Spathiphyllum wallisi

Text and photo by Virginia Williams

Peace lily, or flame plant, is one of the easiest houseplants to grow.  It wants to be pot bound, doesn’t want direct sunlight, and would rather be underwatered than overwatered.

Its long, dark lance-shaped leaves look good year round.  The “lily” is actually a spike of tiny yellow blooms set off by a white spathe, which wraps around like a flame or sail.

Soil should be kept evenly moist, allowing the top half inch to dry between waterings. Peace lily prefers high humidity but tolerates average household conditions.  Supply medium light.

Fertilize February through July with dilute fertilizer, being careful not to burn the sensitive roots. Organic fertilizer is a good idea, because salts from fertilizer or water softeners will cause leaf margins to brown, as will overwatering.

Dust leaves occasionally to maintain their luster.