The Peace Lily, or Spathiphyllum, is a favored indoor houseplant known for its glossy, deep-green foliage and distinctive white blooms. These blooms resemble flags or sails, inspiring the affectionate name “Cuna de Moisés,” which translates to “Moses’ Cradle.” Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, the Spathiphyllum thrives on the forest floor. This makes it well-suited to moderate indoor conditions. Its ease of care and tolerance for various lighting conditions make it popular among both novice and experienced plant owners.
Ideal Lighting and Placement
The Spathiphyllum thrives best in bright, indirect light, mimicking the dappled light it receives beneath a jungle canopy. Placing the plant near a north- or east-facing window provides gentle morning light without the harsh intensity of afternoon sun. Direct sun exposure, especially from south or west-facing windows, can scorch the leaves and cause faded, burned patches. While the plant survives in lower light, insufficient light prevents the production of its signature white spathes.
Maintaining a stable temperature between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C) is also important. Keep the plant away from drafts, vents, or heating registers, as cold air below 55°F (13°C) causes stress and damage to the tropical foliage.
Mastering Watering and Humidity
Consistent moisture management is crucial, as the Peace Lily prefers its soil to be lightly moist but never waterlogged. Check the soil by inserting a finger about an inch deep; if it feels dry, water thoroughly until it flows from the drainage holes. Promptly empty the saucer to prevent the roots from sitting in standing water.
The plant exhibits a dramatic droop when thirsty, often called “fainting.” While the plant revives quickly after watering, repeatedly allowing it to wilt stresses the plant and should be avoided. Overwatering is a common issue, as soggy soil suffocates the roots and encourages root rot.
The Spathiphyllum is sensitive to chemicals like fluoride and chlorine often found in tap water. Using distilled, filtered, or rainwater helps prevent the buildup of mineral salts that lead to brown leaf tips. Originating from humid rainforests, the Peace Lily appreciates higher ambient moisture levels, ideally 50% to 60% relative humidity. To increase humidity in a dry home, group the plant with others, use a humidity tray, or employ a small room humidifier.
Soil Composition and Nutritional Needs
Soil Composition
A suitable potting mix balances moisture retention with excellent drainage and aeration. Use a standard houseplant mix enriched with organic materials like peat moss or coco coir. Adding amendments such as perlite or orchid bark improves soil porosity, ensuring roots receive oxygen and preventing waterlogging. Repotting is typically necessary every one to three years when the plant becomes visibly root-bound.
Nutritional Needs
The plant benefits from periodic fertilization during its active growth in spring and summer. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) once a month to support foliage and flower production. Dilute the fertilizer to half the strength indicated on the label to prevent root burn or salt buildup. Halt fertilization completely during the slower growth period of fall and winter.
Diagnosing and Fixing Common Problems
Several common issues indicate a need for care adjustment, starting with brown leaf tips. Browning is often the result of low air humidity, mineral buildup from tap water, or excessive fertilizer salts. To correct this, ensure consistent humidity and flush the soil with distilled water to remove excess salts.
Yellowing leaves point to a watering imbalance. If the soil is wet, the cause is overwatering and potential root rot; if the soil is dry and the plant is wilting, it indicates severe underwatering or a possible nitrogen deficiency in older leaves.
A failure to bloom is traceable to insufficient light, as the plant requires bright, indirect light for flower production. Moving the plant to a brighter location is the primary solution for encouraging new spathes. Pests like spider mites and scale can occasionally infest the foliage; these are managed by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or applying a gentle horticultural soap.