Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum aka Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum is an easy-care houseplant, perfect for beginners. It tolerates low light conditions, recovers quickly from occasional neglect, and dramatically droops when thirsty—providing a clear visual cue that it needs water. The plant is forgiving of imperfect conditions and adapts well to typical indoor environments, making it one of the most low-maintenance tropical houseplants available.

This tropical plant thrives in warm conditions between 18-29°C (65-85°F) during the day, with nighttime temperatures no more than 10 degrees cooler. Avoid placing it near cold drafts or heating vents. Temperatures between 4-16°C (40-60°F) will significantly slow growth, and extended periods below 4°C (40°F) can damage leaves, stems, and roots. Keep away from air conditioning vents and cold windows in winter.

Known as the Giant Peace Lily, Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum is one of the largest species in its genus. It typically reaches 1 meter (3.3 feet) in height with a spread of about 60 cm (2 feet), though exceptional specimens can grow up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall and 1.5 meters wide. The glossy leaves can reach 65 cm long and 25 cm wide—roughly twice the size of common peace lily varieties. Growth rate is moderate under ideal conditions.

Yes, this species produces elegant white inflorescences consisting of a central spadix surrounded by a distinctive spoon-shaped white spathe measuring 10-20 cm long. While often called 'flowers,' these structures are actually modified bracts. The inflorescences can last up to a month and appear most abundantly in spring and summer, though plants may bloom sporadically year-round in optimal conditions with adequate light. The flowers emit a pleasant, mildly spicy to soap-like fragrance, particularly noticeable in the morning.

The flowers emit a pleasant, mildly spicy to soap-like fragrance that is most noticeable during morning hours. This scent evolved to attract pollinators, specifically Trigona and Euglossine bees, in its native Mexican rainforest habitat. The fragrance is subtle and not overwhelming, adding a pleasant sensory dimension to this already attractive houseplant when in bloom.

Division is the only reliable method for propagating peace lilies—they cannot be propagated from leaf or stem cuttings. To divide, remove the plant from its pot, gently shake off excess soil, and use a clean, sharp knife to separate the root ball into sections, ensuring each division has healthy roots and several leaves attached. Spring is the best time to propagate, as vigorous growth helps divisions recover quickly. Newly divided plants may wilt temporarily but should recover within a week or two with proper care.

Peace lilies actually prefer being slightly pot-bound and tend to bloom better in snug conditions. Repot only when the plant becomes difficult to water adequately or when roots are severely crowded. The best time to repot is February or March, just before the active growing season. When repotting, choose a container only slightly larger than the current one. Signs that repotting is needed include roots circling the drainage holes, water running straight through the pot, or extremely rapid drying of the soil.

Regularly wipe the large glossy leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust buildup. This not only improves the plant's appearance but also helps the leaves photosynthesize more efficiently. You can also give the plant an occasional gentle shower with lukewarm water to wash off dust and deter pests. Avoid using commercial leaf shine products as they can clog the leaf pores. For stubborn dust, use a very diluted solution of water with a drop of dish soap, then rinse with clean water.

Peace lilies require minimal pruning. Remove spent flower stalks by cutting them at the base once the spathe turns green and fades. Yellow or brown leaves should be removed by cutting at the base of the leaf stem to maintain appearance and redirect energy to healthy growth. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to prevent disease transmission. Unlike many houseplants, peace lilies don't benefit from tip pruning or shaping—simply remove dead or damaged foliage as needed.

This species can grow outdoors only in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, where temperatures remain above 4°C (40°F) year-round. Native to tropical Mexican rainforests, it requires shade or filtered light, consistent moisture, and protection from direct sun, wind, and cold. In suitable climates, it makes an excellent shade garden plant or patio specimen. In cooler regions, it can be placed outdoors during warm summer months but must be brought inside before temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F).

Yellowing leaves are most commonly caused by overwatering—check if the soil is soggy or if roots are sitting in water. Root rot from overwatering prevents the roots from absorbing nutrients, leading to yellow leaves. Underwatering can also cause yellowing, typically accompanied by drooping and dry soil. Other causes include too much direct sunlight, natural aging of older leaves, nutrient deficiency, or temperature stress. Check the soil moisture: if wet and the plant is drooping, suspect root rot; if dry, the plant simply needs water.

Brown leaf tips are most commonly caused by low humidity, underwatering, or mineral buildup from tap water. Peace lilies are native to humid tropical environments and suffer when indoor air is too dry from heating or air conditioning. Use distilled, filtered, or rainwater instead of tap water, as fluoride and chlorine can cause browning. Over-fertilizing also causes tip burn—fertilize at one-quarter recommended strength. Brown tips cannot be restored to green, but you can trim them with clean scissors following the natural leaf shape to improve appearance.

Dramatic drooping is the peace lily's signature response to thirst—check the soil and water thoroughly if dry. The plant typically recovers within hours of watering. However, if the plant remains droopy after watering and the soil is wet, overwatering and root rot may be the cause. In this case, unpot the plant, remove damaged black roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil. Less common causes include cold drafts, transplant shock, extreme heat, or being rootbound. A healthy peace lily should recover quickly once the underlying issue is addressed.

Peace lilies are relatively pest-resistant but can be affected by mealybugs and scale insects, especially indoors. Mealybugs appear as white cottony masses on stems and leaf joints; scale appears as small brown bumps. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spider mites may occur in low-humidity conditions. The most common disease issue is root rot from overwatering—prevent by ensuring proper drainage and allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Regularly cleaning leaves helps prevent pest problems.

In its native habitat, this species is pollinated by insects, specifically Trigona and Euglossine bees that are attracted by the morning fragrance of the flowers. The flowers exhibit protogynous dichogamy—the female phase (4-5 days) precedes the male phase (4-6 days) on the same spadix, promoting cross-pollination and genetic diversity. While the white spathes may persist for weeks, active flowering lasts 9-12 days. Indoor plants rarely produce seeds without hand pollination due to the absence of natural pollinators.

Peace Lily’s native range is Colombia and Venezuela.

Peace Lily should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Peace Lily loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

To ensure optimal growth, the Peace Lily prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

The Peace Lily is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

The Peace Lily should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

A typical dormancy pattern is not present in the Peace Lily. If the growth slows down dramatically, confirm that the plant is getting enough sunlight and water for optimal growth.