Commonly called the Peace Lily and sometimes the Snowflower, Spathiphyllum floribundum is a long flowering plant that grows well indoors.
Very attractive white flowers and good glossy green foliage make this a favourite indoor plants for growing at home as well as in offices.
It is not only the attractiveness of this plant that makes it popular, it is also very easy to grow. And yes you can grow it outdoors, but only in USDA Zones 10a to 11b, unless you have a very protected position.
How to Grow the Peace Lily Indoors
- Light
As this is plant that naturally grows in shaded areas, low light is the key, not direct sun but good filtered light. - Soil/Growing Medium
The growing medium need to be free draining as this is a plant that does not like to overwatered, and wet soggy soils must be avoided. So a pot/container with good drainage holes and an open potting mix. - Watering
Watering is next, water deeply and then allow the soil to dry, you should be able to feel when you push your finger down into the soil that have commenced to dry out. It’s time to water.
Use water the has been allowed to sit for a day or two so that any chlorine has had time to burn off. (Or use rainwater)
It is also a good idea to check the soil through the drainage holes every now and then, wet soggy soil at the bottom of the pot can cause problems.
In warmer months, the occasional mist spray will be beneficial. - Fertilising Peace Lilies
You can use a slow release type fertiliser once or twice a year depending on the type you use.
You can also use a liquid fertiliser designed for indoor plants, look for an organic type to avoid problems. Use this at a diluted strength (1/3) at the recommended rate. Do not over fertilise as this will cause excessive foliage growth and lack of flowers. - Repotting and Dividing
Every 2 – 3 years is ideal. This is also the time divide the plants if you wish. Do not put plants into larger pots than is needed, as this is a plant that flowers more freely with a confined root run.
Always try to use fresh potting mix. Old potting mix can stat to break down and then will retain too much moisture and this can cause problems with the root system.
Problems
- Drooping Leaves – Usually a sign of lack of water, but also overwatering
- Brown leaf tips – Usually repeated under watering
- Yellow leaves – Exposed to too much light also overwatering
- Brown leaves – Usually through exposure to direct sun
How to Revive an overwatered peace Lily
If you have overwatered your Peace Lily the best way to fix it is to repot it.
You can just stop watering, however repotting into a fresh potting mix is a more reliable fix.
When repotting trim off any part of the root system that shows sign of rot to prevent it spreading. Repot in a fresh mix and do not water for the first week.
