Peace lilies (as they are better known) feel right at home in any spot adding a lush appeal the instant they step in. They are best appreciated when seen from above, so go ahead and place them on a low stool, plant stand, or the floor when styling your interior.
From here you’ll get a better view of those glossy green leaves, growing outwards from the centre of the plant and arching gracefully down. These lanceolate-shaped leaves have prominent midribs and parallel veins giving them a ribbed appearance and texture. Some varieties appear more ruffled than others.
Leaf sizes and overall plant height vary according to the species or cultivar. Leaf colours also vary from light green to darker green. There are variegated varieties too with bands or splashes of white or silver on green leaves. Variegated plants need more light than plain green ones to maintain their variegation.
Peace lilies are incredibly easy to care for and are quite forgiving of neglect and abuse. One of mine has bounced back each time after two fertiliser burn accidents.
Do peace lilies have flowers?
Yes, peace lilies produce an inflorescence of tiny flowers on a white rod-like spadix partially surrounded by a white leaf-like spadix. You can tell from the flower that they are not true lilies, but are aroids.
The flower stalks grow from the middle of the plant and stand out above the foliage, one stalk per plant. The spadix turns green after a few weeks before the whole flower dies off. Some varieties produce sweetly scented flowers. And while some bloom readily indoors, others need exposure to brighter light to produce blooms.
Where to place peace lilies indoors and outdoors
Peace lilies are popular as indoor plants because they can tolerate low-light conditions. If you are running out of surface space near your brightest windows, your peace lily would graciously step back a few feet to allow other plants to get the best light. They should be given enough light to survive, though. Read more about how to give your plants the right amount of light.
In balconies, porches, or patios, they should be protected from direct sunlight.
How much do peace lilies cost?
A few now common species and cultivars of peace lilies are readily available and relatively inexpensive, costing about N2,000 ($4) for a decent-sized plant grown locally. They grow quite fast too. The imported varieties cost more, but you would often find that there are several compact plants in one container, not just one. Is this value for money then? Perhaps it is.
How to care for peace lilies
Peace lilies are very easy to care for as they give very clear signs about how they feel. Follow this care guide for a happy plant.
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Water
Peace lilies are quite resilient but like to be kept moist in well-drained soil. Their leaves will droop dramatically when allowed to stay dry for a little longer than they can bear. However, they bounce back to life a few hours after watering. It’s better to water your plant before it gets dry to avoid brown leaf tips.
They are also susceptible to chlorides and fluorides in treated tap water, which also makes the leaf tips turn brown. Give your peace lily rainwater whenever possible. Alternatively, use distilled water from an air-conditioner or a dehumidifier.
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Soil
Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. When planted in a container, the soil should be able to hold moisture for several days so that your plant does need to be watered every day. Under the right conditions, your plant should be fine for seven days or more before it needs another drink.
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Feeding
Peace lilies grow all year round in the tropics, and so for lush full plants, you should feed them every few months or when you notice growth has stopped. It’s always best to mix some compost in the soil when potting or repotting your peace lilies. Compost can also be added to the top layer of soil afterward when needed.
If you grow your peace lilies in low light indoors, you should be careful about using liquid inorganic fertilisers. In lower light conditions, plants do not take up nutrients as fast as they do in brighter light conditions. The accumulation of salts in the soil can harm the plant’s roots and cause browning of the leaf tips.
Controlling pests on peace lilies
Peace lilies are relatively pest-free indoors. Clean leaves with a soft wet cloth to keep them looking their best. Cut off and remove any dead leaves as quickly as possible to prevent fungal growth.
How to propagate peace lilies
Peace lilies grow in tufts and spread out through underground rhizomes. To propagate, simply separate the tufts, by cutting the rhizomes with a clean sharp knife. It’s best to do this after taking the plant out of its container to expose the roots. Try getting as many roots as you can per plant to give the young ones a good start.
So, should you add a peace lily to your collection? I don’t see why not!
Thanks for reading.
