Spathiphyllum wallisii aka Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum wallisii belongs to the Araceae family. It is a perennial, so it lives for many years. It is evergreen and keeps its leaves all year. Its common names include peace lily and white sails. Kew gives its home range as Colombia to Venezuela. It grows in the wet tropics of that region. This helps explain its need for warmth and moist conditions. Gardeners grow it as a houseplant or under glass. It can also grow outdoors in places free from frost.

The plant forms a clump of upright, dark green leaves. Each leaf is glossy and shaped like a lance. RHS gives its grown height as 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. It gives the same range for the plant’s spread. Allow space for a clump about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] wide. Plants reach their full size in five to ten years.

White, oval spathes rise among the green leaves. Each spathe wraps around a slim, cream-coloured spadix. A spathe is a leaf-like part; the spadix bears flowers. The spathes can reach about 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] long. These pale parts stand out against the dark, glossy leaves. Light levels affect how well the plant blooms. It suits part shade, but deep shade can mean fewer flowers. RHS advises part shade for this species under glass.

Use peat-free compost that stays moist but drains well. RHS lists chalk, loam and sand as suitable soils. The plant also grows in acid, neutral and alkaline soils. Give plenty of water during growth and keep the air humid. RHS care advice also includes misting the plant. Give a balanced liquid feed once a month during growth. Move it to a larger pot when roots fill its pot. Its UK hardiness rating is H1B. This allows outdoor use in summer when warmth suits it.

This species suits pots, patios and sheltered sites in subtropical gardens. RHS lists it as a plant that needs little care. It needs no pruning and has few usual pest or disease problems. To make new plants, divide clumps in winter or just after flowering. Eating it can harm both people and pets. Touching it can also irritate skin and eyes. Wear gloves and other protection when you handle the plant. Grow it for its looks, not as a food crop.