Plant Highlight: Peace Lilies

• April 1, 2022
• posted by: greenhaven
• comments: 0

There are literally hundreds of options when it comes to choosing which plant is right for you. While we can’t make the decision for you, we can definitely help make you a more informed plant buyer.

This week, we’re highlighting the peace lily.

This little tropical plant, native to South America, is incredibly popular when it comes to indoor gardening, and it’s easy to see why: not only are peace lilies beautiful, they’re also incredibly easy to grow and keep alive. Whether or not you have a “green thumb”, a peace lily may be the perfect addition to your indoor garden. 

Light

Peace lilies thrive when they’re able to get ample bright, indirect sunlight. Choose a window or a spot in the house that gets plenty of indirect light. Too much light can result in browned, scorched leaves. In the summer you can let your peace lily get some fresh air, but make sure that temperatures stay within the 60 to 90 degree F range. Peace lilies are naturally found in humid areas, so if it’s a little muggy outside on a warm day, that’s even better.

Water

It’s best to keep a peace lily’s soil moist, but be wary o overwatering. Make sure that soil and pots have adequate drainage to deter root rot. However, overwatering is always better than not watering at all. 

Sometimes, plants can be sensitive to the minerals found in tap water. If you find your plants are picky drinkers, a bottle of distilled or filtered water should do the trick. 

Size

Peace lilies vary widely in size, ranging from mere inches up to 6 feet tall. It’s important to ensure that your peace lily is planted in a pot that can accommodate the root system.

Possible Problems with Peace Lilies

Peace lilies are known for their resilience to fungus and disease. However, there are still some issues that can behalf a peace lily. 

Browned Spots

There are a few different causes for browned leaves. However, the most common cause is overexposure to sunlight. Like us, peace lilies can get a little sunburned if they’re put out in direct sunlight for too long. While there isn’t anything to be done about the browned section of leave, you can salvage the rest of the plant by moving it to a windowsill or table that doesn’t get any direct sunlight (plenty of indirect light is perfect!). 

Chlorosis 

Chlorosis is a leaf condition characterized by yellow spotting on the leaf of a plant. It’s caused by a lack of chlorophyll. Though uncommon, peace lilies can suffer from chlorosis if you fail to repot them or fertilize their soil.

The best cure for chlorosis is to place your peace lily in fresh, fertilized potting soil so that it can absorb much-needed nutrients. 

Stunted growth

There are several factors that can stunt a plant’s growth. Being in too small of a pot is one factor. It’s always good to make sure your plant has at least 2 inches of space between the root ball and the sides of the pot. If you keep your plant in too small of a pot or don’t repot it once it grows, you run the risk of your plant becoming root-bound. 

Related reading:
A Guide to Growing Peace Lily (Garden Design)
Peace Lily Problems (All About Gardening)