Peace Lily

spathiphyllum floribundum

Also known as: ["Peace Lily","White Sail Plant","Candle Arum"]

Family: Araceae Genus: Spathiphyllum Category: Flowers

Overview

A popular indoor plant with glossy, dark green leaves and elegant white spathe flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["air purifying","low maintenance","fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Spathiphyllum
Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum floribundum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in a shaded or dimly lit room
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Indoor Plant Lovers Fragrance Lovers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–27°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days, especially in dry indoor environments
  • Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
  • Soil Type: Rich, well-draining potting mix with organic matter (e.g., peat, compost).
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or when dead leaves appear.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing damaged or overgrown parts.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate lower light but may reduce flowering. Adjust for stronger light in summer.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light to avoid leaf burn; place away from direct sun; rotate regularly for even growth.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage), brown leaf tips (underwatering or low humidity), stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or poor soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

low to medium indirect light

Avoid direct sunlight; provide filtered light; adjust placement seasonally.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant sit in water; use room temperature, non-chlorinated water.

Soil

moist, well-draining potting mix with peat moss

pH: Acidic to slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5).

Ensure good drainage; maintain moisture; refresh soil periodically.

Temperature

Ideal range 65–85°F (18–29°C); prefers stable temperatures, avoiding extremes below 60°F or above 90°F.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain stable conditions.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Division of rhizomes; occasionally stem cuttings in water or soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Divide rhizomes with sharp, clean tools.
  2. Repot divisions immediately.
  3. For cuttings, take stem tip, place in water or soil, and wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light for cuttings; similar conditions for divisions.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix or water for stem cuttings.

Hormone

Optional for stem cuttings; not necessary for division.

Timeline

Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 3–6 weeks, mature plant in 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Clean knife or shears, pots, rooting medium, water (if applicable).

Quick Tips

Ensure each division has roots and leaves; use clean tools to prevent disease; maintain humidity for cuttings.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut back yellowing or dead leaves at the base; trim leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.

Pruning Plan

Remove yellow or dead leaves to maintain appearance and health; shape plant as needed.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; cut dead or yellow leaves; shape plant evenly; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution. Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the root zone without disturbing the foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry; typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing frequency in fall/winter. Adjust based on humidity and temperature.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate peat moss for moisture retention; use organic matter for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; wilting, brown leaf tips in heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root rot if soil remains cold and wet.

Solution: Move to a warmer spot; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; ensure soil doesn’t stay wet.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; soil dries out faster, increasing water needs.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently; ensure good ventilation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Spathiphyllum floribundum can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's overall health and photosynthetic efficiency.

Wilting in Spathiphyllum floribundum is often a sign of water stress, either due to underwatering or root rot caused by overwatering, impacting the plant's ability to transport water and nutrients.

Leaf spots on Spathiphyllum floribundum can be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, reducing the plant's photosynthetic capacity and potentially leading to leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root rot, is a common issue in Spathiphyllum floribundum when grown in poorly drained soil or overwatered conditions, leading to decay of roots and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are susceptible to the toxic effects of Spathiphyllum floribundum, particularly due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion can cause severe irritation and inflammation of the mouth and digestive tract.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting excessive drooling difficulty swallowing pawing at mouth depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure the plant is inaccessible to cats. Seek veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Spathiphyllum floribundum can lead to irritation of the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract due to calcium oxalate crystals. This can result in significant discomfort and potential health issues.

⚠️ Symptoms:
drooling pawing at mouth vomiting difficulty swallowing lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant away from pets. If ingestion occurs, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Spathiphyllum floribundum contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling upon ingestion. The physiological impact includes mechanical irritation of the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract.

⚠️ Symptoms:
mouth pain difficulty swallowing nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. Wash hands after handling the plant.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Spathiphyllum floribundum toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water my Peace Lily?

A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week.

Q: Does the Peace Lily need direct sunlight?

A: No, it thrives in low to medium indirect light.

Quick Reference
Family: Araceae
Care: easy
Light: low to medium indirect light
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","indoor plant lovers","fragrance lovers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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