The peace lily reveals its nature in the root of the Latin name, "Spathiphyllum." Also known as a spath flower, the spathe actually refers to the large, white exterior petal surrounding a tall spire of tiny yellow, white or green colored florets called a spadix. The peace lily produces abundant, shiny green leaves that arch to a point, surrounding the flower stalks. Although flowering is infrequent, proper care will encourage these lovely white blooms to emerge for indoor enjoyment.
Choose a container for your peace lily. The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension suggests that peace lilies prefer containers without drainage holes since they love continually moist soil.
Prepare a soil mix with one part potting soil, one part peat moss and one part perlite. Incorporate with a slow release fertilizer, which will feed the plant for the first few months.
Plant the peace lily, firming the soil around the base of the leaves. Take care not to compact the soil too tightly.
Water well with room temperature liquid, and keep soil moist but avoid pooling water at the surface. Yellow tipped, wilted leaves are an indication of too little water.
Fertilize with a balanced liquid blend, partially diluted, every three months. More frequent fertilization of peace lilies may result in overgrown or brown foliage and no flowers.
Provide a setting with bright but indirect light for best blooming results and overall health. Gerald Klingaman, retired horticulturist for the University of Arkansas extension, recommends that light bright enough to read your morning newspaper by is ideal. Direct sunlight may burn foliage.
Keep temperatures in the 68 to 85 degree F range during the day. Up to 10 degrees colder at night is acceptable, but temperatures under 60 degrees could cause cold injury.
Wipe the tender foliage of these indoor lilies with a damp rag. The flat, wide shape of the leaves attract dust.
Things You Will Need
- Peace lily
- Potting soil
- Peat moss
- Slow release fertilizer
- Liquid fertilizer
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