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Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum wallisii ยท Araceae

Also known as: Spath, White Sails, Closet Plant

Peace Lilies are elegant flowering houseplants known for their glossy dark green leaves and striking white spathes (modified leaves that look like flowers). They are one of the few flowering plants that bloom reliably indoors with minimal effort.

Native toTropical Americas (Colombia, Venezuela)

Care Guide

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Light

Low to medium indirect light. One of the best flowering plants for low-light spaces. Direct sun will scorch the leaves. If it stops blooming, try moving it to a spot with slightly more light.

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Water

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil dries out โ€” typically every 5โ€“7 days. The plant will dramatically droop when thirsty (it bounces back within hours of watering).

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Humidity

50%+ preferred. Brown leaf tips are the classic sign of low humidity. Group with other plants or use a humidifier.

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Temperature

65โ€“80ยฐF (18โ€“27ยฐC). Sensitive to cold drafts. Keep above 55ยฐF at all times.

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Soil

Rich, well-draining potting mix with peat moss. Likes slightly acidic soil (pH 5.8โ€“6.5).

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Fertilizer

Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during spring/summer. Over-fertilizing causes brown leaf tips and reduces blooming.

โš ๏ธ Toxicity

Toxic to cats and dogs. Contains calcium oxalate crystals causing oral irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing. Note: Despite the name, Peace Lilies are NOT true lilies and are not as toxic as Lilium species.

โœ‚๏ธ Propagation

Division during repotting. Separate clumps ensuring each division has roots and several leaves. Cannot reliably propagate from leaf cuttings.

Common Problems

Drooping โ†’ needs water (most common, bounces back fast)

Brown tips โ†’ low humidity or over-fertilizing

Yellow leaves โ†’ overwatering or too much direct sun

No flowers โ†’ insufficient light or needs fertilizer

Black leaves โ†’ cold damage or severe overwatering

๐ŸŒฑ Fun Fact

Peace Lilies were part of NASA's Clean Air Study and were found to remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, and xylene from indoor air โ€” one of the best air-purifying plants tested.