The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a widely cultivated, shade-loving houseplant known for its elegant, tropical appearance. This perennial herb belongs to the Araceae family, related to plants like philodendrons and anthuriums. Its common name is often attributed to the single, white, flag-like structure that rises above the foliage. Native to tropical regions of the Americas and Southeast Asia, it is primarily grown indoors, valued for its adaptability to low-light environments.
The Distinctive White Blooms
The most defining characteristic of the peace lily is the structure commonly mistaken for a flower, which is technically a specialized leaf known as a spathe. This spathe is a large, modified bract that is typically pure white and forms a distinctive, cupped or hood-like shape. The spathe’s purpose is to draw attention to the actual flowers, which are tiny and densely packed along a central spike called the spadix.
The spadix is a fleshy, cylindrical structure that is usually a creamy white or pale yellowish-green color when the spathe first opens. The true, minute flowers are arranged along this spike, with male pollen-producing flowers toward the top and female fruit-bearing flowers toward the base. As the spathe ages, it gradually transitions from bright white to a pale greenish-white, often remaining visible for a month or more. This entire inflorescence—the spathe and spadix together—is borne on a long, slender stem, holding the structure well above the dark green leaves.
Foliage Characteristics and Growth Form
The peace lily’s foliage provides a striking contrast to the white spathes, featuring a deep, rich green color and a prominent glossy sheen. The leaves are typically large, often growing over a foot long, and are borne on distinct petioles or leaf stalks. They are generally ovate or lanceolate in shape, tapering to a distinct point at the tip.
Leaf texture is often slightly ribbed or rugose, with clearly impressed lateral veins that add to the plant’s lush, tropical look. The plant exhibits a clump-forming growth habit, with all leaves emerging directly from the soil line or from a low-lying rhizome. This characteristic means the peace lily lacks a central stem or trunk, instead creating a dense rosette of foliage. A typical indoor specimen of a standard variety usually reaches a height and spread between one and three feet.
Identifying Common Cultivar Differences
The overall look of a peace lily can vary significantly depending on the specific cultivar, ranging from compact desk plants to massive floor specimens. Smaller varieties, such as ‘Wallisii’ or ‘Petite,’ are characterized by a dwarf, compact growth habit, typically maturing at heights of 12 to 18 inches. These smaller types also tend to have more delicate, slightly rippled leaves and smaller spathes.
In contrast, large cultivars like ‘Sensation’ or ‘Mauna Loa’ are cultivated to be dramatic focal points. ‘Sensation’ is one of the largest commercially available varieties, capable of reaching heights of up to six feet, with massive, deeply ribbed leaves that can be over a foot wide. These giant varieties also produce proportionately larger spathes and often require more light to maintain their impressive size. Other differences can include variegated types, such as ‘Domino,’ which feature dark green leaves speckled with white streaks, adding visual variety beyond the typical solid green foliage.