The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a tropical houseplant known for its glossy, dark green leaves and white, spoon-shaped spathes. While the plant is usually propagated easily through root division, growing it from seed is a more involved process. This method requires specific timing and attention to detail, starting with manually assisting the plant’s reproductive cycle. Successfully harvesting and germinating seeds allows enthusiasts to experience the complete life cycle of this popular indoor specimen.
Manual Pollination: The Necessary Precursor
Indoor Peace Lilies rarely self-pollinate because their male and female parts mature at different times. The true flowers are minute structures located on the central spike, called the spadix, which is encased by the white spathe. The female stage occurs first, lasting four to five days, when the stigmatic surfaces on the spadix appear wet or sticky.
After the female stage, the male stage begins, lasting four to six days, during which the spadix dries and releases fine, powdery pollen. To pollinate, collect this dry pollen from a male-phase spadix using a small brush or cotton swab. Gently dust the collected pollen onto a different spadix that is currently in its receptive, wet, female stage. This artificial transfer is necessary to initiate seed development indoors.
Identifying and Timing the Seed Pods
Successful pollination triggers a transformation in the spadix, where the seeds are embedded. After several weeks, the green spadix will swell, and the surrounding white spathe often turns green. The seed structure must be allowed to fully mature on the plant to ensure seed viability.
The proper cue for harvest is when the spadix begins to dry out and change color, typically turning brown or black. Harvesting too soon, while the structure is still firm and green, yields immature and non-viable seeds. The process from pollination to full maturity can take several months, requiring observation of the drying and color change before proceeding.
Step-by-Step Seed Harvesting
When the spadix has dried completely and turned dark, use clean, sharp scissors or a knife to cut the entire spike from the plant stem. The seeds are contained within the fleshy, dried material of the spadix, often encased in a sticky residue. Carefully slice the spadix lengthwise to expose the seeds nestled within the tissue.
Extract the seeds by gently scraping them out with a sterilized knife tip or small tweezers. This sticky pulp must be removed before planting or storage to prevent fungal growth. Spread the collected seeds on a paper towel and allow them to air-dry completely for several days in a cool, dry location. Thorough drying prevents mold and prepares them for planting or storage.
Immediate Germination Requirements
Peace Lily seeds should be planted as quickly as possible after they have been cleaned and dried. Use a sterile, fine-textured seed-starting mix, often containing peat moss and perlite for good drainage. Fill a planting tray or small container with this mix and moisten it thoroughly before sowing.
The seeds require light to germinate, so they should be surface-sown or planted extremely shallowly, no more than an eighth of an inch deep. Successful germination relies on maintaining a consistently warm environment, ideally between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. High humidity is also beneficial, achieved by placing a clear plastic dome or plastic wrap over the container to trap moisture.