Florida Foliage House Plant Care: Spathiphyllum
Introduction
Most Spathiphyllum are seen in flower when at market (Figure 1). The attractive white blooms, called spathes, are long lasting. With proper plant care, Spathiphyllum may produce blooms year after year. Spathiphyllum is a very attractive house plant even when not in bloom and adapts well to home and patio environments.
Common names: Spathiphyllum, peace lily
Scientific name: Spathiphyllum spp.
Plant family: Araceae (the aroid family)
Credit: Gary Hennen
Indoor/Home/Office Cultivation Information
Light requirement: Bright, indirect light. No direct sun.
Soil preference: Rich, organic peat or bark-based, bagged potting soil.
Water requirement: Keep moist, but do not allow Spathiphyllum to sit in water.
Drought tolerant: Slightly tolerant.
Fertilizer requirements: Apply a low dose of liquid fertilizer according to manufacturer instructions three times per year.
Salt tolerant: No.
Temperature preference: Warm, tropical, 75°F–85°F.
Chill tolerant (55°F–35°F): Moderately tolerant; some cultivars can be injured at 35°F; active growth is reduced at or below 50°F.
Freeze tolerant (below 32°F): No.
Pests: Mealybug, scale—Take a sample to your local UF/IFAS Extension agent to confirm identification and receive treatment instructions.
Outdoor Cultivation Information
Outdoor year-round planting: Okay for USDA Hardiness Zones 10B–12.
Soil preference: Well drained, amended with organic matter.
Light requirement: No direct sun.
Water requirement: Irrigate regularly; maintain moisture but provide drainage.
Drought tolerant: Slightly tolerant.
Fertilizer requirements: Apply a well-balanced, slow-release, pelletized fertilizer according to manufacturer recommendations during the warm growing season.
Salt tolerant: No.
Temperature preference: Warm, tropical 75°F–85°F.
Chill tolerant (55°F–35°F): Moderately tolerant; some cultivars can be injured at 35°F; active growth is reduced at or below 50°F.
Freeze tolerant (below 32°F): No.
Pests: Mites, scale—Take a sample to your local UF/IFAS Extension agent to confirm identification and receive treatment instructions.
Notes: Spathiphyllum varieties are numerous and range in size from small plants in 4-inch pots to specimen sizes in 7-gallon pots or larger (Figure 2).
Credit: Jim Georgisus
Availability: Spathiphyllum is readily available year-round at retail outlets, florists, garden centers, and nurseries.
Additional Resource
Watkins, J. V., and T. J. Sheehan. 1975. Florida Landscape Plants, Native and Exotic. Gainesville: University Press of Florida.
