The ‘Jet Diamond’ Peace Lily is a visually striking houseplant with unique dark foliage and elegant white blooms, offering a distinct aesthetic for indoor plant enthusiasts.
Understanding the Jet Diamond Peace Lily
The ‘Jet Diamond’ Peace Lily, botanically known as Spathiphyllum ‘sp7018’, is a cultivated variety of Spathiphyllum wallisii. It stands out with deep, almost black-green leaves liberally streaked with silvery white, creating a unique variegated appearance. This compact plant can reach approximately 24 inches (60 cm) in height and width, making it suitable for various indoor spaces. When healthy, it produces characteristic pure white spathes, which are modified leaves surrounding a central spadix.
Jet Diamond Peace Lily Care
Caring for the ‘Jet Diamond’ Peace Lily involves providing consistent conditions that mimic its native tropical habitat to ensure vibrant foliage and regular blooms.
Light
The ‘Jet Diamond’ Peace Lily thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. While it can tolerate lower light, brighter spots enhance its variegation and encourage blooming. Placing it near an east or west-facing window, or under artificial plant lights, can provide suitable illumination. Direct afternoon sun should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves and cause irreversible sunburn.
Watering
This plant prefers consistently moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Water when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry to the touch. Although peace lilies wilt when thirsty, they typically recover quickly after watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which suffocates the roots.
Soil
A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is recommended for the ‘Jet Diamond’ Peace Lily. This soil type retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain effectively. Good drainage is essential to prevent water accumulation around the roots, which can lead to root rot.
Humidity and Temperature
Originating from tropical regions, the ‘Jet Diamond’ Peace Lily prefers high humidity and consistent warm temperatures. While it tolerates typical indoor humidity, it thrives with above-average moisture in the air. If your indoor environment is dry, consider increasing humidity by grouping plants, using a pebble tray, or placing a small humidifier nearby. The plant flourishes in temperatures between 60°F and 90°F (18-32°C).
Fertilization
During the active growing season, spring and summer, the ‘Jet Diamond’ Peace Lily benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half or quarter strength, applied every 2-4 weeks is sufficient. Over-fertilizing should be avoided, as it can lead to brown leaf tips or green flowers instead of white spathes.
Maintaining Your Jet Diamond Peace Lily
Beyond routine care, repotting and propagation contribute to the long-term health of your ‘Jet Diamond’ Peace Lily.
Repotting
Repotting is needed when the ‘Jet Diamond’ Peace Lily becomes root-bound, typically every one to two years. Signs include roots growing out of drainage holes or the plant drying out too quickly. Choose a pot only one or two inches larger in diameter than the current one to prevent excess moisture retention. Repotting is best done in the spring, the beginning of the plant’s active growing season.
Propagation
Propagation of the ‘Jet Diamond’ Peace Lily is primarily achieved through division of the rhizomes, often done during repotting. This method involves carefully separating offsets or smaller plant clumps from the main root ball, ensuring each division has its own roots and a few leaves. Due to its patented status, commercial propagation of this cultivar is prohibited without proper licensing. However, for personal use, dividing the plant allows for the creation of new specimens.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Addressing common problems promptly helps maintain the health of your ‘Jet Diamond’ Peace Lily, often by adjusting environmental conditions.
Common issues and their causes include:
Yellowing leaves: Overwatering, underwatering, insufficient light, nutrient deficiencies, or natural aging.
Brown leaf tips: Low humidity, over-fertilization, or water quality.
Drooping leaves: Underwatering or cold shock.
Lack of blooms: Insufficient light or plant immaturity.
Pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and thrips can cause leaf damage and are often managed with gentle cleaning or insecticidal soap.
Safety Considerations
Peace Lilies, including the ‘Jet Diamond’ variety, contain calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested by pets or humans, these crystals can cause irritation, a burning sensation, swelling, and discomfort in the mouth and throat. While typically not life-threatening, keep ‘Jet Diamond’ Peace Lilies out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.