Spathiphyllum (peace Lily)

Spathiphyllum is a genus of about 47 species of monocotyledonous flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to tropical regions of the Americas and southeastern Asia. Certain species of Spathiphyllum are commonly known as spath or peace lilies. With the graceful common name “peace lily”, Spathiphyllum is an easy care, low light houseplant. It also removes many toxins from indoor air including formaldehyde and ammonia. CARE AND NURTURE

Temperature: Regular house temperatures to slightly on the warm side. Avoid hot or cold drafts.

Light: While Spathiphyllum will tolerate very low light, without some brightness from a window or a lamp, they are unlikely to bloom much, if at all. They can tolerate anything except direct, and bloom more the more light they receive.

Water: Ideally, keep the soil evenly moist (not wet!) Otherwise water thoroughly when the soil just becomes dry but do not let the plant sit in water. Avoid allowing the plant to wilt (although Spathiphyllum will recover amazingly from wilting very badly, you’re likely to see a lot of yellow leaves as a consequence if it happens too often.) Like low light, Spathiphyllum will survive low water levels, but will never thrive as well as when proper watering is followed.

Once in a while, put the plant in the shower and water the leaves to wash off any accumulated dust.

Fertilizer: Not a heavy feeder-fertilize with dilute (1/2 strength) fertilizer monthly when the plant is growing or blooming-usually in spring & summer.

Repotting: Spathiphyllum tends to bloom better when slightly pot-bound. Repot when it’s difficult to keep the plant watered enough.

Problems: Plant never flowers-check that the plant is receiving enough light, water, and occasional fertilizer, and is slightly root bound in the pot.

Plant is constantly droopy-If it doesn’t perk back up after being watered, it may have a root disease from being over-watered. Repot in fresh soil and a clean new pot, removing all black/damaged roots. Be careful with watering after repotting.

Leaf tips are brown-Most commonly from being over- or under-watered, less commonly from over-fertilizing. Don’t use too much fertilizer, and don’t fertilize in winter.