A variegated peace lily, such as the ‘Domino’ cultivar, offers a distinct aesthetic with its striking patterns of light green to white markings against darker green leaves, setting it apart from traditional solid green peace lilies. This unique foliage makes it a popular choice for adding visual interest to indoor spaces. These plants are also known for their attractive white flowers, called spathes, which emerge during the spring and summer growing seasons.
Essential Care for Variegated Peace Lilies
Light Requirements
Maintaining the vibrant variegation of a peace lily depends significantly on providing appropriate light. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light, which encourages the development of their distinct patterns. Placing them near an east-facing window is ideal, offering gentle morning light without harsh afternoon sun that can scorch leaves. While peace lilies can tolerate lower light conditions, insufficient light may cause the variegation to fade or the plant to revert to solid green, as the less chlorophyll-rich variegated areas require more light for photosynthesis.
Watering Practices
Peace lilies prefer consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Water deeply until water drains from the pot’s bottom. Allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings can stress the plant, leading to wilting.
Humidity and Temperature
Variegated peace lilies benefit from high humidity and consistent temperatures. An indoor temperature range between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit is generally suitable. To increase humidity, methods such as using pebble trays, grouping plants together, or employing a small humidifier can be effective. Maintaining sufficient humidity helps prevent common issues like brown leaf tips.
Soil and Fertilizing
An ideal soil mix for variegated peace lilies is well-draining yet retains some moisture. A good quality potting mix with added perlite, orchid bark, or sand enhances aeration and drainage, preventing water from accumulating around the roots. While variegated peace lilies are not heavy feeders, a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to one-quarter or half strength can be applied every six to eight weeks during the active growing season. Over-fertilization can lead to leaf burn and salt buildup.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Fading Variegation
Fading or loss of distinctive leaf patterns is a common concern. This typically occurs when the plant is not receiving enough bright, indirect light, as the variegated sections contain less chlorophyll and require more energy from light. Moving the plant to a brighter location with filtered light can help restore or maintain the variegation in new growth, though existing faded leaves may not regain their color.
Browning Leaf Tips
Browning leaf tips on a peace lily can indicate several environmental issues, with low humidity being a frequent cause. Other factors include over-fertilization, which can lead to salt buildup in the soil, or the presence of chlorine or fluoride in tap water. Both underwatering and overwatering can also manifest as brown tips. Adjusting watering practices, increasing humidity, or using filtered water can help alleviate this problem.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves on a peace lily often signal an imbalance in watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and soggy soil, while underwatering can cause drought stress, both resulting in yellow foliage. Insufficient light or, conversely, too much direct sunlight can also cause leaves to yellow. Additionally, nutrient deficiencies or natural aging of older leaves can contribute to yellowing.
Pest Management
Variegated peace lilies can occasionally be susceptible to common houseplant pests. Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Signs include cottony growths, sticky residue, or small spots on leaves. Early detection is important, and treatment often involves wiping affected areas with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil. Maintaining appropriate humidity levels can also help deter certain pests like spider mites.
Propagation and Repotting
Propagating Your Plant
Propagation is most effective through division. This involves carefully separating a mature plant into smaller clumps, each with its own roots and at least a few leaves. The process usually begins by gently removing the plant from its pot and teasing apart the root ball. Each separated section can then be planted into its own pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
When and How to Repot
Variegated peace lilies generally prefer to be somewhat pot-bound and do not require frequent repotting, perhaps every two to three years. Signs that indicate a need for repotting include roots emerging from drainage holes or the soil surface, or if the plant’s growth appears stunted and the soil seems depleted. Repotting is best done in spring, using a pot that is only one or two inches larger in diameter than the previous one, and filling it with fresh potting mix.
Safety Considerations
All varieties of peace lilies, including variegated types, contain calcium oxalate crystals, making them mildly toxic if ingested. While typically not life-threatening, ingestion can cause irritation of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in both humans and pets. It is advisable to keep these plants out of reach of children and household animals to prevent accidental exposure.