Peace Lily Flower

10 Keys To Growing A Beautiful Peace Lily flower

The peace lily flower, spathiphyllum, is in the araceae family. Similar to the well known calla lily in appearance, there are approximately 35 types originating in the tropical zones of South America and East Asia. In the US, they have grown from only 6 cultivars in the 1980s, to more than fifty, sold as houseplants, from 1 to 6 feet tall.

Some notable cultivars include the Mauna Loa, which grows 2 feet tall, the starlight with copious flowers – 15 or more on one plant, golden delicious (not the apple) noted for goodish leaves, and the mojo, prized for its bright green foliage.

The name peace lily comes from the white leaf representing a peace flag, or flag of surrender, with the middle stalk representing the flag poll. They have attractive dark green leaves, with spathes, or single petal flowers (actually a leaf), of white or cream color, and a light greenish stalk or spadix in the middle. Tiny flowers bloom from the stalk.

For the best results with your lily, follow these top 10 keys for raising a beautiful lily.

Carefully examine blubs before purchasing. Assure that there are no damaged roots.
They need humidity, simulating a rain forest. Avoid heat vents or hot areas by windows. They prefer temperatures 55 degrees or more, thus are houseplants throughout most of the US.
Water often, but empty the saucer under the plant so it does not stand in water. Increase watering in summer, and mist as appropriate to add humidity.
Place the pots in a location where the base of the plants will be shaded from surrounding plants, such as several other potted plants, and at the same time, where the growth will receive ample sun. They prefer full sun in cool months. When hot, give only filtered sunlight.
Use gravel or rocks in the bottom of the pot, as it must be well drained at all times

Use sandy, acidic soil – add rotted leaf mold, soil should be loamy

Plant the blub six inches or deeper from the top of the soil
When shoots begin to develop, obtain a 5-10-10 fertilizer. Once growth is eight inches high, use fertilizer. Use a second application when the first flowers open. A third and final application should be at the very end of the flowering cycle.
Use mulch on top of the soil to keep roots cool
Give each bulb space. Do not plant too close together with other plants in the same pot or flowerbed.

Now you know the 10 keys to growing a beautiful peace lily flower. They are not the easiest to grow, but have long been one of the most spectacular flowers in the garden, standing out above all the rest. The also make beautiful cut flowers, with an appealing fragrance. If you follow growing requirements carefully, your peace lily flower will bloom several times throughout the year.