The Ultimate Guide to Buying Spathiphyllum

Your Guide to buying the best Spathiphyllum

Overview

Spathiphyllum, also known as the ‘Peace Lily’, is an easy-to-care-for houseplant that adds beauty and elegance to any home. This buying guide provides information on the features and benefits of owning a Spathiphyllum, as well as important tips for selecting the best plant for your growing environment. With the right care, Spathiphyllums can be a long-lasting addition to your home and provide years of enjoyment.

Key features

  1. Light & Temperature Requirements - Look for a plant that can tolerate low to medium light levels and temperatures, ideally between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Soil Moisture & Fertilizer Needs - The soil should be kept moist, but not overly wet or soggy, and a balanced fertilizer should be applied every two to four weeks during the growing season.
  3. Pot - An appropriate pot should be used to house the Spathiphyllum. It should provide adequate drainage and should be just slightly larger than the root ball.
  4. Pest & Disease Control - Regular inspection for pests and diseases is necessary; fungus or bacteria can be treated with appropriate fungicides or bacteria-fighting products.

See the most popular Spathiphyllum on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Low Maintenance: Spathiphyllum requires minimal care and maintenance, making it ideal for busy homeowners or those new to houseplants.
  • Air Purifying: Spathiphyllum is known for its air purifying qualities, helping to improve air quality in any home.
  • Easy to Propagate: Propagating Spathiphyllum is easy for even beginner gardeners, making it simple to enjoy more of the plant.
  • Long Lasting: When taken care of properly, Spathiphyllum can last for many years, providing years of enjoyment.
  • Beauty: Spathiphyllum is a beautiful plant with lush green foliage, making it a striking addition to any home or garden.

Cons

  • Requires high light and humidity levels: Spathiphyllum requires high light levels and needs to be kept in a humid environment, so it may not be suitable for all homes or climates.
  • Can be difficult to maintain: While Spathiphyllum can thrive with the right environment and good care, it can be difficult to keep it healthy for extended periods of time.
  • Toxic to pets: Spathiphyllum is toxic to cats and dogs, so if you have pets it's important to keep this plant out of their reach.
  • Susceptible to diseases: Spathiphyllum is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests, so it's important to inspect it regularly and take appropriate measures to protect it.
  • Can be prone to leaf spot: Spathiphyllum can be prone to leaf spot, which is caused by a fungus. It can be difficult to treat and can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown.

Best alternatives

  1. Dracaena marginata - a species of flowering plant in family Asparagaceae that is often grown as a houseplant with a tall, slender shape.
  2. Schefflera arboricola - an evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Araliaceae.
  3. Calathea - a genus of plants in the family Marantaceae known for their brightly colored and patterned foliage.
  4. Zamioculcas zamiifolia - a perennial flowering plant in the family Araceae with thick, glossy leaves.
  5. Fatsia japonica - a flowering evergreen shrub in the family Araliaceae with large, glossy leaves.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Potting Soil - Potting soil specially formulated for tropical plants like Spathiphyllum. Fertilizer - A balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for use with tropical plants. Pruners/Scissors - To trim and shape Spathiphyllum's foliage. Misting Bottle - To spray the plant's foliage. Humidity Tray - A tray filled with pebbles and water to increase humidity levels around Spathiphyllum. Garden Gloves - To protect hands from sharp foliage or thorns.

Common questions

  1. How do I care for a Spathiphyllum?
    Spathiphyllum should be kept in bright, indirect light and watered when the soil is dry. The plant prefers warm temperatures and high humidity. Fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
  2. What type of soil do Spathiphyllum need?
    Spathiphyllum prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Look for a soil mix formulated for tropical plants or mix your own soil using equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and perlite.
  3. Can a Spathiphyllum survive in low light conditions?
    Spathiphyllum can survive in low light, but it will not thrive. To keep it healthy, it is best to provide bright, indirect light.
  4. How often should I water a Spathiphyllum?
    Water your Spathiphyllum when the soil is dry to the touch. Water thoroughly, and then allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
  5. What kind of fertilizer should I use for my Spathiphyllum?
    Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half-strength, and fertilize once a month. Make sure to water your plant before and after fertilizing.

Trivia

The Spathiphyllum, commonly known as the peace lily, has been known to thrive even with very minimal light and water, making it a great choice for people with busy lifestyles. According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, the peace lily is also a natural air purifier, reducing formaldehyde and other toxins in the air. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.