I remember reading a couple of years ago that peace lilies have amazing air purifying qualities. So, off I set to my local florist to buy one for my office, where I spend a lot of my working day. And to me, with their brilliant white blooms and lush green foliage, there’s a certain sereneness about them.
The plant’s Latin name is Spathiphyllum, which is derived from the Greek words for spathe and leaf. A spathe is a modified leaf (bract) that forms a sheath to enclose the flower cluster.
If you think that peace lilies look a little like anthuriums, well…you’re spot on, as they’re both in the Araceae (arum) family. In this family, the flowers grow on a type of inflorescence called a spadix, which is usually accompanied by a spathe. In fact, it’s said that they’re called peace lilies because the spathe looks like a white flag of surrender!
Peace lilies come in a range of sizes from under 30cm to 1m in height. Their natural flowering time is spring, but given the right conditions, the white flowers may appear on and off throughout the year.
As for looking after your peace lily plants? In the summer, they like to be kept lightly shaded and out of direct sunlight. But in the winter, it’s best to move them to good light.
With regards to watering, make sure to keep the compost moist with lukewarm water from spring through to autumn. Then in the winter, water them sparingly and allow the compost to dry slightly before watering. Oh…and they also love a spray with lukewarm water, now and again!
P.S. If you love peace lilies, you may like to visit The Joy of Plants website.
P.P.S. If you’re a florist and would like more information, simply visit The Flower Council of Holland website.
* This post is brought to you in collaboration with The Flower Council of Holland. All the words are my own.
(Images : The Flower Council of Holland)
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