Spathiphyllum wallisii aka Peace Lily

Taxonomy

Spathiphyllum wallisii, commonly known as peace lily, white sails, or spathe flower, is an elegant houseplant belonging to the family Araceae. The genus name means "spathe-leaf", and the specific epithet is named after Gustav Wallis, the German plant collector. The Peace Lily is made up of large, glossy, oval, dark green leaves and impressive white "spathes" (flowers) that can last for weeks. It originated in tropical forests around the world, where it grew close to the ground in the shade of larger plants. Peace Lilies are one of the few houseplants that can bloom even in medium to low light. Scientific research from NASA has revealed that the plant can help to clean the air of toxic pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Due to its toxicity, the Peace Lily should be kept away from pets and children. These plants are not actually related to true lilies, and their "flowers" are actually specialized leaves which protect the tiny blossoms on the stalk in the center. They may last up to two months and will continue to re-bloom with the right conditions.

Common names

Peace Lily, Peach Lily

How to care for Peace Lily

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Peace Lily is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

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

Soil

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.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Peace Lily to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Peace Lily is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Peace Lily. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Peace Lily should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Peace Lily, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.

Region of origin

Peace Lily’s native range is Colombia and Venezuela.

Flower

Yes, if you provide your Peace Lily with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia