Peace lily Spathiphyllum wallisii
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Araceae family, native to Rainforest of Colombia and Venezuela. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Peace lily at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Rainforest of Colombia and Venezuela |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇫🇷 France, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇴 Colombia |
Is Peace lily toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: all parts, sap
Contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals: chewing it causes burning, swelling and drooling in people, cats and dogs; the sap can irritate skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Peace lily
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Peace lily
- How far apart should I plant Peace lily?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Peace lily need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Peace lily need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Peace lily?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Peace lily flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks.
- Is Peace lily poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals: chewing it causes burning, swelling and drooling in people, cats and dogs; the sap can irritate skin.
- What grows well with Peace lily?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Peace lily. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- Glossy dark leaves and white, sail-like spathes around a cream spadix; it wilts dramatically when dry and perks up within hours of watering. Takes low light. Its fame as an air purifier comes from a 1989 NASA study in sealed chambers; in a real room the effect is negligible.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Taro Colocasia esculenta
- Calla lily (arum lily) Zantedeschia aethiopica
- Caladium (angel wings) Caladium bicolor
- Lacy tree philodendron Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
- Swiss cheese plant Monstera deliciosa
- Giant taro (elephant ear) Alocasia macrorrhizos
- Flamingo flower Anthurium andraeanum
- Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam) Xanthosoma sagittifolium