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Detailed Guide to Planting Methods and Care Tips for Peace Lily

Growing Techniques By Emily Carter 0 views
Flowering Plants

Peace lily (scientific name: Spathiphyllum kochii Engl. & K.Krause) is a perennial herb in the Araceae family. The plant is 30 cm-40 cm tall, stemless or with a very short stem; the leaves are oblong or nearly lanceolate, with a distinct midrib and petiole, dark green. It blooms in spring and summer; the spathe is large and conspicuous, rising above the leaves, white or slightly green, and the spadix is creamy yellow.

Growth Habits

It likes high temperatures and high humidity, and is also fairly shade-tolerant. The leaves of the peace lily are relatively large and quite sensitive to humidity, and it fears strong sunlight and exposure; in summer provide 60-70% shade, but long-term insufficient light makes it difficult for the plant to bloom. A fertile loam rich in humus is best for the soil. The optimum growing temperature is 22-28°C, with 24-30°C from March to September and 18-21°C from September to March of the following year; the winter temperature should not be lower than 14°C. Below 10°C the plant's growth is hindered and the leaves are prone to cold damage. During storage and transport of potted peace lilies, keep the temperature at 13-16°C and the relative humidity at 80-90%; the plant can tolerate a dark environment for 30 days.

Propagation Methods

Division: For propagating peace lily by division, May to June is the best time. Lift the whole plant out of the pot, cut the rhizome apart from the base of the clump, making sure each division has at least 4 leaves, then plant them separately and place them in partial shade to recover.
Sowing: After the peace lily flowers, seeds can be obtained through artificial pollination. The seeds must be sown immediately after collection; the germination temperature is 30°C, and germination occurs 10-15 days after sowing. If the temperature is too low during germination, the seeds are prone to rotting. After disinfection, inoculate them on an added culture medium, and after 45 days callus tissue and adventitious buds grow.
Tissue culture: Using young inflorescences and lateral buds of the peace lily as explants, after disinfection inoculate them on MS medium supplemented with 10 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine and 2 mg/L indoleacetic acid; after 40-45 days callus tissue and adventitious buds grow. Then transfer the adventitious buds to MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/L indoleacetic acid, and after 30-40 days roots are induced, forming complete plantlets.

Cultivation Techniques
Soil: Potted peace lilies require loose soil with good drainage and aeration; heavy clay soil must not be used. Generally, a mix of leaf mold, peat soil and a small amount of perlite can be used as the substrate, and a small amount of organic fertilizer can be added as a base fertilizer when planting.
Potting up: Reinsert the divided plants into the pot. After planting, place them in partial shade to recover and wait for them to take root. Note here that when cutting, a section of stem must be included, and then apply wood charcoal ash to the wound to prevent rot. Once the root system has recovered to normal, proceed with normal care.
Light: Light is very important for plant growth. The peace lily needs relatively good light in winter and early spring, but as the light gradually intensifies it should be shaded gradually. If it is being enjoyed in a shady spot, it must not be placed directly in the sun for exposure, as this is very bad for the peace lily's growth.
Temperature: The peace lily is a heat-loving species and should be cultivated in a high-temperature greenhouse. In winter, the minimum nighttime temperature should be 14-16°C, and the daytime temperature should be around 25°C.
Watering: During the growing period, the peace lily's potting soil should be kept moist at all times, but it must not be watered too much; excessive watering keeps the potting soil wet for a long time, which easily causes root rot and yellowing and withering of the plant.
Fertilizing: Do not apply concentrated fertilizer or raw fertilizer to peace lilies, and after applying solid fertilizer, water once with clear water. It is best to use dilute fertilizer solution instead of clear water for irrigation; this generally does not cause fertilizer burn, and the peace lily will grow very lushly.
Repotting: Repot the peace lily once every 1-2 years. Along with repotting, trim the root system, remove some old roots and excessively long roots, pick out the old soil, and replace it with fresh potting soil to promote flowering of the peace lily.


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