The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular houseplant, known for its elegant white spathes and vibrant green foliage. Native to the forest floors of Central and South America, these tropical, evergreen plants thrive in dappled sunlight and consistent moisture. Their adaptability makes them a favored choice for indoor settings.
Benefits of Hanging Peace Lilies
Hanging peace lilies offer several advantages for indoor spaces. Suspending these plants adds vertical interest, creating an elegant look that softens a room’s design. Their cascading foliage and white blooms enhance decor, providing movement.
Beyond their decorative appeal, hanging peace lilies optimize space. They save valuable floor or shelf area, ideal for smaller rooms, apartments, or offices. Hanging planters also keep the plant out of reach of pets and small children, as all parts of the peace lily contain calcium oxalate and can cause irritation if ingested.
Choosing Your Hanging Setup
Selecting a hanging setup involves considering the planter and mechanism. Planters come in various materials like plastic, ceramic, and resin, with different properties for drainage and weight. Lightweight materials such as plastic or wicker are preferred for easy suspension.
Drainage holes are essential to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Some ceramic planters include a saucer to catch excess water, keeping surfaces clean. The chosen hanging mechanism, such as ceiling hooks or wall brackets, must support the plant’s weight, especially after watering.
Essential Care for Hanging Peace Lilies
Care for a hanging peace lily begins with light exposure. These plants prefer bright, indirect light, like the filtered sunlight of their natural habitat. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves, so place them near an east or north-facing window or diffuse harsh light with sheer curtains.
Watering a hanging peace lily requires attention due to challenges in checking soil moisture and managing runoff. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, ensuring consistent moisture without saturation. Peace lilies communicate thirst by slightly drooping their leaves. To avoid messy runoff, take the plant down to water thoroughly until drainage occurs, or use a watering can with a long, narrow spout.
Peace lilies thrive in high humidity, ideally 50-65%, which can be a challenge indoors. Hanging plants may be exposed to drier air due to increased circulation. Misting leaves a few times a week or placing the plant near a humidifier helps maintain adequate humidity.
Fertilizing promotes growth and blooming. Peace lilies are not heavy feeders; apply a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) at half or quarter strength every 6-8 weeks during the spring and summer growing season. Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn, and reduce or discontinue feeding during fall and winter when growth slows.
Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Hanging Peace Lilies
Regular pruning maintains a hanging peace lily’s health and appearance. Remove yellowing leaves or spent flowers by cutting them close to the plant’s base with sharp, clean shears. Pruning directs energy towards new growth and keeps the plant tidy.
Repotting a hanging peace lily can be more involved than with a standard potted plant. Signs of needing repotting include roots circling the pot, water draining too quickly, or stunted growth. Repot in spring, using a pot one to two inches larger with drainage holes. After repotting, place the plant in indirect light for about a week to recover from transplant shock.
Common issues with hanging peace lilies often stem from their elevated position and environmental factors. Brown tips on leaves indicate faster drying due to increased air circulation, suggesting a need for more consistent watering or humidity. Difficulty spotting pests like mealybugs or scale can occur due to height, so regular, close inspections are important. Yellow leaves signal overwatering or underwatering, while drooping indicates thirst or, less commonly, root rot from excessive moisture.