A Detailed Guide to the Propagation Methods and Growing Techniques of the Peace Lily
Growing the peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is relatively simple and easy to get the hang of. Below, let's look at how to grow peace lilies from two aspects: their propagation methods and their growing techniques.
Propagation Methods of the Peace Lily
Division propagation: This is best done in May to June. Take the whole plant out of the pot, cut the rhizome apart from the base of the clump, making sure each division has at least 3 to 4 leaves, then plant them separately and place them in a semi-shaded spot to recover. A vigorously growing plant can be divided about once every 2 years, generally in spring when repotting or in autumn. Before new shoots emerge in early spring, tip the whole plant out of the pot, remove the old growing medium, and cut the rhizome at the base of the clump into several divisions, each containing more than 3 stems and buds, then replant them in fresh potting mix. Keep as many roots as possible to help the new plants quickly produce new leaves and develop a full shape.
Seed propagation: After flowering, peace lilies in a greenhouse can be hand-pollinated to obtain seeds. Once the seeds are mature, they can be sown immediately after harvesting. The sowing temperature should be around 25°C; if the temperature is low, the seeds rot easily, which affects germination.
Tissue culture propagation: In the late 1970s and early 1980s, tissue culture propagation of peace lilies had already begun in the United States and Germany. Using young inflorescences and lateral buds as explants, they are sterilized and then inoculated onto MS medium supplemented with 10 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine and 2 mg/L indoleacetic acid; after 40 to 45 days, callus tissue and adventitious buds form. The adventitious buds are then transferred to MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/L indoleacetic acid, and after 30 to 40 days roots are induced, forming complete plants.
Growing Techniques for the Peace Lily
Soil: The best potting mix for peace lilies is a blend of leaf mold, peat soil and coarse sand, with a small amount of superphosphate added.
Container: Choose a container of appropriate size according to the variety. Some small varieties are suitable for growing in 4-inch containers, while some large varieties are suitable for growing in 21-inch containers; growers should choose according to the actual situation.
Sunlight: Generally speaking, growing peace lilies requires at least 73% shading. In summer, 80% shading is even better. If the light level is too low, the leaves of the peace lily fade in color, and growth may also be stunted.
Temperature: The optimal growing temperature for peace lilies is 22-28°C; from March to September it is 24-30°C, and from September to March of the following year it is 18-21°C, with winter temperatures not lower than 14°C. When the temperature drops below 10°C, plant growth is hindered and the leaves are prone to cold damage.
Watering: Peace lily leaves are relatively large and quite sensitive to humidity. During high summer temperatures and dry autumn weather, mist more frequently to keep air humidity above 50%, which benefits leaf growth. Under high temperatures and dry conditions, the leaves tend to curl, become smaller, wither and drop, and the flowering period is shortened.
Fertilizing: Peace lilies are easy to grow, but their demand for magnesium is much higher than that of many other foliage plants. When magnesium supply is insufficient, the edges of older peace lily leaves turn withered and yellow. Growers should replenish magnesium for the plant by applying liquid fertilizer or solid fertilizer, or they can regularly spray the plant with magnesium sulfate, magnesium nitrate or magnesium chelate.
Pests and diseases: Common bacterial leaf spot, brown spot and anthracnose damage the leaves; these can be controlled by spraying with a 500-fold dilution of 50% carbendazim wettable powder. Root rot and stem rot also occur; besides paying attention to ventilation and reducing humidity, use a 800-fold dilution of 75% chlorothalonil wettable powder for control. Sometimes scale insects and red spider mites cause damage; use a 1500-fold dilution of 50% malathion emulsifiable concentrate to spray and kill them.
Forcing bloom: Spraying gibberellic acid artificially induces the plant to flower, and the flowering time differs depending on the variety. Generally speaking, small varieties respond more quickly to gibberellic acid and can bloom 7 to 9 weeks after spraying, medium varieties need 10 to 11 weeks, and large varieties need 12 to 13 weeks. Note that too high a concentration of gibberellic acid will cause the plant's flowers to become deformed.
The above introduction covers all the matters concerning the propagation and growing of peace lilies. The peace lily has a beautiful and elegant plant shape; growing it at home not only decorates the room but also enhances the quality of the living space, so it has high value for growing.