‘Sweet Pablo’ Peace Lily

Description

Also known as Spathiphyllum and closet plant, Peace Lily hails from the tropical rainforests of Venezuela and Colombia. It is a shadow plant that requires warm temperatures and high humidity levels and belongs to the Araceae family. It was first introduced in Europe in 1824 after Gustav Wallis discovered the plant in the Colombian jungle.

Peace Lily is perfect for beginners since it requires low to moderate maintenance and easy-to-follow care instructions. Moreover, it has excellent air-filtering properties and can help filter the surrounding air-borne toxins in your room. 

The eye-catching contrast of white flowers with dark green foliage held on sturdy stems makes this plant compatible with all home decor. 

Caring for you Peace Lilly 

Like every houseplant, peace lily requires the right temperature, adequate watering level, and exposure to sunlight.

Light 

Peace lilies are ideal for low-light spaces since they thrive in partial or complete shade. They can also tolerate fluorescent lights, so the peace lily is an excellent option if you are looking for a decorative plant to freshen up your workspace. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may scorch and burn their leaves and dry out the flowers. 

Soil 

Peace lilies prefer soil that can combine moisture retention and drainage. Blended potting mixes with texture are ideal for this plant, specifically ones with peat moss, loam, coir, or perlite. Potting soil, including an organic mix with pine bark, compost, worm castings, coir, and perlite, can work very well with your peace lily. 

Water

Peace lily enjoys watering every week but also needs time to fully dry out afterward. When thirsty, its leaves droop a little, which can be a good indication of when to water the plant. Water your plant one day before it starts sagging, and then follow up with regular spritzing throughout the summer months to keep it hydrated. During wintertime, water your plant fortnightly. 

Peace lilies are prone to root rot if the drainage system is improper. Make sure the plant has a chance to dry out thoroughly between watering sessions and that the pot contains drain holes. Place a saucer beneath the container to trap all the drained water. If the leaves start wilting, check the roots and ensure they are light-colored and firm rather than limp and soggy. Sogginess is a sign of overwatering or inadequate drainage. 

Humidity and Temperature 

The ideal temperature range for peace lilies is between 64 and 68 degrees F. Consistently low humidity levels can cause problems for the plant, so try increasing the humidity using a humidifier. You can occasionally mist the plant for the best results if that option is unviable.  

Fertilizer

In summer and spring, you can use an organic houseplant fertilizer to speed up the blooming process of the plant. Remember that peace lilies are sensitive to harsh chemicals, so opt for weak and organic fertilizers for the best results. If you over-fertilize, flush the soil with water to get rid of any excess chemicals and hold off fertilizing again for the next few months to let the plant heal.  

Common Issues 

If your peace lily looks a bit withered and droopy, there’s a good chance something is wrong with the plant. Peace lilies can often become victims of different pests and illnesses, so taking the proper preventative steps is essential. 

Pests 

Peace lilies are susceptible to pest attacks which can cause various problems, including yellow and brown spots and blackening of leaves. Mealybugs are commonly found feeding on the plant foliage and leave behind a white powdery substance to shield their eggs. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to disinfect the plant and repeat the application until the pests are completely gone.

Another frequently encountered problem is mold, which can develop on the soil surface. Mold is usually the result of excessive moisture in the soil, either because of improper drainage or overwatering. Lack of proper ventilation or plant debris decomposing on the soil can also result in mold growth.  

Diseases 

Brown spots are typically the result of sunburn, whereas black leaves are a sign of excess fertilizer use or bacterial/fungal diseases. These spots can progressively spread if not addressed promptly until the whole plant becomes infected. Prune the infected parts of the plant until new spots stop forming. 

Pruning 

Start pruning your closet plant at the base. Cut off the stalk as close to the base as possible since this will help make room for new stalk growth. The pruning isn’t limited to the stalks. Sometimes leaves start yellowing and shrivel due to old age, excessive sunlight exposure, or under-watering. If your leaves start to dry or become yellow, cut them at their base after cleaning your shears. 

Propagation 

The propagation process of peace lilies is similar to an aloe vera or succulent, using the division process. Divide the sections of the mother plant to create more plants. Gently shake off some older potting mix and loosen the roots. During this step, get rid of extra-long or soggy roots to encourage growth.

Potting/Repotting 

When the roots of the plant start showing or the peace lily seems to be drinking up all the water within a couple of days, repot it into a bigger container. The plant may gradually need to be moved into a bigger container, but peace lilies generally do not need pots larger than 10 inches.