Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are popular houseplants, admired for their elegant, often dark green foliage and distinctive white, flag-like blooms called spathes. These plants bring a serene, tropical ambiance to indoor spaces and are recognized for their air-purifying qualities. Two cultivars, ‘Jet Diamond’ and ‘Domino’, frequently capture attention, each offering unique visual appeal. This article explores their specific characteristics to help discern their differences and similarities.
Jet Diamond Peace Lily: Unique Characteristics
The ‘Jet Diamond’ peace lily distinguishes itself with exceptionally deep, dark green, glossy leaves, often appearing almost black. It typically lacks variegation, presenting a uniform, solid leaf color that contributes to its sleek aesthetic.
This cultivar generally maintains a compact to medium size, making it suitable for various indoor settings. It develops an upright and dense growth habit, forming a full, lush mound of dark leaves. Its classic white spathes stand out prominently against the dark foliage, creating a striking contrast.
Domino Peace Lily: Unique Characteristics
The ‘Domino’ peace lily is celebrated for its distinctive variegated foliage. Its green leaves are adorned with prominent white or cream-colored patterns, often appearing as speckles, streaks, or marbled sections. This variegation creates a unique “domino” effect, with each leaf displaying its own individual pattern.
This cultivar can grow to a medium to large size, potentially reaching heights and widths of about 24-36 inches. Its growth habit tends to be more sprawling or bushy compared to some other peace lilies, due to its larger leaf size and overall spread. ‘Domino’ produces the recognizable white spathes that emerge gracefully above the foliage.
Direct Comparison: Jet Diamond vs. Domino
The most apparent distinction between ‘Jet Diamond’ and ‘Domino’ peace lilies lies in their foliage. ‘Jet Diamond’ features deep, uniform, dark green, glossy leaves, presenting a sleek aesthetic. In contrast, ‘Domino’ showcases a striking variegated pattern of white or cream splashes and speckles against its green leaves, offering a more dynamic visual appeal. This difference in foliage makes each cultivar suitable for varying design preferences, with ‘Jet Diamond’ providing a bold, monochromatic statement and ‘Domino’ adding textural interest with its unique patterns.
Regarding size and growth habit, ‘Jet Diamond’ typically remains more compact, reaching around 24 inches in height and width, and tends to have a denser, more upright form. ‘Domino’ can grow larger, often reaching 24-36 inches, and may exhibit a broader, more bushy spread. These size differences allow ‘Jet Diamond’ to fit well in smaller spaces, while ‘Domino’ can become a more substantial focal point in a room.
A subtle but important difference relates to their light requirements due to variegation. ‘Domino’ peace lilies, with their variegated leaves, are more sensitive to direct sunlight, which can scorch lighter areas. Both varieties prefer bright, indirect light. ‘Jet Diamond’s’ dark, non-variegated leaves might tolerate slightly lower light conditions without losing color intensity, though brighter light is generally beneficial for both to encourage flowering.
Common Care for Both Cultivars
Both ‘Jet Diamond’ and ‘Domino’ peace lilies share fundamental care requirements. They thrive in bright, indirect light, and direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent leaf burn. An east-facing window or a spot with filtered light is often ideal.
Consistent moisture in the soil is important, but neither cultivar tolerates waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain. Peace lilies appreciate higher humidity levels, so misting or placing the plant on a pebble tray can be beneficial, especially in drier indoor environments.
Average room temperatures, typically between 65-80°F (18-27°C), are suitable. They prefer a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture. During the active growing season (spring through summer), a diluted liquid fertilizer applied every 4-6 weeks can support healthy growth and blooming.
Which Peace Lily Is Right For You?
Choosing between the ‘Jet Diamond’ and ‘Domino’ peace lily ultimately depends on individual aesthetic preferences and the specific environment you wish to enhance. Both cultivars are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable choices for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
If you are drawn to a sleek, modern look with deep, uniform coloration, the ‘Jet Diamond’ with its dark, glossy leaves might be the ideal selection. For those who prefer a more dynamic and unique visual, the ‘Domino’ peace lily, with its variegated patterns, offers an artistic flair. Consider the available space: ‘Jet Diamond’ is typically more compact, while ‘Domino’ can achieve a larger, bushier presence.