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Florida Foliage House Plant Care: Spathiphyllum

R. J. Henny and J. Chen

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)

Figure 1. Spathiphyllum 'Sweet Pablo' in a 2-gallon container.
Figure 1.  Spathiphyllum 'Sweet Pablo' in a 2-gallon container.
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).

Figure 2. Spathiphyllum 'Sensation' in a 7-gallon planter.
Figure 2.  Spathiphyllum 'Sensation' in a 7-gallon planter.
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.

Publication #ENH1216

Release Date:February 26, 2019

Reviewed At:May 10, 2022

Related Experts

Chen, Jianjun

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Henny, Richard J "Jake"

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Fact Sheet

About this Publication

This document is ENH1216, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date June 2013. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

R. J. Henny, professor; and J. Chen, professor, Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, Apopka, FL 32703.

Contacts

  • Jianjun Chen