The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular houseplant known for its glossy green leaves and distinctive white spathes. Propagation is a common way to expand a collection or rejuvenate a mature, root-bound specimen. Unlike many other houseplants, the Peace Lily cannot be reliably propagated from simple stem or leaf cuttings because it lacks the necessary root-producing nodes. The most successful method involves dividing the plant’s rhizome structure, followed by rooting the new division in water before planting it in soil.
Preparing the Division
The Peace Lily naturally grows in clumps, with each clump forming its own root system and foliage from a central crown or rhizome. Propagation begins by carefully removing the mature plant from its pot; watering the plant the day before helps hydrate the roots. Gently lay the plant on its side and loosen the soil surrounding the root ball, either by hand or by rinsing the roots with water. This allows you to clearly see the natural divisions in the root mass and identify sections to separate.
Each section selected for propagation must include its own established roots and at least two or three healthy leaves to ensure independent survival. Use a sharp, sterilized knife or shears to cut the identified clumps apart, ensuring a clean separation of the rhizomes. Sterilizing the tools with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution prevents the transfer of fungal or bacterial diseases to the freshly cut plant tissue.
Creating the Water Environment
Once separated, the roots must be thoroughly washed to remove all traces of soil and debris before being placed in water. A clean, clear container, such as a glass jar or vase, is suitable for the rooting process, allowing easy monitoring of root growth and water clarity. The container should be narrow enough to hold the division’s crown slightly above the water line. This prevents the base of the leaves and stems from being submerged and rotting.
The quality of the water is important for successful rooting in this hydroponic setup. Distilled water, filtered water, or collected rainwater is preferable, as tap water often contains chlorine or fluoride that can harm the sensitive roots. If using tap water, letting it sit out for 24 hours allows chlorine to dissipate. The water should be changed every seven to ten days to maintain freshness and oxygenation, which discourages bacterial growth and prevents stagnation.
The rooting environment should be placed in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Direct sun exposure can scorch the leaves and cause the water temperature to rise rapidly. Peace lilies thrive in warm conditions, with an ideal temperature range for root development between 68 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Since water lacks the nutrients found in soil, a few drops of a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to a quarter strength, can be added once a month to support new growth.
Root Development and Soil Transition
Patience is necessary during the water rooting stage, as it typically takes several weeks for the division to establish a robust root system. The visual cue signaling readiness for planting is the length of the new, white roots. Once the new roots have grown to about one to two inches long, the division is prepared for the transition to soil. Water-grown roots are structurally different from soil-grown roots and need sufficient length to quickly adapt to the new medium.
The new plant should be potted in a container only slightly larger than the root ball, perhaps one to two inches wider in diameter, as Peace Lilies prefer to be somewhat root-bound. A well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter is recommended to mimic the plant’s native tropical environment. Plant the division at the same depth it was previously growing. Ensure the base of the stems is not buried too deep, which can lead to moisture collection and rot.
To minimize the shock of moving from water to soil, the newly potted division requires consistently moist soil for the first few weeks. Water the plant thoroughly immediately after planting, allowing the excess to drain out. Continue to keep the soil evenly moist while the roots acclimate. Placing the pot in a location with bright, indirect light encourages healthy root establishment and new foliage growth.