Peace Lily Care and Propagation

The peace lily is a popular houseplant because it is easy to care for and thrives in low-light conditions. Its botanical name Spathiphyllum comes from the Greek words for “sword” and “leaf”, a reference to its long, narrow leaves.

The peace lily is not actually a lily but is a member of the Araceae family, which also includes philodendrons and anthuriums.

This plant has rhizomes, meaning that its roots grow horizontally just under the surface of the soil.

The peace lily is native to the tropical rainforests of Central America. It is an evergreen perennial that can grow to be approximately 3 feet tall and wide (0.9 meters). Its leaves are dark green and glossy. The flowers are white, funnel-shaped, and rise above the foliage.

Besides peace lily, other common names for this plant include white flag lily, and Mary’s lily.

Now, as mentioned, the peace lily is low maintenance. It thrives in low-light conditions and doesn’t need much attention. So, if you’re busy and don’t have much time to take care of plants, this one’s for you!

The peace lily adds elegance and sophistication to any room. It’s the perfect way to bring nature indoors and brighten up your home.

Let’s look at how to care for this beautiful plant, including how to propagate a peace lily.

Table of Contents

Light

The peace lily prefers low-light conditions and will do well in a north-facing window.

It can also tolerate fluorescent light .

Make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

You’ll know if your plant is getting too much light by the way the leaves look. If they start to turn yellow or brown, it’s time to move it to a shadier spot.

As well, if the leaves start to curl, that’s a sign that your plant is getting too much light.

Water

Water the peace lily when the top inch of soil is dry. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot. Allow the water to drain thoroughly when watering.

If you notice the leaves drooping, that’s a sign that the plant needs water.

Be mindful of chlorine and fluoride in your water, as these can damage the leaves. If you’re concerned about this, you can let the water sit out overnight before watering your plant.

Temperature and Humidity

The peace lily prefers warm, humid conditions. It will do well in a bathroom or kitchen, where there is typically more moisture in the air. If your home is dry, you can increase the humidity around the plant by placing it on a tray of pebbles and water.

The ideal temperature for the peace lily is between 60 °F ( 15°C) and 85 °F (29°C ).

Fertilizer

Feed the peace lily regularly in the growing season with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength.

Soil

The peace lily likes a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. You can also add perlite or vermiculite to the soil to improve drainage.

Flowers

As previously mentioned, the flowers of the peace lily are white, and funnel shaped. They bloom throughout the year and are borne on stalks that rise above the foliage.

Re-Potting

The peace lily doesn’t need to be re-potted often, as this plant likes to be rootbound. Typically, when the leaves wilt shortly after watering, and the leaves start looking crowded, it’s time to repot your peace lily.

Once every two years should be sufficient. When you do re-pot, choose a pot that is a size larger than the current one.

Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. Allowing the plant to sit in water will cause the roots to rot.

Peace lilies can be grown in water. If you opt for this, place the plant in a glass jar or vase filled with distilled water. Change the water every week and fertilize monthly.

How to Propagate a Peace Lily

The peace lily cannot be propagated by stem or leaf cuttings.

It can, however, be propagated by division. This is best done in the spring or early summer.

To divide the plant, carefully remove it from its pot and shake off the excess soil, so that the rhizomes are exposed

Pull apart the plant into two or three sections, making sure that each section has at least one rhizome.

Plant the divisions in individual pots filled with fresh potting mix and water well and put the mother plant back in its pot.

Place the pots in a shady spot until the plants have had a chance to adjust to their new homes, after which they can be moved to a brighter location.

Here’s a good demonstration of peace lily propagation

The peace lily can also be propagated by seed, although this is a more difficult method and best left to professional gardeners.

Prune

You can prune the peace lily to remove yellow or brown leaves, as well as dead or dying flowers. Pruning will also help to keep the plant looking tidy and neat.

To prune the peace lily, simply cut off the affected leaves at the base with a sharp knife or shears.

You can also prune the flowers when they start to die. Cut them off at the base of the stalk.

Additionally, you can trim back the leaves if they start to get too long. Cut them back to the desired length with sharp shears.

Do not prune more than one-third of the plant at a time, as this can stress the plant.

Common issues:

The peace lily is a relatively easy plant to care for. However, there are a few common issues that can arise.

Leaf drop: This usually happens when the plant is not getting enough water, or the humidity is too low.
Yellow leaves: This can be due to several reasons, including too much sun, too much fertilizer, or the plant being pot-bound.

If you notice any of these issues, adjust your care accordingly and your peace lily should soon be back to its healthy self.

How often should you water a peace lily?

The peace lily should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. If you’re not sure, it’s better to underwater than to overwater. Too much water can lead to root rot, which is fatal to the plant.

Can peace lilies grow in water?

Yes, peace lilies can be grown in water. If you opt for this, place the plant in a glass jar or vase filled with distilled water. Change the water every week and fertilize regularly.

What is the best potting mix for a peace lily?