Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Elegant houseplant with glossy dark-green leaves and white sail-shaped flowers (spathes) that appear mainly in spring and summer. One of the best indoor air purifiers. Helpfully wilts when thirsty, then perks up quickly after watering.
Best rooms for peace lily
Light requirements
Tolerates shade and north-facing windows with limited natural light.
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
How to care for peace lily
Thrives in low to medium light — one of the few flowering plants that blooms in shade. Water when the top 2cm of compost dries, or when the plant starts to droop. Mist the leaves regularly. Feed fortnightly spring-summer. Wipe leaves to keep them glossy. Minimum 12°C.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Division of clumps when repotting in spring
Toxicity
Contains calcium oxalate crystals. Causes mouth and throat irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed by pets.
Common problems
- Brown leaf tips from dry air or fluoride in tap water
- Yellow leaves from overwatering
- No flowers in very dark positions
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