If you are planning to decorate your home with beautiful indoor plants, Spathiphyllus can be a great choice with its beautiful bloom and rich foliage. Spathiphyllum is a flowering plant known for its white spathe and spadix, a type of inflorescence. It is a popular plant for indoor gardens, as it is relatively easy to care for and can help purify the air in your home. The plant is commonly known as peace lily and is a member of the Araceae family. It is readily available in any plant nursery, and its white flower grabs everybody’s attention.
Tips to take care of your plant
Light
While they can tolerate very low light, it is highly recommended not to bring them under direct sunlight. Failing so, its flowers may turn yellow. However, they require a well-lit space to grow like that from windows or glass. Providing adequate light is a principal factor determining how and when the flower would bloom.
Soil
A rich, loose potting mix is ideal for their growth which should contain plenty of organic matter. They are native to tropical canopy conditions and produce the most beautiful flowers in soil, resembling those. Additionally, the plant is over-sensitive to too-damp soil conditions. So be sure to give it a well-draining mixture.
Water
Spathiphyllum has to be watered regularly for the best bloom. You must keep the soil lightly moist to the touch but not overly saturated. Though they can tolerate a short period of dry soil, their leaves will start to turn to brown tips in case there isn’t enough humidity or water. If their leaves begin to drop, it is a clear sign that you haven’t watered them much and that they are hungry. Peace lilies are highly sensitive to chemicals such as fluoride found in tap water
Temperature and humidity
They are tropical plants and can not tolerate cold weather. They must be placed away from draughty windows, and warm temperature is ideal for their growth. Every plant nursery would recommend it to keep the temperature above 70 Fahrenheit every time. They enjoy high humidity and are nourished well in their presence. Misting their leaves or placing their pot on top of a moisturised tray of gravel can help you to increase humidity around the plant.
Fertilisers
They are not heavy feeders and only need to be fertilised occasionally. To encourage spring and summer growth, fertilise every 6 weeks. It is ideal to use a balanced houseplant fertiliser starting in late winter for blooms on warmer days.
Potting and repotting peace lily
Spathiphyllum best grows when root bound. However, if they exceed the capacity of the pot, it can be repotted in a larger container. The perfect time for repotting is early spring since it gives them time and suitable weather to grow again. If you notice roots popping out of the mud or peaking from the drainage hole, it is asking to be repotted. Terracotta or clay vessels can wick away excess moisture and help the plant to grow in the new pot.
Common pests
They are resistant to most diseases and pests that can plague houseplants. However, they can be susceptible to scale and mealybugs. You could also use insecticidal soap but it is recommended to use dish soap mixed with warm water as it would work without affecting the peace lily in any way.
Conclusion
Peace lilies have one of the most beautiful flowers and become a great highlight indoors. Though they are notorious for blooming, they can grow into healthy plants if taken good care of and followed instructions given by the plant nursery you bought them from.