Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum
The Peace Lily is a quintessential houseplant beloved for its elegant, lance-shaped dark green leaves and its striking white 'flowers,' which are actually specialized leaf bracts called spathes. Known for its exceptional air-purifying qualities and its theatrical way of drooping when thirsty, this plant is both a functional and communicative addition to any indoor space.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
High
Pet Warning
Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, it can cause significant oral irritation, swelling of the lips and tongue, drooling, and difficulty swallowing in cats, dogs, and humans.
Care Guide
Peace Lily Care Overview
Peace Lilies are resilient plants that thrive when their natural tropical environment is mimicked through consistent care.
Lighting
While they can tolerate low light conditions, they are far more likely to produce their signature white blooms in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and cause brown patches.
Watering Strategy
Maintain soil that is consistently moist but never soggy. The Peace Lily is famous for ‘fainting’—drooping its leaves significantly when it needs water. Simply water it, and it will perk back up within a few hours. To avoid brown leaf tips, use filtered or distilled water to minimize sensitivity to fluoride and chlorine.
Humidity and Temperature
These plants love high humidity. Mist the foliage frequently or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Keep the temperature between 65°F and 85°F (18°C - 29°C) and protect the plant from cold drafts or air conditioning vents.
Maintenance
Cleaning: Wipe the large leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and maintain photosynthesis efficiency.
Pruning: Cut spent flower stalks at the base to encourage new growth.
Repotting: Move to a container one size larger when roots begin to crowd the pot, typically every 1-2 years.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced, water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer
Soil
Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with a high organic matter content
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
1 to 4 feet tall depending on the variety
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Division of the root clump during the repotting process
Common Varieties
Sensation (Giant)
The 'Sensation' Peace Lily is distinguished by its massive, deep-green foliage featuring broad, lance-shaped leaves with a uniquely thick and deeply ribbed texture.
Domino (Variegated)
The 'Domino' Peace Lily is distinguished by its glossy, slightly crinkled leaves that feature a striking marbled pattern of creamy white splashes and streaks against a deep green backdrop.
Mauna Loa
The 'Mauna Loa' Peace Lily is distinguished by its exceptionally large, glossy, deep-green foliage featuring broad, lance-shaped leaves with a smooth, reflective texture.
Wallisii (Dwarf)
The 'Wallisii' is a compact dwarf variety featuring dense, glossy, deep-green foliage with slender, lance-shaped leaves that display a distinctive rippled and deeply veined texture.
Peace Lily 'Sensation
The 'Sensation' is the largest cultivar of the Spathiphyllum genus, renowned for its massive, deeply ribbed, dark emerald leaves that can grow up to several feet in length. This architectural giant provides a lush, tropical atmosphere to any interior space and is exceptionally efficient at air purification. While it is primarily prized for its dramatic foliage, it periodically produces the iconic white, hood-like flowers (spathes) that contrast beautifully against its dense, dark green canopy.