Garden Plants

07.31.2510 min

The Peace Lily Plant: Indoor Growing & Troubleshooting Tips

author photoAlexander Thompson
The Peace Lily Plant: Indoor Growing & Troubleshooting Tips

A garden is a place to be cherished, not to get exhausted by or displeased. Sometimes, it only needs the final touch of elegance to become a genuine sanctuary of nature and its beauty. Nevertheless, the selection of the most popular plants may fall short of filling the void – not physically, but aesthetically. 

The pristine white rosettes on the slender stalks – what plant could be even more delicate, exquisite, and graceful than a peace lily itself? There are numerous stereotypes and misconceptions associated with this floral creation, yet its real value is as immense as its charm. So, what does it look like? How to care for a peace lily plant? And how to address some of the common problems with the use of a plant ID app

Close-up of glossy peace lily leaves and white spathe

What Is a Peace Lily Indoor Plant?

The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is one of the most gorgeous plants, but despite its name, it is not a true lily (from the family Liliaceae) at all. Instead, it is a genus of tropical, evergreen ornamental plants that belongs to the Araceae family and comprises 40 to 60 species with lanceolate to ovate dark green leaves and well-known white spathes above the foliage. The most prominent representative of the genus, though, is Spathiphyllum wallisi. 

The appearance of all the peace lilies is practically the same, with only slight differences taken into consideration. Characteristically, these plants exhibit glossy, dark green leaves with smooth, entire margins and prominent parallel venation. One of the most distinctive features is the unique inflorescence, composed of a cream or pure white spathe, i.e., a modified leaf around a central spadix, a spike densely packed with minute flowers. 

Although its popularity is spread all over the world, it is initially native to the humid rainforests of Central and South America and parts of Southeast Asia. These days, the market dazzles with numerous indoor options for those who strive to create a tiny garden under the roof, but the peace lily plant meaning may establish a more emotional and symbolic bond than that of a commercial purpose.


The Main Characteristics

Botanical Name

Spathiphyllum spp.

Common Name

Peace Lily

Type

Herbaceous, evergreen perennial

Family

Araceae (Arum family)

Native Regions

Tropical Central & South America, Southeast Asia

Plant Size

12 inches to 6 feet (30 cm to 1.8 m)

Foliage

Glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves

Flowers

White (or yellow-green) spathe with central cream-colored spadix

Blooming Season

Spring to early summer (may bloom year-round indoors under the right conditions)

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets and humans

Growth Habit

Clumping, with rosettes of leaves emerging from a creeping rhizome

Pests/Diseases

Susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, root rot, fungal/bacterial leaf spots


Toxicity and Safety Come First

Beauty may hide dangers trapped deep inside the core. The peace lily indoor plant benefits are indeed fascinating to explore (e.g., their air-purifying qualities, proven by NASA), but its toxicity potential is also worth considering.

A simple answer: both small and large peace lily plants are toxic and may cause problems, for they contain calcium oxalate crystals (raphides), which act as a natural deterrent to herbivores. The consequences may include: 

Children and pets (both cats and dogs) are particularly at risk due to their tendency to chew on attractive objects like plants. Create a safe environment for them not to encounter anything dangerous on their way.

Related article: Beauty Can Kill: A Guide to Toxic Plants You Should Know

Peace Lily Plant Care: Ideal Growing Conditions

Close-up of several blooming peace lilies

Care for peace lily plants should not seem overly complicated, for this type of vegetation is known as resilient, adaptable, and relatively easy to care for. In order to create an environment almost identical to that of its native habitat, let us review certain conditions that may help one maintain a healthy, vibrant garden at home. So, how to take care of a peace lily plant? 

Light

As per nature, the red peace lily plants and the rest grow under the canopy of tropical forests, where they receive filtered sunlight only. This means the following: 

Watering

How often to water a peace lily plant? Peace lily hydration is one of the most critical factors for the health of a garden. There are certain rules to be followed, but all of them still come down to the simple truth: consistency is vital. 

Cluster of large, mature peace lily plants

Temperature

Tropical regions, in general, are known for being relatively warm places without extreme cold and arid, desert-like periods. This is why:

Humidity

As tropical plants, these prefer humid environments, though they are able to adapt to average household humidity levels with some care. The latter is vital!

Soil

A suitable soil should be characterized by proper drainage and nutrient availability, all of which support healthy development and overall growth.

Peace lilies during the repotting process.

Feeding & Fertilizing

Incorporating the right plant food for peace lily is a part of the journey that should not be neglected, for this is what influences its lush foliage and consistent blooming. 

Quick Guidelines for Effective Feeding:

Common Problems & Solutions

Just like another living being, big and small peace lily plants are not immune to environmental stressors, pests, and cultural care issues. For those who strive to grow such floral creations,  it is vital to get familiar with the most common threats to health and appearance that might not be easy to address. So, how to care for a peace lily plant if it happens to get sick? 

 

Problem

Likely Cause(s)

Solution

Brown leaf tips

Low humidity, tap water chemicals, over-fertilization

Use filtered/distilled water, increase humidity, reduce fertilizer strength

Peace lily turning yellow

Overwatering, poor drainage, nutrient deficiency

Check soil moisture, improve drainage, apply balanced fertilizer

Wilting

Underwatering or overwatering (root rot)

Adjust watering schedule; inspect roots and repot if needed

No peace lily flowers

Insufficient light, excess nitrogen

Move to a brighter spot, use bloom-boosting fertilizer

Pests (e.g., mites)

Poor air circulation, dusty foliage, nearby infested plants

Wipe leaves, isolate plant, use insecticidal soap or neem oil

Fungal/bacterial spots

High humidity, poor air flow, overhead watering

Remove affected leaves, increase air circulation, avoid wetting foliage

 

But how can you be certain about what is affecting your plant? The solution is rather obvious – the AI Plant Finder digital assistant. The app offers dozens of helpful features, including advanced Diagnosis by Photo to identify diseases and provide possible treatment plans and prevention tips. 

Enjoy plant ID, a vast 300,000+ species database, personalized care reminders, water calculator, light meter, and more – all under the same digital roof!

The peace lily is a symbol of prosperity – let it inspire your garden to flourish and expand with renewed vigor and grace.

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