The peace lily, a name that includes several varieties of the Spathiphyllum plant, is a very popular houseplant. It can be called the closet plant because it needs low light and, in fact, does best in low-light areas of a home. The plant flowers every couple of months when healthy, producing white flowers with long, calla-like stamens. It is a common gift for people at funerals and memorials, and with proper care, the plant can live for several years.
Of tropical origin, a peace lily can have leaves up to 0.3 m long, depending on the variety. The foliage is a deep, bright green and the plant can reach 1.22m in height when in flower. The plant grows well and should be repotted every two years or even separated. The more rooted the root becomes in its pot, the more likely it is to require larger amounts of water.
There is some debate about how best to water this plant. Many experts suggest watering it once a week, but others say it’s best to control the moisture in the soil. The soil should always feel slightly moist, but the pot shouldn’t sit in a tray of water. The gardener may want to empty the plant tray of extra water and should definitely wait again for a week when this occurs. A slight drop in the foliage also signals that the plant may need water.
To ensure flowering, gardening specialists recommend fertilizing the plant every two to three months. If it refuses to flower, it may be root bound, exposed to drafts, or it may be exposed to too much light. Trimming any excessive foliage can also stimulate a flowering cycle.
Because the plant is indoors, it does not commonly attract pests, although the occasional peace lily will have a mite infestation. People can prevent most infestations and diseases by wiping the leaves every few weeks with a damp cloth. Also, the plant should never be kept in temperatures below 40°F (4.44°C) for an extended period of time.
Environmentalists have celebrated this plant for its ability to clean the air, removing chemicals such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) conducted a study of houseplants and named the peace lily among the top ten plants for removing indoor chemicals and keeping the air “greener.”
Despite its benefits, however, this plant isn’t a good choice for every home. It is toxic and can cause mouth ulcers and vomiting in children who eat it. A small amount of leaves chewed by a dog or cat is even more dangerous and potentially lethal. If anyone suspects that a child or pet has eaten peace lily, they should contact poison control immediately. For the safety of all residents in a home, people who have children or pets should not keep this plant.