The Giant Peace Lily, also known as Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’, is a remarkable statement plant that requires minimal care. With its big, emerald green leaves that reflect light and beautiful white calla lily shaped flowers, this plant is a stunning addition to any indoor houseplant collection. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to care for!
Light, Temperature & Humidity
The Giant Peace Lily is quite flexible when it comes to lighting conditions. While it can tolerate low light, it prefers medium light and should be kept away from direct sunlight to avoid leaf damage. Bright light is not necessary and can actually cause the leaves to become pale and crispy at the tips. For optimal growth and occasional blooming, place your plant in a spot with medium-bright light. In fact, if your peace lily hasn’t bloomed for a while during the growing season, simply change its position to a spot with more light and watch the flowers appear.
These plants are remarkably resilient and can handle brighter light, warmer temperatures, and even a neglectful watering schedule. They are perfect for kids who want their own plants, as they visibly show when they need water and reward their caretakers with new leaves and occasional stunning flowers. While they prefer temperatures ranging from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius, they can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter as long as their other conditions are favorable. Although they enjoy higher humidity, it’s not necessary. If you live in a drier area or use systems that reduce humidity, like an HRV or DVS system, consider placing a pebble tray underneath the plant, regularly misting the leaves, or using a humidifier.
Soil
The Peace Lily thrives in a mix of potting mix and perlite. A combination of 3/4 potting mix and 1/4 perlite works well for these fast-growing plants. Repotting once a year in the spring is recommended, especially if you notice roots coming through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Water
Knowing when to water your Peace Lily is incredibly easy. When the plant starts to droop slightly, it’s time to water. These forgiving plants can tolerate neglect, but they prefer to be kept evenly moist. Watering once a week is usually sufficient, but you can adjust based on the condition of the leaves. If you’ve waited too long and the leaves have wilted dramatically, misting them along with a thorough watering can help them recover quickly. These drama queens will bounce back as if nothing was ever wrong.
Is tap water okay? While Peace Lilies can tolerate tap water, they may be more sensitive to its chemicals compared to other plants. If possible, it’s best to leave tap water out overnight or boil it for 10 minutes, then let it cool before using it to water your plant. This helps remove chlorine (though not fluoride). If your plant needs a little extra boost, you can try using a half dose of Groconut mixed in the water regularly. Additionally, if the soil is depleted and needs replenishing, a few drops of Plant Runner can do the trick. However, these plants don’t require a lot of fertilizer, so it’s best to save the good stuff for spring or after repotting.
Pet Safety
Unfortunately, the Peace Lily is not pet safe. While the foliage is safe to touch, nibbling, chewing, or swallowing it can cause irritation to the lips, mouth, and throat, potentially leading to swelling and digestive upsets. To keep your curious pets and kids safe, place the plant in a location that is out of their reach.
Sensation Peace Lily Pro Tips & Problem Solving
Here are a few tips to address common issues with Peace Lilies:
Brown, Crispy, or Dry Tips
Brown tips are often a result of too much light or insufficient humidity. However, some people have reported brown tips due to tap water chemicals. Start by changing the position of your plant to a spot with less intense light. This simple adjustment usually solves the problem.
Lack of Flowers
If your Peace Lily isn’t blooming, there are two common causes to consider: not enough light or a lack of phosphorus. Changing the plant’s position can stimulate blooming, but if you don’t typically fertilize, the lack of flowers might indicate a phosphorus deficiency. Look for an NPK fertilizer like Plant Runner, which contains nitrogen for leaves, phosphorus for roots and flowers, and potassium for overall health.
Green Flowers
While green flowers can occur naturally, they are often a result of over-fertilization. Avoid excessive use of fertilizers to prevent this issue.
Yellow Leaves
If it’s an older leaf that is turning yellow, it’s likely a natural process indicating the end of its life cycle. Remove these leaves to redirect energy towards healthy foliage. However, if the yellowing occurs on one side of the plant, it’s typically due to too much light. Adjust the positioning accordingly. Overwatering can also cause yellowing, often affecting a larger portion or the entire plant. Check the soil’s moisture levels and allow it to dry out.
Stunted Growth
If your Peace Lily is not thriving during the growing season, despite favorable conditions, check if the leaves are coated in dust. These plants tend to attract dust, so a gentle wipe-down or misting can help. Another factor to consider is whether the plant has become root bound and requires repotting. Soil nutrient levels might also be imbalanced, in which case using an NPK fertilizer like Plant Runner can help rejuvenate the plant.
LTLC Rating (Love That Leaf Care Rating)
The Peace Lily deserves the easiest Love That Leaf Care Rating of all, an impressive 1 out of 5! It’s the perfect plant for both new collectors and gift-givers alike. With its instant jungle impact and minimal maintenance requirements, the Sensation Peace Lily is sure to bring joy and beauty to any space. Enjoy the tranquility and simplicity this remarkable plant offers!