Plant Care Guide: Spathiphyllum 'Sensation' (Peace Lily)
Peace Lily Overview:
The Peace lily, Spathiphyllum is a popular choice as an indoor plant. Not only does it have glossy, green leaves, but striking white spathes that resemble flowers. This particular variety of peace lily is a cultivar, the ‘Sensation’ is known for being the largest leaved member of the spathiphyllum family with deep ribs formed in the leaves creating a sculptural quality. The peace lily is also known for air purification by removing VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) from the air inside the home.
How to Care for a Peace Lily:
Light Requirements:
Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light, place your peace lily in a position where it can access filtered sunlight. Keep away from direct sunlight as this will scorch the leaves. While peace lilies can thrive in lower light, their growth and flowering may be affected. If you’re more interested in foliage, this can be a great option for a low-light area.
Watering:
When it comes to the peace lily, they can be rather dramatic when they are thirsty, with all their leaves suddenly drooping. To avoid this happening a regular watering schedule is needed. Water the plant when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Humidity:
Peace lilies thrive in high-humidity environments. Mist around the leaves occasionally or place a tray of pebbles with water beneath the plant to increase humidity levels. Be mindful of drafts and avoid placing your peace lily near air-conditioning vents or heaters, as these can cause dryness.
Temperature:
Peace lilies prefer temperatures between 18°C - 27°C. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperature fluctuations or cold drafts.
Fertilization:
Feed your peace lily every 6-8 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Follow the instructions on the fertiliser packaging for proper application. We sell an organic pure seaweed extract that when diluted is a great feed for plants including Spathiphyllum.
How to Repot a Peace Lily:
When to Repot:
Peace lilies generally need repotting every 1-2 years, or when their roots become crowded and start circling the base of the pot, or growing out of the drainage holes. Spring is the best time to repot, as the plant is actively growing, try to avoid repotting plants in winter.
Selecting the Right Pot:
Choose a pot that is one or two sizes larger (this refers to the diameter of the plant pot, normally measured in centimetres, the pot size would therefore be around 1-2 cm wider) than the current one, ensuring it has drainage holes at the bottom. This allows excess water to escape, preventing waterlogged soil. You can always place your nursery pot in a decorative pot if you want to retain drainage but hide the plastic.
Repotting Process:
Carefully remove the peace lily from its current pot, gently loosening the root ball. Place it in the new pot and add fresh, well-draining potting mix around the roots. Gently press the soil to ensure the roots are bedded in. Avoid pressing too hard on the soil as this can cause it to compact. Water the plant thoroughly after repotting.
How to Propagate a Peace Lily:
Division Method:
To propagate your peace lily, divide it during repotting. Carefully separate the plant into smaller clumps, ensuring each division has roots and a few leaves. Plant these divisions in separate pots with fresh potting mix. Provide the same care as you would for a mature peace lily.
Water Propagation:
Another method is to propagate peace lilies in water. Select a healthy stem with a few leaves and place it in a water-filled jar. Keep it in a bright location, changing the water regularly. Once roots develop, transfer the cutting to a pot with soil.
Remember, patience is key when propagating peace lilies. It may take some time for new growth to appear.
Extra Peace Lily Care Tips & FAQs:
Best Soil for a Peace Lily:
Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix for your peace lily. The mix should retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain freely. Avoid heavy soils that can lead to waterlogging.
Type of Sunlight Peace Lilies Like:
Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light. They can tolerate lower light conditions, but their growth and flowering may be reduced. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
Are Peace Lilies Poisonous?
Yes, peace lilies are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Keep them out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental consumption. If ingested, seek medical attention immediately.
Why Is My Peace Lily Not Flowering?
A lack of flowering in peace lilies can be due to insufficient light, improper watering, or inadequate fertilization. Ensure your plant receives bright, indirect light, water it appropriately, and provide regular fertilization during the growing season.
How to Get a Peace Lily to Flower:
To encourage flowering in your peace lily, ensure it receives adequate indirect light. Maintain a consistent watering schedule, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Additionally, feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to provide the necessary nutrients.
Why Is My Peace Lily Drooping?
Drooping peace lily leaves are often a sign of underwatering or overwatering. Check the moisture level in the soil and adjust your watering routine accordingly. Ensure the pot has proper drainage and that you are not letting the plant sit in water for extended periods.
How Do You Revive a Droopy Peace Lily?
If your peace lily is drooping due to underwatering, water it thoroughly and ensure the soil is moist. If overwatering is the issue, allow the plant to dry out slightly before watering again. Trimming any severely wilted leaves can also help the plant recover.
How to Care for a Peace Lily That Is Dying:
If your peace lily is in a severe state of decline, evaluate its care conditions. Check for signs of pests, adjust lighting conditions, review watering practices, and ensure proper humidity levels. Consider repotting if necessary and trim any dead or damaged foliage. If the plant doesn't show signs of improvement, it may be irreversibly damaged.
Why Are My Peace Lily Leaves Turning Yellow?
Yellowing leaves in peace lilies can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, excessive direct sunlight, or nutrient deficiencies. Evaluate your watering routine, adjust light exposure, and ensure the plant is adequately fertilized. Trim any yellow leaves to maintain plant aesthetics and redirect resources to healthier growth.
How to Treat Yellow Leaves on a Peace Lily:
To treat yellow leaves, review your watering practices and ensure you are not overwatering or underwatering. Adjust the light exposure, moving the plant to a location with filtered sunlight. Regularly fertilize with a balanced fertilizer to ensure the plant receives essential nutrients.
Why Are My Peace Lily Leaves Turning Brown?
Browning leaf tips in peace lilies are typically caused by dry air, direct sunlight, or improper watering. Increase humidity levels by misting the leaves or using a humidifier. Move the plant to a spot with indirect light. Adjust your watering routine, ensuring the plant is neither overwatered nor underwatered.
How to Treat Brown Tips on Peace Lily:
To treat brown tips, increase humidity levels around the plant by misting or using a humidifier. Ensure the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause leaf scorching. Adjust watering practices, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Trimming brown tips can also improve the plant's appearance.
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A: Peace lilies are primarily indoor plants, but they can thrive outdoors in warm and humid climates. However, they are sensitive to temperature extremes and direct sunlight, so it's best to provide them with a shaded and protected outdoor spot.
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A: Peace lilies typically bloom in spring and summer, although they can occasionally produce flowers throughout the year under ideal conditions. The exact flowering time may vary depending on factors such as light, temperature, and overall plant health.
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A: With proper care, peace lilies can live for several years. On average, they can thrive for 5 to 10 years or even longer. Regular maintenance, such as repotting, fertilizing, and providing optimal growing conditions, can contribute to their longevity.
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A: Peace lily flowers can last for several weeks, typically around 4 to 6 weeks. However, the exact duration may vary depending on various factors, including environmental conditions, overall plant health, and the specific cultivar of the peace lily.
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A: It's generally best to avoid repotting a peace lily while it's in bloom. Repotting can cause stress to the plant, potentially leading to flower loss. It's advisable to wait until after the flowering period to re-pot your peace lily for better chances of a successful transition.
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A: Yes, peace lilies can be grown in water, and it's a popular method for propagating them. However, to sustain long-term growth, it's recommended to eventually transfer them to a pot with well-draining soil, as water culture alone may not provide all the necessary nutrients.
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A: During summer, when the weather is warmer and the plant is actively growing, you'll likely need to water your peace lily more frequently. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, usually around once or twice a week. Adjust the frequency based on the specific conditions of your environment.
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A: In winter, when peace lilies experience slower growth, you should reduce watering. Allow the soil to dry out a bit more between waterings. Check the moisture level by feeling the top inch of soil, and water only when it feels dry. Typically, watering every 1-2 weeks is sufficient during this season.
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A: While it's not necessary to completely cut back a peace lily, you can trim back any yellowed or damaged leaves at the base of the plant. Regular pruning helps to maintain its appearance and redirect the plant's energy towards healthy growth.
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A: Yes, you can trim off brown or faded peace lily flowers to improve the plant's aesthetics. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears and cut the flower stalk near the base of the plant. Removing spent flowers can also redirect the plant's energy towards new growth.
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A: Yes, a droopy peace lily can recover with proper care. Determine the cause of the drooping, which is usually underwatering or overwatering, and adjust your watering routine accordingly. Trim any severely wilted leaves and provide the plant with adequate light and humidity to aid in its recovery.
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A: Yes, peace lilies are toxic to cats if ingested. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation, swelling, and discomfort when consumed. Keep peace lilies out of the reach of cats and seek veterinary attention if ingestion occurs.
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A: Yes, peace lilies are also toxic to dogs. The same calcium oxalate crystals found in peace lilies can cause similar symptoms in dogs if ingested. It's essential to prevent dogs from chewing or consuming any part of the peace lily plant and consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
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A: The entire peace lily plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to humans and pets. The highest concentration of these crystals is found in the leaves, but other parts, including the stem and flowers, also contain them. It's crucial to handle peace lilies with care and keep them away from curious mouths.
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A: Green peace lily flowers can occur when the plant is receiving insufficient light. Lack of adequate light can prevent the flowers from fully developing their characteristic white colouration. Try moving the plant to a brighter location with indirect light to encourage whiter blooms.
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A: Browning of peace lily flowers can be a natural part of their life cycle. As the flowers age and fade, they may turn brown. Trim off the brown flowers to maintain the plant's appearance and direct its energy towards new growth and potential future blooms.
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A: Several factors can contribute to a lack of flowering in peace lilies. Insufficient light, improper watering, and inadequate fertilization are common causes. Ensure your plant receives adequate indirect light, follows a consistent watering schedule, and is provided regular fertilization during the growing season to encourage flowering.
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A: To encourage your peace lily to flower again, ensure it receives sufficient bright, indirect light. Maintain a consistent watering schedule, allowing the soil to slightly dry between waterings. Regularly fertilize during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. With proper care, your peace lily should produce new blooms.
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A: Yes, peace lilies appreciate high humidity levels. They thrive in environments with increased humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens. You can increase humidity by misting the leaves, placing a tray of water nearby, or using a humidifier.
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A: The size of a peace lily can vary depending on the specific cultivar and growing conditions. On average, peace lilies reach a height of 1 to 4 feet (30-120 cm), with a spread of 1 to 3 feet (30-90 cm). Some varieties may stay smaller, while others can grow larger under optimal conditions.
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A: Yes, peace lilies are susceptible to overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other issues. It's essential to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent waterlogged conditions. Check the moisture level by feeling the top inch of soil before deciding to water.
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A: Reviving a dead peace lily can be challenging, especially if the plant has severely withered or rotted roots. However, you can try trimming away any dead or damaged parts, repotting in fresh soil, and adjusting your care routine. Keep the plant in a well-lit area and provide adequate water and humidity. While there's no guarantee of success, these steps may give your peace lily a chance to recover. If the plant doesn't show signs of improvement after some time, it may be too damaged to revive, and you may need to consider replacing it.
