Family: Araceae
Common Name: Peace Lily, Madonna Lily

Most of the 36 species originate in Central and South America, while one species is found in the islands of Southeast Asia. With their interesting leaf shapes and fragrant, white flowers with white and green spathes, they are one of the most popular indoor plants.

Species

Few true species are in common cultivation. This very popular and easy-care indoor plant is mainly known from its several cultivars.

S. 'Mauna Loa' is one of the best known, a vigorous plant up to 1 m (3 ft) in height when in flower. It has shiny, deep green foliage and scented, white spathes in spring and summer.

The species S. wallisii is also grown, with deep green foliage and wavy edges. The spathes are white and scented and produced over a long period in spring and summer. Height is up to 70 cm (28 in) when in flower.

Cultivation

Spathiphyllum is pot grown, except in the tropics and subtropics, where it may be grown in open ground. Potting mix should be slightly moisture-retentive but well drained. Indoors, grow these plants in bright, indirect light. They will tolerate low light levels, although flowering will be poor in those conditions. They need to be kept moist through the warmer months, but allowed to dry out some-what between waterings in cool weather. They like a humid atmosphere. The white flowers will age to green and should be cut off once they start to brown. Repotting, when necessary, should be done in warmer months. Propagate by division of older clumps or from seed.

Climate

Tropical.