Spathiphyllum wallisiiPeace Lily

The Spathiphyllum wallisii, commonly known as the Peace Lily, sends glossy dark green lance-shaped leaves straight up from the base, with pure white spathes held clear above them. In good light it flowers on and off through the year rather than in a single season.

It is the standard interior planting subject for lobbies, atria and offices, and it also mass plants well in deep shade outdoors in the tropics.

Specifications

• Height0.4 to 0.6 metres
• Width0.4 to 0.6 metres
• Native toTropical Central and South America, in Colombia, Venezuela and Panama
• FoliageGlossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves rising directly from the base; evergreen
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilPrefers moist, open, organic-rich and free-draining media
• LightPartial to full shade, or bright indirect light under cover; direct sun scorches
• WaterModerate to high; keep evenly moist
• ClimateThrives in warm humid tropical conditions and is used indoors elsewhere

Additional Features

• FlowersWhite spathes held above the foliage, recurring through the year in good light
• UsesIdeal for interior landscaping, lobbies and atria, shaded understorey mass planting and planters
• SpacingPlant 0.3 to 0.4 metres apart for a continuous cover
• Low MaintenanceRemove spent spathes and old leaves; divide when the clump congests
• Pest ResistanceGenerally trouble-free; monitor for mealybug under cover
• VersatilityWorks as an interior specimen, a planter mass or an outdoor shade ground layer
• ToxicityContains calcium oxalate and is an irritant if chewed

The Peace Lily flowers in shade that defeats almost everything else, which is why it has never left the interior planting list.