Popular and lovely Peace Lilies are prized for their classy white blossoms and their capacity to filter indoor air. They are the best indoor plant for removing TCE (trichloroethene), extracting 23% of it over the course of a day. But it’s crucial to provide these plants the necessary care in order to keep them happy and healthy. Everything you need to know about caring for Peace Lilies, from compost to temperature and beyond, will be covered in this guide.
Compost
Peace Lilies prefer a compost that drains well and is damp but not soggy. The ideal ratio of moisture and drainage will be provided by a high-quality potting mix with some extra perlite or sand. Use light compost instead of heavy compost because this can cause root rot.
Watering Peace Lilies
Overwatering is among the most typical faults made when caring for Peace Lilies. Despite being native to the rainforest and accustomed to thriving in moist environments, these plants nonetheless need time to dry out between watering to avoid developing root rot. Before watering your lily plant, let the top inch of soil dry up in order to prevent overwatering. A saucer placed underneath the pot can help capture any extra water.
Light
Bright, filtered light is preferred for Peace Lilies. They can survive in low-light environments, but they won’t bloom as well and might get lanky and pale in leaf. Try relocating your lily plants to a brighter area if you see that they are growing tall and spindly.
Temperature
Peace Lilies prefer warm, humid conditions. They are indigenous to the rainforest, which has warm temperatures and heavy humidity. If the air in your home is dry, you might want to use a humidifier or put a tray of water close to the plant to increase the humidity. Additionally sensitive to cold, these tropical plants shouldn’t be kept in a space with a temperature below 60°F (15C).
Feeding Peace Lilies
During the spring and summer growing season, when Peace Lilies are active, they benefit from routine fertiliser. During this time, fertilise every 2-4 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser. When the plant is dormant in the winter and needs no nourishment, avoid fertilising.
Pruning
You can even get rid of the older flower stems after the lily blooms. However, wait until the leaves have withered down and turned brown in the autumn before removing them. The much of the nutrients within the leaves of the Peace Lily are recycled back into the bulbs beneath the compost. The leaves help feed the bulb, therefore it is crucial to wait to prune them until the end of their season.
FAQs
What kind of soil is best for Peace Lilies?
They prefer a damp but not soggy compost that drains well. The best option is a high-quality potting mix with perlite or sand added.
What temperature is best for a Peace Lily?
Peace Lilies like warm, humid environments and are sensitive to cold temperatures. Keep them in a room that is above 60°F (15C) and consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to raise humidity levels if your home is dry.
How often should I water my Peace Lilies?
Before watering your plant, let the top inch of soil dry off. This will stop root rot and overwatering. A saucer placed underneath the pot can help capture any extra water.
What kind of light do Peace Lilies need?
Bright, filtered light is preferred for Peace Lilies. They can survive in low light, but they won’t bloom as well and might get lanky. If you see this occurring, try transferring them to a more lit area.
When is the best time to feed my Peace Lily?
During the spring and summer growing season, when the plant is active, they benefit from routine fertiliser. During this time, fertilise with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser every 2-4 weeks; avoid fertilising in the winter when the plant is dormant.
How often should I prune my Peace Lilies?
Remove old flower stems and cut out leaves that have completely withered. Leave yellowing leaves in place, as they will feed the bulb for next season.
To sum up, Peace Lilies are a stunning and low-maintenance houseplant that are ideal for individuals who wish to add a touch of the rainforest to their home. Your Peace Lily will flourish and bloom for many years if you give them the necessary care, which includes using the right soil, watering, light, temperature, fertilisation, and pruning.
For further reading, here is an article on the RHS website on this topic. You may also compliment your Peace Lily plant with an orchid or two. Here is an article on this topic I wrote recently.