Is the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) Toxic? Grow It This Way for Lush, Thriving Plants

The peace lily is a potted plant prized for both its foliage and its flowers. Its symbolic meaning is “smooth sailing and a successful career,” which is why it is so widely loved. Whether you grow it at home yourself or give it as a gift, it is an excellent choice. Not only that, the peace lily is also a champion at purifying the air, cleaning up formaldehyde, ammonia, acetone, benzene and more. However, many friends have some concerns before growing a peace lily, such as is the peace lily toxic and how to grow it so it thrives. Let us find out together.

1. Is the peace lily toxic?

The peace lily is toxic. Its leaves mainly contain asparaginase and oxalic acid, its rhizome contains calcium oxalate and dumb cane enzyme, and its flowers and sap are mildly toxic. If a person accidentally swallows it, they will feel a burning sensation in the mouth, blistering in the throat, hoarseness and difficulty swallowing; if the sap accidentally touches the skin, it may cause unbearable itching. Generally these symptoms gradually improve over time, but it is still best to see a doctor.

Therefore, when caring for a peace lily, you must understand its characteristics and tend it carefully and cautiously. Families with children should also tell them about its dangers and not let them touch it casually.

2. How do you grow a peace lily so it thrives?

Although the peace lily is mildly toxic, people's enthusiasm for growing it has not diminished. Why? Because the peace lily not only has a good symbolic meaning and looks beautiful in the home, but it can also absorb and filter waste gases from the air. At the same time, the peace lily has a very long flowering period. For flower lovers, these are all reasons that make growing a peace lily irresistible. So how do you grow a peace lily so it thrives?

1. Choose suitable soil

The peace lily needs soil that drains well, breathes well, is loose and is not sticky. It is usually made up of peat soil, leaf mold and a small amount of perlite. At the same time, the soil needs a base fertilizer, which is also the primary condition for ensuring vigorous growth.

2. Reasonable lighting

The peace lily is very shade-tolerant. It can grow well with just a little scattered light, which makes it a very suitable potted plant for indoors. In winter, when temperatures are relatively low, you should still ensure it gets daily light, otherwise the flowering rate will be affected. In summer, when it is relatively hot, you need to avoid direct sunlight and shade about half of the light.

3. Suitable temperature

The peace lily is a heat-tolerant plant and generally grows best at around 20°C. If it is kept at low temperatures for a long time, its leaves easily turn yellow or drop, so in winter keep the indoor temperature from getting too low.

4. Plenty of water

Keeping the potting soil moist is a major point in peace lily care, because it grows more lushly in a moist environment. But do not fall into the trap of watering too much, as this will waterlog the potting soil, cause root rot and lead to yellow, withered leaves. In winter, when temperatures are low, reduce the frequency of watering; the potting soil only needs to be slightly moist. In summer, when temperatures are high, water while also misting the leaves to increase the humidity of the surrounding air.

5. Fertilize at the right time

The peace lily likes fertilizer, so compared with other plants it can be fertilized a bit more. The ratios differ between the vegetative growth stage and the reproductive growth stage.

6. Repot once a year

Each spring, before new buds sprout, repot it once into a pot one size larger, which helps the peace lily grow more lushly. Normally, loosen the soil around the peace lily often to let it breathe.

7. Pest and disease control

Common pests and diseases of the peace lily include anthracnose, leaf spot and brown spot, and it may also be attacked by red spider mites, scale insects and the like. Pay attention to prevention and treatment.

Summary: The peace lily is a potted plant that is shade-tolerant, heat-tolerant and fond of fertile soil. I believe that as long as you meet the above conditions during care, you can grow a lush peace lily.