Spathiphyllum (Spathiphyllum commutatum) is a classic indoor plant grown for its lush green strappy leaves and long-lasting white flowers. The flowers are spathes and consist of a large white ‘petal’ that wraps like a hood around a central spike or spadex. The flowers are held on stiff stems above the green leaves and last for weeks. They can occur throughout the year.

It's best known as a peace lily or Madonna lily and grows happily in homes or offices in a brightly-lit spot. In warm, frost-free gardens it can also be planted in a shaded garden or grown in a courtyard.

How to care for a peace lily

Care couldn’t be much easier if you start with the right position. Place plants in a brightly-lit spot indoors, which is sheltered from draughts. If you're wondering "can peace lilies grow outside?", the answer is yes! Outdoors they thrive in warm spots that don't receive direct sunlight.

Dust the leaves from time to time and repot when the plant becomes too large for its container. Use a good quality potting mix, such as Supersoil Professional Indoor, Balcony and Hanging Basket Mix, and feed with an indoor-specific liquid fertiliser such as Osmocote Pour+Feed House Plant Fertiliser occasionally when the plant has new growth. Remove dead blooms and leaves, cutting them at the base.

Wondering "How often do I water my peace lily?" Water when the potting mix is dry to the touch and don’t allow pots to sit in water. Plants that have become overly dry will wilt. These pots may need to be soaked in water to rehydrate the potting mix and allow the plant to revive.

Black leaf edges or black leaves and stems indicate overwatering and wet soil conditions. Check that drainage holes in the base of the pot are not blocked and cut back on watering. Cut off discoloured leaves, removing them at the base.

Brown leaf edges or spots may result from overwatering or exposure to draughts, air conditioning or heating. Remove discoloured leaves and relocate the plant to a more sheltered position.

Frequent wilting may indicate that plant has outgrown its potting mix and needs to be repotted into a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix.

Fungal gnats may breed in overly wet potting mix. These pests are seen as small ‘flies’ hovering around plants. Avoid overwatering and allow wet mix to dry out completely. Repotting in good quality potting mix may help reduce pest numbers.

Three varieties of spathiphyllum displaying the diversity that can be found in this plant family.

From left: Spathiphyllum Power Petite, Sensation and Lustre.

Varieties

The most frequently encountered spathiphyllum is a small, leafy plant that grows to around 40cm high. Due to its popularity and easy growth, there are several varieties of spathiphyllum available that offer a range of plant sizes and leaf types. Here are some of our favourites - choose the one that suits your space and décor.

Blue Moon

A medium-size leafy plant that grows 30-60cm high and wide with dark green leaves and white flowers.

Domino

This large peace lily has dramatically variegated green and white leaves with large white flowers. Plants grow 60-90cm high and wide.

Lustre

With large green leaves and tall stems of bright white flowers held well above the foliage, this variety makes a striking indoor feature. Plants grow 75cm high and 60cm wide.

Platinum Mist

The pretty platinum (silvery white) leaves of this spathiphyllum make an eye-catching feature indoors or in a garden. The white flowers stand above the leaves. Plants grow up to 1m high and wide.

Power Petite

One of the smallest and most compact peace lilies growing to just 15-20cm high and wide with fine leaves.

Sensation

One of the largest and boldest of all the spathiphyllums, ‘Sensation’ has broad dark green leaves with distinctive ribbing. This variety has large white flowers. Fully grown it is 1m high and wide. Best in a 30cm plus pot. Other large varieties include ‘Mauna Loa’.

Sensation Junior

Love the look of the Spathiphyllum 'Sensation' but struggling for space? 'Sensation Junior' bears the same large-scale ribbed leaves but in a more compact form, growing to a maximum of 90cm tall, with characteristic white flowers.