Peace Lily
spathiphyllum wallisii
Also known as: ["White Sail Plant","Candle Arum"]
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 wallisii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a shaded or dimly lit room
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"11–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; retains some moisture but does not stay soggy.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining potting mix with organic matter like peat moss or compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or when dead leaves accumulate.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary for health or space.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates lower light but may grow slower and produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to brighter light gradually to prevent leaf burn; avoid direct sunlight; place in a spot with filtered light or a few feet from a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
low to medium indirect light
Rotate plant monthly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant dry out completely; ensure good drainage.
Soil
moist, well-draining potting mix with organic matter
pH: Acidic to slightly acidic, pH 5.8–6.5.
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; check moisture before watering.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); thrives in warm, stable conditions; sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Avoid placing near air vents; maintain stable temperatures; protect from sudden cold or heat spikes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Always water before fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to remove salt buildup; apply in early morning or late evening.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes during repotting; occasionally stem cuttings can be used but are less reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate healthy rhizomes with roots.
- Plant in new pots with fresh soil.
- Water lightly and place in indirect light.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Hormone
Not necessary for division; rooting hormone can be used for stem cuttings but is optional.
Timeline
Rhizome division establishes quickly; stem cuttings may take 4–6 weeks to root.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or shears, pots, fresh potting mix, rooting hormone (optional).
Quick Tips
Ensure each division has roots and leaves; keep soil consistently moist; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems just above a leaf node or where they emerge from the rhizome; remove entire yellow leaves at the base.
Pruning Plan
Remove yellow or dead leaves to maintain appearance and health; prune to control size and encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead or yellowing leaves; cut just above nodes; dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and flowering.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage; gently remove plant; trim roots if needed; add fresh soil; water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water thoroughly; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution; focus on the root zone; allow excess water to drain away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate peat moss for moisture retention; use a balanced potting mix.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, bud drop, or leaf browning in extreme cases.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage or death if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move plant away from cold drafts; provide a warm, stable environment; use a space heater if necessary.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or drying out if exposed to excessive heat or dry air.
Solution: Increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier; provide shade during peak heat; ensure adequate watering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; reduce or stop in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are particularly sensitive to the calcium oxalate crystals in Spathiphyllum wallisii. Ingestion can cause severe oral and esophageal irritation, potentially leading to respiratory distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Spathiphyllum wallisii can lead to oral and gastrointestinal irritation due to calcium oxalate crystals. The plant can cause significant discomfort and may necessitate veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicSpathiphyllum wallisii contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling upon ingestion. The crystals can penetrate mucous membranes, leading to discomfort and potential airway obstruction in severe cases.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Peace Lily toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water a 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 |
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