One very common houseplant loved by all is the peace lily.  Also called Spathiphyllum, this foliage plant is also known for its long-lasting, jack-in-the pulpit-like white flower.  While mostly kept as houseplants, peace lilies can also be planted in the landscape in warmer areas.  Keeping your peace lily in top condition is easy and rewarding! [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_7955" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7955" style="width: 257px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class=" wp-image-7955" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/files/2023/07/20230603_164337-175x300.jpg" alt="a plant with long green leaves and a tall upright white flower" width="257" height="441" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-7955" class="wp-caption-text">A Mature Peace Lily Blooming.</figcaption></figure>
One very common houseplant loved by all is the peace lily.  Also called Spathiphyllum, this foliage plant is also known for its long-lasting, jack-in-the pulpit-like white flower.  While mostly kept as houseplants, peace lilies can also be planted in the landscape in warmer areas.  Keeping your peace lily in top condition is easy and rewarding!
A peace lily requires bright, but indirect sun – no direct sun.  Direct sun will burn the leaves and cause it to decline.  While this plant has some drought tolerance, it has no salt tolerance, and its foliage will burn when exposed to salt spray.  Peace lilies prefer soil rich in organic matter &#8211; water as needed to maintain moisture but provide good drainage.  While peace lilies can be planted in the landscape in shady locations in the warmer parts of our region – hardiness zone 10 B &#8211; frosts/freezes or even temperatures reaching thirty-five degrees F. can cause damage.  However, peace lilies planted in large containers can be moved indoors during a cold snap for protection.
Spathiphyllum have a number of cultivars available of various sizes.  Ranging from ‘Little Angel’ a dwarf, compact cultivar that only gets twelve to fifteen inches tall, to ‘Sensation’ that matures at six-feet tall and wide, there are many selections to fit your needs. There is even a variegated variety called ‘Domino’ growing up to thirty-inches wide. Beyond the dark green glossy foliage is the namesake flower.  The classic white flower is actually an inflorescence made up of a spadix, the central fleshy stem holding the actual flowers, and the spathe, the colorful bract that makes up most of the flower structure typical of the arum family.  This jack-in-the pulpit-like flower is long lasting but will eventually turn light green as it matures.  Peace lilies naturally set flowers in response to short days/long nights and lower temperatures.
Although the peace lily is mildly toxic when eaten and should be kept out of the reach of children and pets, it is also noted by NASA as a plant which can help purify indoor air of certain pollutants.  I have a Spathiphyllum, ‘Sensation’ growing in large seven-gallon pot under the dappled shade of a tree which is flowering right now.  While the plant itself is over four and one-half feet tall, the flower is about one foot long and magnificent!  For more information on all types of tropical flowering plants, or to ask a question, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer.  Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension &#8211; Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or <a href="mailto:ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov">ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov</a>  .  Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyExtension">@CharlotteCountyExtension</a> and follow us on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ifascharco/">@ifascharco</a>.
Resources: 
Henny, R. J. &amp; Chen, J. (2019) FLORIDA FOLIAGE HOUSE PLANT CARE: SPATHIPHYLLUM.  The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS. 
Henny, R. J. &amp; Chen, J. (2019) Spathiphyllum Flowering—Keys to the Future.  The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS. 
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions (2015) Peace Lily.  The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS. 
Chase, L. (2023) Peace Lily &#8211; Spathiphyllum spp.South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com. 
Spathiphyllum Common Name(s): Mauna Loa Peace Lily, Peace Lily, Spathe Flower, White Sails.  North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. 
Wikipedia (2023) – Spadix.  <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spadix_(botany)">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spadix_(botany)</a>. 
Curcuma flowers are exotic and unique,  2. Curcuma features a cone-like flower  3. Tulip-like colorful bracts  enclose the true flowers

A Mature Peace Lily Blooming.
One very common houseplant loved by all is the peace lily.  Also called Spathiphyllum, this foliage plant is also known for its long-lasting, jack-in-the pulpit-like white flower.  While mostly kept as houseplants, peace lilies can also be planted in the landscape in warmer areas.  Keeping your peace lily in top condition is easy and rewarding!
A peace lily requires bright, but indirect sun – no direct sun.  Direct sun will burn the leaves and cause it to decline.  While this plant has some drought tolerance, it has no salt tolerance, and its foliage will burn when exposed to salt spray.  Peace lilies prefer soil rich in organic matter – water as needed to maintain moisture but provide good drainage.  While peace lilies can be planted in the landscape in shady locations in the warmer parts of our region – hardiness zone 10 B – frosts/freezes or even temperatures reaching thirty-five degrees F. can cause damage.  However, peace lilies planted in large containers can be moved indoors during a cold snap for protection.
Spathiphyllum have a number of cultivars available of various sizes.  Ranging from ‘Little Angel’ a dwarf, compact cultivar that only gets twelve to fifteen inches tall, to ‘Sensation’ that matures at six-feet tall and wide, there are many selections to fit your needs. There is even a variegated variety called ‘Domino’ growing up to thirty-inches wide. Beyond the dark green glossy foliage is the namesake flower.  The classic white flower is actually an inflorescence made up of a spadix, the central fleshy stem holding the actual flowers, and the spathe, the colorful bract that makes up most of the flower structure typical of the arum family.  This jack-in-the pulpit-like flower is long lasting but will eventually turn light green as it matures.  Peace lilies naturally set flowers in response to short days/long nights and lower temperatures.
Although the peace lily is mildly toxic when eaten and should be kept out of the reach of children and pets, it is also noted by NASA as a plant which can help purify indoor air of certain pollutants.  I have a Spathiphyllum, ‘Sensation’ growing in large seven-gallon pot under the dappled shade of a tree which is flowering right now.  While the plant itself is over four and one-half feet tall, the flower is about one foot long and magnificent!  For more information on all types of tropical flowering plants, or to ask a question, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer.  Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension – Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov  .  Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spadix_(botany).
Curcuma flowers are exotic and unique,  2. Curcuma features a cone-like flower  3. Tulip-like colorful bracts  enclose the true flowers

One very common houseplant loved by all is the peace lily.  Also called Spathiphyllum, this foliage plant is also known for its long-lasting, jack-in-the pulpit-like white flower.  While mostly kept as houseplants, peace lilies can also be planted in the landscape in warmer areas.  Keeping your peace lily in top condition is easy and rewarding! […]

Peace…lily

Whether you are returning to an office building or establishing a home office, you may wonder about the quality of the air inside your space. Plants are nature’s air filter. They improve indoor air quality by converting CO2 (carbon dioxide) into O2 (oxygen) and naturally reducing the ecological footprint. Research has found that an increase [&#8230;]

Whether you are returning to an office building or establishing a home office, you may wonder about the quality of the air inside your space. Plants are nature’s air filter. They improve indoor air quality by converting CO2 (carbon dioxide) into O2 (oxygen) and naturally reducing the ecological footprint. Research has found that an increase in oxygen allows humans to be more focused, creative, attentive, happy and healthy. Plants in a business setting were found to raise productivity of employees, increase occupancy and retention rates of leased space, and lower worker absenteeism. Hotel rooms with garden views are reserved more quickly and command higher rates.
<h6>How Do We Know Plants Filter the Air?</h6>
Dr. Bill Wolverton, a NASA scientist and author of “How to Grow Fresh Air,” confirmed that houseplants purify the air in 1984. In 2002, new research reconfirmed the original Wolverton study. More good news – a 2007 study by the Center of Health Design found the use of plants reduces stress, supports pain management, and promotes a sense of overall well-being. Other benefits of the study concluded that workers in plant friendly environments missed fewer days, had less stress and more job satisfaction, increased positive feelings, and enhanced problem-solving skills for both men &amp; women. The study also found that plants reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sick building syndrome, and reduce noise levels and decrease temperatures inside the building.
Plants can help remove toxins from detergents, tobacco smoke, carpeting, cleaners, foam insulation, paper products, plywood, furniture, adhesives, paint, and dry cleaning chemicals, just to name a few.
The top plant picks for use indoors include the following:
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2021/07/Indoor-Plants-2.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-4961 size-full lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="17 best indoor plants" width="2000" height="2000" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2021/07/Indoor-Plants-2.jpg"></a>
<h6>How to Get Started</h6>
<ul>
<li>Purchase plants the recommended list above</li>
<li>Most of the plants on the list need medium to low light</li>
<li>Need water only every 7-10 days and less</li>
<li>One 8-inch diameter pot in an 8-foot X 10-foot room is all you need to make a difference</li>
</ul>
<h5></h5>
<h6>Maintenance is Important</h6>
Proper care is important for the concept to work. You will need to know who has allergy triggers in the home or office. Over-watering can lead to mold spores and cancel any benefits. Under-watering or over-watering can kill the plant.
In summary, live plants are imperative to the “green” initiative. Plants filter the air and cool the earth. They are a natural way to provide a relaxing and healthy setting and a big return for the amount of money spent.

Whether you are returning to an office building or establishing a home office, you may wonder about the quality of the air inside your space. Plants are nature’s air filter. They improve indoor air quality by converting CO2 (carbon dioxide) into O2 (oxygen) and naturally reducing the ecological footprint. Research has found that an increase in oxygen allows humans to be more focused, creative, attentive, happy and healthy. Plants in a business setting were found to raise productivity of employees, increase occupancy and retention rates of leased space, and lower worker absenteeism. Hotel rooms with garden views are reserved more quickly and command higher rates.
How Do We Know Plants Filter the Air?
Dr. Bill Wolverton, a NASA scientist and author of “How to Grow Fresh Air,” confirmed that houseplants purify the air in 1984. In 2002, new research reconfirmed the original Wolverton study. More good news – a 2007 study by the Center of Health Design found the use of plants reduces stress, supports pain management, and promotes a sense of overall well-being. Other benefits of the study concluded that workers in plant friendly environments missed fewer days, had less stress and more job satisfaction, increased positive feelings, and enhanced problem-solving skills for both men & women. The study also found that plants reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sick building syndrome, and reduce noise levels and decrease temperatures inside the building.
Plants can help remove toxins from detergents, tobacco smoke, carpeting, cleaners, foam insulation, paper products, plywood, furniture, adhesives, paint, and dry cleaning chemicals, just to name a few.
The top plant picks for use indoors include the following:

How to Get Started
Purchase plants the recommended list above
Most of the plants on the list need medium to low light
Need water only every 7-10 days and less
One 8-inch diameter pot in an 8-foot X 10-foot room is all you need to make a difference

Maintenance is Important
Proper care is important for the concept to work. You will need to know who has allergy triggers in the home or office. Over-watering can lead to mold spores and cancel any benefits. Under-watering or over-watering can kill the plant.
In summary, live plants are imperative to the “green” initiative. Plants filter the air and cool the earth. They are a natural way to provide a relaxing and healthy setting and a big return for the amount of money spent.

Whether you are returning to an office building or establishing a home office, you may wonder about the quality of the air inside your space. Plants are nature’s air filter. They improve indoor air quality by converting CO2 (carbon dioxide) into O2 (oxygen) and naturally reducing the ecological footprint. Research has found that an increase […]

Plants Improve Indoor Air Quality

Q: My peace lily is starting to have brown edges on the leaves. I have been watering it with tap water which goes through my water softener. Could that be the problem? A: I am glad you called with this question; it is one we often get in the winter because people bring plants in [&#8230;]

Q: My peace lily is starting to have brown edges on the leaves. I have been watering it with tap water which goes through my water softener. Could that be the problem? 
A: I am glad you called with this question; it is one we often get in the winter because people bring plants in during cold months and will water them with softened water. Brown edges on plant leaves can be caused by over watering, over fertilizing or even under watering. However, once you told me you were watering with softened water I suspected an accumulation of salts from the softener is causing the burn on the leaves. For house plants it is best to use bottled drinking water to avoid salt build-up. You can recognize the salt build-up by checking out the pot or surface soil for a white, flaky substance. In addition, this salt build-up can also occur when watering with hard water which will accumulate a calcium deposit. You may be able to flush out the excess salts by allowing clean bottled drinking water to run through the soil several times. Be sure the water is able to run out of the bottom of the flower pot to prevent the roots from getting too wet and causing root rot. You might consider repotting the plant in a new container and replacing the soil with clean potting material. The damage done by softened water is not limited to house plants; turf grass can experience the same symptoms of salt burn if softened water is used on lawns

Q: My peace lily is starting to have brown edges on the leaves. I have been watering it with tap water which goes through my water softener. Could that be the problem?
A: I am glad you called with this question; it is one we often get in the winter because people bring plants in during cold months and will water them with softened water. Brown edges on plant leaves can be caused by over watering, over fertilizing or even under watering. However, once you told me you were watering with softened water I suspected an accumulation of salts from the softener is causing the burn on the leaves. For house plants it is best to use bottled drinking water to avoid salt build-up. You can recognize the salt build-up by checking out the pot or surface soil for a white, flaky substance. In addition, this salt build-up can also occur when watering with hard water which will accumulate a calcium deposit. You may be able to flush out the excess salts by allowing clean bottled drinking water to run through the soil several times. Be sure the water is able to run out of the bottom of the flower pot to prevent the roots from getting too wet and causing root rot. You might consider repotting the plant in a new container and replacing the soil with clean potting material. The damage done by softened water is not limited to house plants; turf grass can experience the same symptoms of salt burn if softened water is used on lawns

Q: My peace lily is starting to have brown edges on the leaves. I have been watering it with tap water which goes through my water softener. Could that be the problem? A: I am glad you called with this question; it is one we often get in the winter because people bring plants in […]

Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)

Publications

Tropical Foliage Plant Development: Breeding Techniques for Anthurium and Spathiphyllum

Chilling Injury in Tropical Foliage Plants: I. Spathiphyllum

Spathiphyllum Flowering—Keys to the Future

Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Interiorscape Spathiphyllum

Florida Foliage House Plant Care: Spathiphyllum

Related IFAS Blog Posts

Peace…lily

Plants Improve Indoor Air Quality

Q: My peace lily is starting to have brown edges on the leaves. Why?

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