The plant commonly referred to as “spotal” is actually the Peace Lily, scientifically known as Spathiphyllum. This elegant houseplant is popular due to its striking appearance, featuring glossy green leaves and distinctive white, hood-like flowers. Beyond its beauty, the Peace Lily is also recognized for its ability to help purify indoor air. Its ease of care makes it a suitable choice for both experienced plant enthusiasts and those new to gardening.
Essential Peace Lily Care
Peace Lilies thrive in bright, indirect light. Direct sun exposure can scorch their leaves, so a location such as a north or east-facing window is ideal. While they can tolerate lower light conditions, consistent blooming is more likely with sufficient indirect light.
Watering is important for a healthy Peace Lily; the soil should be kept consistently moist but never soggy. Allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings is a good practice. Wilting leaves often signal thirst, but prolonged dryness can cause brown leaf tips. Overwatering, on the other hand, can lead to root rot.
A well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter is beneficial for Peace Lilies. These tropical plants prefer temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18-27 degrees Celsius) and appreciate high humidity. Placing them in a humid room like a bathroom or using a pebble tray can help maintain humidity.
During the spring and summer growing seasons, Peace Lilies can benefit from occasional fertilization. Using a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength every 6-8 weeks is sufficient. Over-fertilization can lead to leaf burn and is more harmful than under-fertilization, as these plants are not heavy feeders.
Troubleshooting Common Peace Lily Problems
Yellowing leaves on a Peace Lily can indicate various issues, including both overwatering and underwatering. If the soil is consistently too wet, roots can suffer, leading to yellow foliage. Conversely, allowing the soil to dry out completely for extended periods can also cause leaves to yellow and wilt. Nutrient deficiencies or even natural aging of older leaves can also contribute to yellowing.
Brown leaf tips are a frequent concern, often stemming from low humidity, which dries out the leaf margins. Over-fertilization, which results in a buildup of salts in the soil, can also manifest as brown tips. The presence of fluoride or other chemicals in tap water can also contribute to this issue.
A lack of blooms, or spathes, is commonly linked to insufficient light. While Peace Lilies tolerate low light, they require bright, indirect light to produce their characteristic white flowers. Incorrect watering or fertilizing practices can also hinder flowering. Immature plants do not bloom until they reach a certain level of maturity.
Repotting Your Peace Lily
Repotting becomes necessary when a Peace Lily outgrows its current container, indicated by roots circling the pot or emerging from drainage holes. Stunted growth despite proper care, or the plant wilting more frequently even after watering, also indicates it is root-bound. Peace Lilies prefer to be slightly root-bound, so frequent repotting is not necessary, every 3 to 5 years.
The ideal time to repot is during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing, which helps it recover faster from the process. When repotting, select a new pot that is only 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the previous one, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes. Use fresh, well-draining potting mix, gently remove the plant from its old pot, and place it in the new container, filling around the root ball with soil.