Photo: Rodríguez,D. et al. 2273 [DR-02273]CC0 1.0

tropical

Peace Lily

The Story

Plant Bio

Spathiphyllum blandum, commonly known as the peace lily, is an evergreen tropical perennial native to the rainforest understories of Central and South America. It forms dense, upright clumps of glossy, deep green leaves that emerge from short underground rhizomes.

This species is distinguished by its lanceolate to ovate foliage with prominent parallel veins and long, slender petioles. The inflorescence features a greenish-white modified spathe that surrounds a creamy-yellow spadix and gradually ages to a pale green color.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides elegant, deep green foliage and contrasting white spathes that persist for weeks under low-light indoor conditions.

Functions as a highly adaptable, low-maintenance indoor specimen that tolerates significant underwatering and recovers quickly.

Supports small insect pollinators when grown outdoors in its native tropical range, though it offers minimal wildlife value indoors.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tropical

Height

71"

Width

59"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Central and South America

Toxicity

Toxic to humans, cats, and dogs

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a rich, highly organic, peat- or bark-based potting mix with an acidic to neutral pH.
Position the container in a location with bright, filtered indoor light, ensuring zero exposure to direct sunlight.
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain completely from the pot.
Maintain high humidity around the foliage by misting or placing the pot on a tray filled with wet pebbles.

Pro Tip

To prevent necrotic brown leaf tips, avoid over-fertilizing and irrigate only with aged, chlorine-free water when the top layer of the potting medium begins to dry.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wipe the broad leaves periodically with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
Leach excess salts from the potting medium by flushing it thoroughly with clean water every few months.
Keep the plant in a warm environment above 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent cold damage.

Don't

Do not allow the potting medium to become waterlogged, as soggy soil rapidly induces fatal root rot.
Do not prune into old, leafless wood; only remove yellowed or dead leaves at their base.
Do not use full-strength chemical fertilizers, which easily burn the sensitive root system.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Indoor HouseplantShaded Patio ContainersWarm-Climate Understory Planting

Companion Plants

Philodendron hederaceum Aglaonema commutatum Calathea makoyana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Peace Lily questions

Is Peace Lily deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Peace Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Peace Lily bloom?

Peace Lily typically blooms in spring through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Peace Lily need full sun?

Peace Lily does best in part shade.

Is Peace Lily drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Peace Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.