Spathiphyllum Wallisii - Peace Lily

Quick facts

Handling caution: Sap contains calcium oxalate crystals; mildly irritating if chewed or handled without care

Identity

Also known as

Spath; White Sails; White Flag

Synonyms

Spathiphyllum wallisii Regel

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Colombia, Venezuela, Central America

Habitat

Shaded, humid tropical rainforest understory along riverbanks and marshy ground

Sourcing

Captive-bred

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Rosette

Max height

6 – 20 in (15 – 51 cm)

Spread

16 in (41 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Background

Water

Temperature

70 – 82 °F (21 – 28 °C)

pH

6.0 – 7.5

GH

4 – 12 dGH

Light

Medium

CO₂

Not needed

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Roots

Fertilizer needs

Medium

Colors

Green, Cream

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Rhizome division

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Care guide

Overview

Suited to paludarium and riparium keepers who want a rooted background plant rather than a submerged one, with roots or rhizome anchored in moist substrate and leaves held above the waterline. Broad glossy green leaves rise from a low rosette and may be joined by cream, sail-shaped spathes twice yearly. Growth is slow but steady under medium indirect light and warm, humid conditions.

Care

Peace lily is a marsh plant rather than a true aquatic, so it should never be kept fully submerged for long term growth. It performs best as an emersed specimen in a paludarium or riparium planter, with roots in water or moist substrate and foliage held above the waterline. Moderate to bright indirect light and warm, draft-free conditions suit it well, and it tolerates a wide pH range without issue.

Planting & trimming

Plant with the roots in a pot or substrate that stays consistently moist while keeping the rhizome crown and leaves above the waterline. In paludariums the pot can be partly buried in gravel or wedged among rocks and driftwood at the water's edge for stability. Trim spent leaves and flower stalks at the base as they yellow to keep the plant tidy and encourage new growth.

Fertilizing

Root tabs or a nutrient-rich substrate around the root mass encourage steady growth, since this plant feeds primarily through its roots rather than the water column. During active growth periods a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer can be applied to the soil to support foliage production and flowering. Pale or yellowing leaves usually indicate a nutrient shortfall or too little light rather than a specific deficiency.

Propagation

Propagation is done by dividing mature clumps once offshoots have developed their own root systems. Each division should retain several healthy leaves and an intact root mass before being potted separately in moist, nutrient-rich soil or substrate. Seed propagation is rarely practical in home paludarium or terrarium conditions.

Problems

Leaves kept submerged for extended periods will rot and melt away, so the crown and foliage must stay above water level. Overly bright direct light can scorch the leaf tips, while low humidity in an open terrarium setup causes drooping and browning edges. Root rot can develop if the planting medium stays waterlogged without adequate drainage.

Sources

1. Spathiphyllum wallisii – Care, Propagation, and Ideal Growth Conditions
2. Spathiphyllum wallisii Regel - BAP
3. Stoffels Spatiphyllum wallisii MP | AQUARIUMTRADER | Stoffels
4. Spathiphyllum wallisii - Aquarium plant