Alocasia Wentii (Elephant Ear)
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Peace Lily
Difficulty
2/5
Pet Safe
No
Growth
Moderate
Blooms
Medium
Lighting
Medium
Watering
Medium
Peace Lilies are not only a stunning addition to your indoor plant collection, but they also come with notable health benefits. They are recognized by NASA’s Clean Air Study for their ability to remove common household toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide from the air. They’re also known to increase humidity, which can be beneficial in dry climates or during winter when indoor air tends to get dry due to heating systems. Their low-maintenance nature and ability to adapt to various light conditions make them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Growth / Flowering Patterns
Peace Lilies are moderate growers under the right conditions. Depending on the variety, they can range in size from about 1 foot to around 6 feet in height. The most common variety for indoor use, Spathiphyllum wallisii, typically grows to about 1-2 feet. Peace Lilies produce their distinctive white flowers, which are called spathes, typically in the early summer. Under optimal conditions, they can occasionally bloom at other times throughout the year. Each bloom can last for about two months, and while the plant may take a rest period after blooming, with proper care, you can enjoy flowers on your Peace Lily for several months each year.
Common Problems
Yellow Leaves
One common issue that Peace Lily owners may encounter is yellowing leaves. This symptom can have several possible causes:
Overwatering
If the leaves are yellow and wilting, it might be due to overwatering. Check the soil of your Peace Lily – if it’s soggy, then overwatering is likely the issue. To confirm, you can gently remove the plant from its pot and examine the roots. If they are brown and mushy instead of white and firm, overwatering has led to root rot.
Solution:
Reduce your watering frequency. Peace Lilies prefer their soil to dry out slightly between waterings, so wait until the top inch of the soil is dry, or the leaves start to droop slightly, before watering again. If the plant is severely overwatered and root rot has set in, you may need to repot the plant with fresh, well-draining soil and potentially prune off damaged roots.
Underwatering
Ironically, underwatering can also cause yellow leaves. If the leaves are yellow and crispy, the plant might be too dry.
Solution:
Increase your watering frequency, but make sure not to go overboard and overwater. Check the soil regularly, and if the top inch is dry, it’s time to water your Peace Lily.
Light
Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, turning them yellow.
Solution:
Move your Peace Lily to a location where it will receive bright, indirect light. A spot near a north or east-facing window is ideal.
Brown Leaf Tips
Brown leaf tips on your Peace Lily can be an indicator of several possible issues:
Low Humidity
Peace Lilies come from tropical environments where the humidity is high. If the tips of the leaves are turning brown, it might be a signal that the air is too dry for your plant.
Solution:
Increase the humidity around your plant. This could involve misting the plant, placing it on a tray filled with pebbles and water, or even purchasing a small indoor humidifier. Grouping plants together can also naturally increase the humidity as they release water vapor into the air around them.
Underwatering
If your Peace Lily’s leaves are brown and crispy at the edges, it could be a sign of underwatering.
Solution:
Check the soil before watering. If the top inch is dry, it’s time to water your Peace Lily. The plant may also show signs of drooping when it’s thirsty.
Water Quality
Peace Lilies can be sensitive to the chemicals found in tap water. If you see browning leaf tips despite adequate humidity and watering, the water might be the problem.
Solution:
Use filtered or distilled water for your plant, or leave tap water out overnight before watering to allow chlorine to evaporate.
No Blooms
If your Peace Lily isn’t blooming, there could be a couple of reasons:
Insufficient Light
While Peace Lilies can tolerate low light, they may not bloom if they don’t receive enough light.
Solution:
Move your plant to a location where it will receive bright, indirect light. A spot near a north or east-facing window is often ideal.
Lack of Fertilizer
Peace Lilies generally don’t require much feeding, but a lack of essential nutrients can lead to a lack of blooms.
Solution:
Feed your Peace Lily with a balanced houseplant fertilizer once every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Pot Size
If your Peace Lily has outgrown its pot or become root-bound, it may stop blooming.
Solution:
Repot your Peace Lily into a slightly larger pot. This can often stimulate a plant to bloom again.
Watering Needs
Peace Lilies don’t require a set watering schedule, but instead, prefer to be watered based on the condition of their leaves and soil. Typically, you will need to water your Peace Lily once the top inch of the soil feels dry or the leaves begin to droop slightly. This usually equates to watering roughly once a week, but it can vary depending on the temperature and humidity in your home.
Remember that it’s better to underwater than overwater your Peace Lily, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Use about one pint (or half a liter) of water for a medium-sized plant, but always check the soil condition to guide your watering.
Peace Lilies thrive in higher humidity. If your home’s air is dry, consider placing the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water, making sure the pot isn’t in direct contact with the water. Alternatively, you can mist the leaves occasionally with distilled water to increase humidity.
Lighting Requirements
Peace Lilies are quite flexible when it comes to their light needs. They can tolerate low light but will thrive and produce more blooms in a spot with bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing window would be ideal. Be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight, as this can burn their leaves. When it comes to temperature, Peace Lilies prefer typical room temperature—between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They don’t like temperature fluctuations, so try to avoid placing them near drafty windows, doors, or heating/cooling vents.
Feeding Information
Peace Lilies are not heavy feeders, so a light feeding with a balanced (20-20-20) houseplant fertilizer once every two to three months during the spring and summer should be sufficient. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the plant.
Soil and Repotting Information
The best soil for Peace Lilies is a well-draining potting mix. Consider using a mix designed for indoor plants, which typically includes perlite, peat moss, and vermiculite. This type of mix will retain some moisture but also drain excess water well, preventing root rot. Peace Lilies generally need repotting every one to two years. The best time to do this is in the spring. Choose a pot that’s about 2 inches larger in diameter than the previous one and ensure it has good drainage. If the plant becomes too large or if you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes, it’s a clear sign that the plant needs a larger pot.
Final Thoughts
The Peace Lily is more than just a beautiful plant. It’s a testament to the harmony that can exist between humans and nature when we take the time to understand and cater to our green friends’ needs. With proper care, your Peace Lily can thrive, bringing a sense of peace, beauty, and improved air quality to your home.