African Violet
Saintpaulia ionantha
pet safefloweringbeginner friendly
SPECIMEN NO. 197
Native toTropical rainforests of Central and South America
Low light
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum spp.
Also known as: Spath
A shade-loving tropical plant with glossy, dark green leaves and elegant white flag-like flowers. One of the few flowering houseplants that will still bloom in relatively low light.
5–9dwatering range
low to bright indirectlight needs
18–27°Ctemperature
Watering amount
How much water does my Peace Lily need?
Estimated guideline, not a precise measurement — scale up for larger pots, brighter light, or active growth; scale down for smaller pots, lower light, or winter dormancy. Always water until it drains from the pot's base rather than measuring exactly.
Watering guide
Season note
Likes consistent moisture year-round; water when the top inch of soil feels dry or when leaves begin to droop.
Overwatering signs
Yellowing leaves, root rot, mushy stems
Underwatering signs
Dramatic drooping/wilting leaves (recovers quickly after watering)
Light & placement
Light level
low to bright indirect
Best rooms
Care details
Soil
Rich, well-draining potting mix that holds some moisture
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity
Fertilizer
Light, balanced fertilizer every 6–8 weeks during growing season
Temperature range
18°C – 27°C
Plant care guide
The peace lily, genus Spathiphyllum, is one of the more botanically interesting "lilies" sold commercially, mostly because it isn't a lily at all. It belongs to the arum family, Araceae, placing it in the same family as pothos, philodendron, and monstera, and what looks like a single white "flower" is actually a modified leaf called a spathe wrapped around a small central flower spike, the spadix — the same structural arrangement found throughout the aroid family. The genus is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America and parts of Southeast Asia, where it grows in the deeply shaded, humid understorey beneath the forest canopy, often nestled in moist, leaf-litter-rich soil pockets or, in some populations, growing epiphytically on the trunks and branches of larger trees rather than rooted directly in the ground. Some individual species within the genus, such as Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum, are native specifically to tropical Latin America and have long been grown outdoors in warm, shaded landscapes such as atriums and protected patios in frost-free climates.
This shaded rainforest-floor origin is the single most important thing to understand about caring for a peace lily indoors. In the wild, it receives dappled, filtered light that never reaches full intensity, which is exactly why direct sun scorches its leaves so readily and why it tolerates lower indoor light better than almost any other flowering houseplant. Its preference for consistently moist (but not waterlogged) soil and high humidity also traces directly back to the rainforest floor, where soil rarely dries out completely and ambient moisture in the air is a constant.
Toxicity
Pets: Toxic to pets — keep out of reach
Humans: Toxic to humans if ingested
Contains calcium oxalate crystals; causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed by pets or ingested by humans.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water a Peace Lily?+
Roughly every 5–9 days, or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry — the leaves will visibly droop as a clear signal it needs water.
Why is my Peace Lily not flowering?+
Usually insufficient light. It tolerates low light for foliage but needs brighter indirect light to bloom regularly.
Is Peace Lily toxic to cats?+
Yes, it's toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals — keep it out of reach.
