- About 40 different species of Spathiphyllum exist, native to frost-free areas of Central and South America and in a swath from Indonesia to New Guinea and the Philippines. These tropical, herbaceous perennials do not tolerate hot sunlight, dry soil or frost. Depending on species, the plants become a clump of many dark green leaves, ranging from 1 to 5 feet tall. In the United States, the species Spathiphyllum floribundum and derived hybrids grow as houseplants in low light situations.
- Peace lilies display a distinctive flower that looks like a white oval cloak around a bumpy finger. Botanically, the cloak is called a spathe while the central flower column is known as the spadix. The spathe may be held erect or it may slightly cup up to one-half the way around the base of the spadix. Peace lily flowers are bisexual -- female and male organs occur on different parts of the same spadix.
- For lushest development of foliage, plant peace lilies in a moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid dry and alkaline soils. Plant it outside only in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and warmer, in partial to full but bright shade. If grown in a container, use a crumbly, nutrient-rich potting mix. Keep the soil evenly moist to prevent leaves from wilting. Flowering occurs during the warm, humid months of the year. Low light inhibits flowering. While the peace lily tolerates low light levels, it may rarely bloom. Place the plant in very bright, indirect light to encourage more flowering. Peace lilies grow quickly, and will become root-bound in containers after 12 months. If roots become too confined, plants wilt frequently even after being watered.
- Try to visually confirm any plant called peace lily, or ask for a description of the flower to make sure a Spathiphyllum species is involved. In different circumstances or regions, any white flower could be regarded as a peace lily based on various cultural symbolism. White calla lilies (Zantedeschia spp.), white Asiatic lilies (Lilium spp.), any number of white orchids, white flamingo lily (Anthurium spp.) and the Bermuda or Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) could be regarded as an emblem of peace.