Consulta Plantas

Care of the indoor plant Spathiphyllum wallisii or Peace lily

The genus Spathiphyllum, family Araceae, includes 47 species of herbaceous plants native to tropical America and Southeast Asia. Some species are: Spathiphyllum wallisii, Spathiphyllum ortgiesii, Spathiphyllum floribundum, Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum.

Common names: Peace lily, White sails or Spathe flower. This species is native to Colombia and Central America.

They are perennial rhizomatous plants that reach 60 cm (1.96 feet) in height. The attractive, glossy dark green leaves have long petioles. Floral peduncles appear between the leaves with a white spathe surrounding a yellow appendage. They bloom in spring.

They are used as indoor and greenhouse plants. In summer they can be taken outside in a shady location.

The Spathiphyllum wallisii needs an illuminated exposure avoiding the solar rays. The temperature should not be lower than 15 ºC (59 ºF). The recommended temperature is 25-30 ºC (77-86 ºF). It's important that they have good ventilation avoiding drafts.

The soil should be a mixture of peat, heather soil, and coarse sand. The transplant is done in early spring. It's also advisable to renew the surface of the substrate in the same season.

Water, with lime-free water, regularly all year long, waiting for the soil to be almost dry (never flood). Spray the leaves frequently because they need high humidity.

Fertilize every 3 weeks from spring to early fall with mineral fertilizer for indoor plants.

They are plants sensitive to drought and to the attack of mealybugs if the ventilation is not adequate.

They are propagated by rhizome division at the time of transplantation.

Images of the indoor plant Spathiphyllum wallisii or Peace lily