Peace lilies are not heavy feeders therefore, feed every four to six weeks from late winter through summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Skip fall and winter. Add a balanced liquid fertilizer to your water and dilute it by half. Fertilize throughout the late winter, early spring and summer months. Note: If your peace lily is not blooming, move them to a brighter area in the house to get indirect sun.
When receiving the plant, do not repot immediately but wait at least 6-12 months or if the roots are beginning to get crowded and growing through the drainage holes.
Repot in the spring into a pot 2 inches wider to keep the roots drier. (Too big of a pot could cause the soil to dry slower, which is not helpful.) Choose a pot with drain holes and a well-draining indoor potting mix with perlite; a slightly acidic to neutral mix supports healthy pH levels and helps with drainage.
Water your plant in the old pot before transferring over and let sit an hour. Place a piece of screening at the bottom of the container over the drainage hole to secure the soil and allow to drain. Add soil to the bottom to elevate the root ball. Lift the plant and release the roots against the existing planter. Use a clean knife or garden trowel to wedge between the pot and the soil to loosen.
Inspect the root ball. Notice if there are any dead or rotting roots and trim off with sterile pruners. If the plant is rootbound, cut through the roots to alleviate continued encircling.
Set the plant about 1 inch below the rim of the pot to avoid water spillage. Add more soil and backfill around the sides by tamping down. Fill up to the soil line but not over.
Water thoroughly, leaving the soil damp but not soggy. If settling occurs, add more soil.
Each time a flower blooms on the peace lily and turns brown, cut the stem off at the base. Prune off any yellowing leaves at the base of the stem and trim damaged leaf tips with sterile shears. Clean any debris off the soil's surface. To clean, place the plant into a tub or shower. Use a watering can with a shower attachment using distilled, filtered, or chlorine-free water to prevent chlorine damage and mineral buildup. Pour the water over the plant to wash away any dust. Do this each quarter to keep your plant's leaves clean.
Propagate and divide your Peace Lily plant in the early spring.
Hydrate the plant the night before.
Pull from the container and brush or wash away the soil carefully around the roots. Carefully divide and repot in rich, indoor peat-based potting soil mix, being aware that each new plant needs at least two or more leaves with sufficient roots attached.
Use a container 2 inches bigger than the root ball with drainage and deep enough for their roots to grow. Place the plant at the same level as the previous pot adding soil at the bottom.
Water the soil and add more soil if settling occurs.
Set them in medium to bright, indirect sunlight while they are rooting.
Check the moisture and humidity each day and add misting to keep the soil moist while the roots establish.
After 6-8 weeks, roots will begin to establish. You can tug onto the stem to ensure the roots are anchoring well.
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Peace Lily: Overview
The peace lily (Spathiphyllum, most often Spathiphyllum wallisii) is a member of the Araceae family and originates in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It boasts glossy, lance-shaped leaves and elegant white spathes; the showy white spathe leaf is a bract that surrounds the flower spike. Thriving indoors in bright, indirect sunlight, this aromatic plant is exceptionally easy to care for. Peace lilies can live for many years with minimal maintenance, particularly in hardiness zones 10-11.
Symbolizing peace and purity, peace lily plants are a popular choice for both decoration and gifting, but caution is advised as they are toxic to pets and children if ingested due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.
Benefits
- Studied for air-cleaning potential and the ability to reduce certain indoor pollutants in controlled settings
- Adds aesthetics to any space with its lush green foliage and contrasting white flowers
- Absorbs acetone vapors
- Improves sleep and reduces stress
- Prevents formation of mildew by balancing indoor humidity levels
- Often used in feng shui, they can bring positive chi or energy to workplaces
- It helps control sound pollution when incorporated into “green walls”
Spathiphyllum Care Guide
The Spathiphyllum plant, known for its elegant white blooms and air-purifying qualities, is popular among indoor gardening enthusiasts. Peace Lily care requirements are easy; this beauty is ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance yet beautiful addition to their home or office space.
Watering, Light, and Temperature
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, then water thoroughly and let the excess drain. A thirsty peace lily droops and recovers within hours of a drink. Peace lilies thrive in indirect, bright light. However, they can tolerate low-light conditions. Keep them away from direct sunlight, as it can scorch their leaves. Ideal temperatures range between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
Soil and Repotting
Plant these flowering plants in a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. Repot every one to two years in spring, or sooner if roots grow through the drainage holes. Do not repot in the first six months after it arrives. Ensure the new pot is slightly larger than the previous one to prevent overpotting.
Feeding and Propagation
Feed every four to six weeks from late winter through summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Skip fall and winter. Propagate through division during repotting, ensuring each division has several stems and a sound root system.
Pruning, Cleaning, and Common Issues
Trim yellow or brown leaves at the base to maintain plant health and appearance. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and prevent pests. Common issues with peace lilies include brown tips from over-fertilization or salts in water, yellowing leaves from overwatering, and leaf droopiness or brown flowers, due to underwatering. Occasionally, peace lilies might suffer from pests like aphids, spider mites, or scale; treat promptly with insecticidal soap.
Flowering and Other Considerations
Peace lilies produce their characteristic white blooms in spring and sometimes sporadically throughout the year. If flowers cease, check light levels and consider moving the plant to a brighter spot. Additionally, they are sensitive to chemicals, so avoid placing them near air vents or drafts. With proper care, your peace lily can grace your indoor space with its lush foliage and delicate blooms for years to come. Commercial growers may use plant hormones such as gibberellic acid to encourage blooming before sale, but at home, the best approach is steady care, bright indirect light, and consistent watering.
Placement, Companion, and Alternative Plants
Choose suitable companions for your peace lily and alternative plants that enhance its aesthetic appeal and contribute to your harmonious indoor environment. Here are some considerations for placement, companion, and alternative plants to complement your peace lily.
Best Locations & Uses
- It is an ideal potted flowering plant for plant enthusiasts without pets, as it's toxic to cats and dogs.
- Perfect for beginner indoor gardeners due to its forgiving nature and low-maintenance care requirements.
- The Peace Lily is an excellent choice for indoor environments with dry air, as it naturally raises humidity levels.
- Suitable for offices or bedrooms where low light conditions are common, as it can thrive in shaded areas.
- Peace lily adds a touch of elegance to any space, making it a popular choice for decorative purposes in homes, offices, or public areas.
Companion Plants
Enhance the beauty of your space with these complementary indoor plants that thrive alongside the peace lily.
- Philodendron Pink Princess (Philodendron erubescens 'Pink Princess'): The Pink Princess Plant is a heart-shaped leaf beauty that’s highly coveted and rare, catching the eye with its variegated pink and green leaves.
- Variegated Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): With its arching variegated leaves and air-purifying qualities, the Spider Plant complements the peace lily beautifully.
- Dragon Tree Plant (Dracaena marginata): The Dragon Tree, known for its striking foliage and upright growth pattern, pairs well with peace lilies, creating a visually dynamic indoor display.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives
If you’re a pet owner seeking alternatives to the peace lily, these pet-friendly options from Lively Root offer both beauty and safety for your furry friends.
- Prayer Plant (Calathea orbifolia): With its stunning round leaves adorned with intricate patterns, the Prayer Plant is a pet-friendly option that adds a touch of tropical elegance to any space.
- Neanthe Bella Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): The Neanthe Bella Palm is characterized by its delicate fronds and compact size. This gorgeous palm is an excellent choice for pet owners looking to introduce greenery into their homes without risking their pets' health.
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): With its gracefully arching fronds and air-purifying qualities, the Boston Fern is a pet-friendly fern variety that brings a touch of natural beauty to any room.
Order Your Peace Lily From Lively Root
Order a peace lily from Lively Root and it ships from our farm in bud, in the size and pot you choose, with a Mini Care Guide in the box and a 30-day Happiness Guarantee. Add a gift message at checkout and we will print it on a card without the price.
