Peace Lily Plant Care

The peace lily is adored for its abundant glossy, dark-green foliage, and more for the way it adorns itself with white flower stalks. The widespread use of the plant for house interiors is due to its exceptional adaptability to low light conditions, and its air-cleaning qualities. Botanically known as spathiphyllum, the elegance that a peace lily carries with it, easily misleads people to regard it as a difficult plant to grow and care for. That is why most people often stay dubious about bringing a peace lily home. However, contrary to this belief, this plant can maintain a healthy growth if the correct climatic requirements are met, and consistent care is taken throughout the year. An important point to take a note of is, the plant does not require a winter rest like most plants do.

How to Take Care of a Peace Lily

# The peace lily should not be exposed to direct sunlight, lest it may burn its foliage. An indication of the plant receiving 'more than required' sunlight, is its leaves turning yellow or brown. In such a case, it is better to move the plant to a less lighted area. Indirect sunlight can be provided by placing the plant under a window that is covered by a transparent curtain. However, places that receive medium to low light exposure are suitable for its growth, such as the north or west window. For better results, you can keep the plant at a distance of 5 to 8 feet from a window.

# After light, water is the next requirement for a peace lily plant care. Spathiphyllum is a thirsty plant and so it requires water abundantly. However, it must be ensured that the plant gets ample time to dry out in between its 'watering sessions'. If you see the plant's leaves drooping or wilting, then it indicates a dearth in the water supply, and that it requires to be watered immediately. It is a good practice if you can determine how long after watering, the leaves start drooping. This way you can water the plant a day before the wilting starts. Do not let the leaves droop up to a severe level, as it may be harmful to the plant.

# The soil that you choose to grow your peace lily in must be a peat moss based potting mix. This type of soil can hold enough moisture for the plant, but not so much that it gets soggy. The soil must also be aerated, and must drain well.

# Caring for the peace lily also involves providing it with a humid environment. Humidity helps the plant to stay fresh, and maintain a beautiful and healthy look. The plant can be humidified by misting the leaves 2 or 3 times a day with a fine mister. Regular misting prevents browning of its leaves and infestation by red spider mites. An indication of the plant receiving inadequate humidity is its leaves turning brown. Keeping the plant on a tray of water and pebbles also helps. This way the roots need not stay in the water and run the risk of rotting, but receive enough humidity by evaporation. Another method to help the plant stay hydrated is to keep it in places such as near the shower or kitchen sink.

# It is advisable to change the pot of the plant every spring until it fits into an 8 - 10 inches pot. Roots of this plant usually fills the pot in about a year and does not require a pot larger than 10 inches. Moderate fertilization is another vital factor to be adhered to for this plant's care. It must be fed only during its growing season, in the spring and summer; once every two weeks. A balanced liquid fertilizer is recommended. This process helps compensate for the soil depletion that occurs over time. However, always be cautious about the recommended dosage of the fertilizer. Over fertilization is indicated by the leaves turning brown.

# As the leaves of the plant have broad surface area, they can be regularly wiped with a damp sponge to remove accumulated dust and dirt. If there is any occasional infestation by certain bugs, then treat the plant by spraying insecticidal soap or rubbing with alcohol.

A peace lily adds to the beauty of your house interior with its eye-catching foliage and admirable pretty blossoms. Not only this, there are other amazing benefits you can reap by growing this plant indoors. As mentioned earlier, this plant is also known for its excellent air-purifying qualities. The Clean Air Study conducted by NASA revealed that spathiphyllum is listed among the top ten plants equipped with air-cleaning qualities. Some of its species are known to remove formaldehyde, benzine, and carbon monoxide from the air. It is also effective in eliminating ammonia, acetone, ethyl and methyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, trichloroethylene and xylene from the surrounding atmosphere. So, bring home a peace lily, take proper care of it so that it can add to the beauty of your house, and help you with some fresh air too!