Peace Lily

 

General Information: Spathiphyllums are found growing from Mexico to Peru and Brazil. For the most part they grow in foothills of mountains, in moist shady places along edges of rivers and streams.

These plants bear handsome, subtly fragrant leaf-shaped white flowers called spathes that closely resemble the blossom of the calla lilies. Blooms are 1 to 4 inch flowers that turn apple green as they age. The hybrid Mauna Loa has 4 to 6 inch flowers that appear intermittently through the year. Both plants, Mauna Loa and Clevelandii, grow 12 to 36 inches tall. They have shiny dark leaves 8 to 10 inches long that rise on wiry stems and give the plants a striking appearance even when they are not flowering. They are very easy to grow.

Light: Low to medium, no sun required, although 1 to 2 hours of east, west or northern exposure is all right. These plants do best in light shade except in winter, when they may receive curtain-filtered sunlight. Peace Lilies are great for a low light situation where many plants will not survive.

Temperature: The Peace Lily will tolerate night temperatures of 65 to 68 ° and day temps of 70° or higher up to 90°. With higher temperatures, full shade is recommended.

Fertilize: Keep plant evenly moist and fertilize every 6 weeks with 15-30-15 house plant fertilizer.

Problems: In hot direct sun, or if the leaves touch a freezing window, ugly brown spots may appear. Cut off the blighted leaves; new ones will take their place. Crown rot can be a problem in temperatures lower than 65° if soil is too wet. Allow soil surface to dry out between waterings. This will avoid the problem.