I feel confident that almost everyone has either owned or heard of the battle-tested peace lily. It can endure an unusual amount of neglect and abuse. When it needs water, it will lie down until you feel sorry for it and throw some water at it. Then it bounces back like nothing ever happened. Such a drama queen!  The peace lily is one of the easiest houseplants to maintain and care for. In spite of this many of them perish every year at the hand of someone who doesn’t speak their language.  They give you signals and signs and you feel helpless because you can’t figure out what they need. Well, we want your peace lily to be happy. So, here is a story about the life and love of Lily Peace. She is quite the character.

Where is she from

Lily Peace was born in central America. She became accustomed to the warm humid climate and bright filtered light of the forests. Her family includes the monstera plant. However, I’m not sure they are on speaking terms. 

Lily Peace was not called Lily in her early life. Her given name is Spathiphyllum wallisii.  I think I like Lily better too. So she picked a name that was suited to her appearance.  Her tall stately white blooms seemed to resemble white flags, which are an enduring sign of peace. Plus, they somewhat resemble a lily of sorts.  Peace-Lily!

How does she survive 

It seemed only logical now that Lily is somewhat domesticated, she still loves warm temps and bright filtered light. However, if she gets into direct light she will sunburn easily. If she had to choose between lower light conditions or direct sun the lower light would be a bit more adaptable. As long as her roots stay moist but not soggy, and she gets some food like general purpose time released pellets or water-soluble like miracle gro, she is a happy camper. Or planter?  Either way, she isn’t a fan of drafty locations so keep her protected from open doors and heaters or she will not keep her glossy green appearance. 

Correcting your mistakes

Water and light top Lily’s wish list, but that’s not where it ends. Lily likes to have spent leaves and blooms cut as soon as they start to fade. Cutting them as close to the soil as possible is the best practice. You will be rewarded with lush new growth. Key signs that something is wrong, are brown tips and edges and poor watering habits. Be sure to always water enough to leach the soil and be sure you don’t leave it standing in water. Pour off excess water. Yellowing leaves = watering or fertilizer. The death wilt = Water.  Remember,  If you are having to water more often it may be time to re-pot. 

So there you have it, the story of Lily Peace. Hopefully, this will help you navigate the ins and outs of keeping your peace lily alive and flourishing. A Peace Lily can last for many, many years.

HAPPY HUNTING THE PERFECT HOUSEPLANT.

–Delores K.

• SPIDER PLANTS