Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)

The name 'Spathiphyllum' comes from the greek for blade, 'spathe' and 'phyllon' a leaf and is a reference to the shape of the flower spike and spadix. 

These are easy houseplants to look after, low maintenance and are particularly good at absorbing toxins and chemicals from the air and increasing oxygen levels into the room. They will grow to around half a metre in a medium pot.



These plants are pretty low maintenance and will thrive in low light. In the wild, they are marsh plants so prefer damp, rather than wet or dry conditions.


Light

Prefers medium light but will scorch if left on a window sill in full sun.


Temperature 

The plant is happy inside but is sensitive to dry air and to sudden changes in temperature. Do not place them on a windowsill over a radiator. Spathiphyllum will survive between temperatures of 5-35°c, but should be maintained between 17-32°C for best growth.


Water

Water moderately, but do not over water as the leaves will collapse. Exsessive watering will rot the plant's roots.


Special needs

Feed with a houseplant feed every other week from spring to summer. Placing the plant on a pebble tray with water will give it a micro climate of humidity which will help to keep the temperature constant.  Slow release fertilizers and constant feed fertilization are equally effective methods of applying nutrients.


Problems 

Susceptable to red spider mites when there is low humidity. 

Wilted or collapsed leaves. Reduce frequency of watering. This problem is more likely to occur when the needs of the plant decrease.
 
Reduced growth and yellowing or whitening of green growth.  Can be a sign of micronutrient deficiency. More common in winter months when soil is cold.  Increase the soil temperature when cold and add additional micronutrients
 
Curled, pale and yellowing/whitening leaves with burned edges.  Reduce the light level and/or lower the temperature.  Addition of a fertiliser will improve the plant colour but may result in plant damage.

Lack of flowers. Very common on younger plants. Plants usually flower between February and April (depending on the winter temperature). Younger plants maybe persuaded to flower with an application of Gibberellic acid (flowering 12 to 16 weeks after treatment but flowers induced in this way are generally smaller than natural flowers. In older plants, reduce the amount of light accessed by the plant.