Peace Lily Plant Care

Botanically known as spathiphyllum, the elegance that a peace lily plant carries with it, causes people to misunderstand it as a difficult plant to grow and care for. That is the reason why most people become anxious about how to care for a peace lily plant? However, contrary to this belief of most people, this plant can maintain a healthy growth if the correct climatic requirements are provided and consistent care is taken throughout the year. An important point to note in a peace lily plant care is that, the plant does not require a winter rest like most plants do. This elegant plant is adored for its abundant glossy, dark-green foliage. It is also appreciated for the way it adorns itself with white flower stalks. The widespread use of a peace lily plant for house interiors is due to the plant's exceptional adaptability to low light conditions and air-cleaning qualities.

How to Take Care of a Peace Lily Plant?

The peace lily plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight, lest it may burn its foliage. An indication of the plant receiving 'more than required' sunlight, is the yellowing of its leaves. If so, it's time to move the plant to a less lighted area. Indirect sunlight can be provided by using a translucent curtain. However, places that receive medium to low light exposure are suitable for its growth. 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 in heavy quantities unlike most other plants. However, it also has to 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 is a clear indication that it requires water and that too immediately. It's a good practice if you can keep a close watch as to 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 harm the lily plant.

A peace lily houseplant care involves providing adequate amount of humidity for the plant. Humidity helps the plant to stay fresh and look beautiful and healthy. The plant can be humidified a couple of times in a week by misting the leaves with soft water. You can also keep the plant on a tray of pebbles as this also aids to its well-being. Misting the peace lily plant regularly, prevents browning of its leaves and also infestation by red spider mites.

It is advisable to change the pot of peace lilies every spring until it fits into a 8 - 10 inches pot. Roots of this plant usually fills the pot in about one year and does not require a pot larger than 10 inches. Regular fertilization is another vital factor for peace lily plant care. It does good for the plant's health if it's fed once a month during springs and summers, with any standard houseplant fertilizer. Fertilizing the plant once a month or so, helps making up for the soil depletion that has occurred over time. However, always be cautious about the recommended dosage of the fertilizer.

As the peace lily plant's leaves 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 plant 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 that you can enjoy when you take all the required measures for a peace lily plant care.

As mentioned earlier, this plant is also know 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 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, trichlorothylene and xylene from the surrounding atmosphere. So, bring home a peace lily, take proper care of it and let it care for you!