The peace lily, Spathiphyllum, is a tropical houseplant celebrated for its deep green, glossy foliage and distinctive white, sail-like blooms. These plants are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, where they thrive on the forest floor in warm, shaded conditions. The “flower” is actually an inflorescence composed of a spike of tiny flowers, called the spadix, which is partially enclosed by a modified leaf bract known as the spathe. The Spathiphyllum genus contains numerous species and, more commonly sold, dozens of cultivated varieties that offer a surprising range of sizes and leaf textures.
Defining Spathiphyllum Varieties
The term Spathiphyllum refers to the genus, which includes approximately 60 species of these evergreen perennial plants. Peace lilies available for purchase are nearly always hybrid cultivars, specifically bred for desirable traits like flower size or compact growth habit. The most noticeable difference among these commercially available plants is their overall size and growth pattern. Growers categorize them generally into dwarf, medium, and giant types to help consumers select an appropriate plant. Many modern cultivars are complex hybrids, meaning they combine the traits of different species to create plants with unique features, such as enhanced resilience or variegated leaves.
The Large and Dramatic Cultivars
Large cultivars of peace lilies are ideal floor plants for filling significant spaces. These varieties are often called “statement plants” because they can easily reach heights of three feet or more when mature. These larger types require more space and tend to have significantly bigger leaves and spathes compared to the common desktop variety.
‘Sensation’
One of the most impressive large cultivars is ‘Sensation’, which holds the title for being the largest variety commercially available. This plant can easily grow to a height of four to six feet, with a similar spread. The leaves of ‘Sensation’ are a deep, dark green and are notably wide and deeply ribbed, giving them a distinctly textured and tropical appearance. Its white spathes are also massive, emerging on long stalks above the impressive foliage canopy.
‘Mauna Loa’
Another large variety is ‘Mauna Loa’, or often ‘Mauna Loa Supreme’, a classic cultivar known for its prolific flowering. This variety typically reaches a height of three to four feet and is prized for its large, pure white spathes that can be up to 12 inches long. The ‘Mauna Loa’ boasts broad, glossy leaves that create a dense, lush plant ideal for use as a focal point in a room.
The Compact and Common Types
In contrast to the giants, compact peace lilies are the types most frequently encountered in garden centers, typically sold in four- to six-inch diameter pots. These varieties rarely exceed 18 inches in height, making them suitable for desktops, shelves, and smaller living spaces. The parent species for many of these smaller types is Spathiphyllum wallisii, a naturally dwarf species that typically grows to about 12 inches.
Dwarf Hybrids
Specific compact hybrids include ‘Petite’ or ‘Power Petite’, which are bred to be even smaller, often maturing at just 8 to 15 inches tall. These miniature versions maintain the classic dark green foliage and white spathes on a much smaller scale, making them perfect for low-light office environments. Another common type is ‘Tasson’, known for its dense foliage and reliable flowering, which has a bushy growth habit.
Variegated Varieties
Within this size range, varieties like ‘Domino’ feature unique leaf characteristics. This medium-sized cultivar stands out due to its striking variegated foliage, which displays splashes and streaks of white or cream against the dark green background. The ‘Domino’ requires slightly brighter indirect light than the solid-green types to maintain the vibrant white color in its leaves. All of these common types provide the elegant, white-flowered display that has made the peace lily a staple of indoor gardening.