Peace Lily

The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is very popular houseplant requiring only minimum care. The flowers will last for many weeks if you follow a few basic rules.

The Peace Lily is unusual in that it does not need a huge amount of light to thrive, it will do well in hallways, bathrooms or offices where other houseplants suffer. This is a tough plant, but like all house plants, don't let it get too hot or too cold (below 5 degree centigrade), otherwise the fleshy leaves will become damaged.

Whilst the plant is in a small pot it will need regular watering. Water from the top and let the excess drain away. Or if you prefer, stand in water for 20mins. The top of the soil should seem slightly damp when you touch it. If the leaves start to droop you know it is thirsty, so water straight away. Don't worry it will recover quickly.

When the spathes turn green and then shrivel cut them off at their base to encourage new flowers. Peace Lilies will rest for 6-8 weeks before flowering again and should flower on and off throughout the year.

If your lily is reluctant to flower, try moving it to a shadier position. Extreme drops in temperature or repeatedly parched plants may develop dry shrivelled edges to the leaves. These can be cut off to promote new growth and with more water and warmth will recover well. If you have trouble remembering to water your plants, try placing them in a shallow saucer of water.