Spathiphyllum wallisii
Spathiphyllum wallisii · Araceae
📷 W.carter · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around spathiphyllum wallisii and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Peace Lily
- Foliage
- Evergreen, glossy dark green
- Blooming
- Year-round, peak in spring-summer
- Adult size
- 30 to 40 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Indoor plant, min. 12-15°C
- Origin
- Colombia, humid tropical forests
- Soil type
- Moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrose régulièrement pour maintenir le substrat toujours humide mais jamais gorgé d'eau—il fane dramatiquement dès que les racines sèchent, mais pourrit si tu le noies. L'humidité ambiante est aussi importante que l'arrosage : brumise le feuillage 2-3 fois par semaine ou installe-le près d'une soucoupe d'eau, sinon les feuilles se recroquevillent et les fleurs tardent.
The common mistake
La plupart des jardiniers laissent la terre complètement sècher entre deux arrosages, croyant que c'est « mieux pour la plante »—c'est l'inverse. Il déteste vraiment la sécheresse et s'effondre rapidement, même s'il se remet partiellement après un arrosage abondant.
The pro's trick
Plutôt que de viser un arrosage régulier à jours fixes, observe ses feuilles : quand elles commencent à ramollir légèrement et que le substrat est tiède au toucher, c'est le moment d'arroser. Ce signal empirique te permet d'adapter au climat et à la saison sans stresser ni la plante ni toi.
Seasonal watch
L'hiver, quand le chauffage tourne, l'air devient très sec—c'est à ce moment qu'il souffre le plus du manque d'humidité et que les acariens apparaissent. Groupe tes plantes ensemble, brumise plus souvent et éloigne-le des radiateurs directs pour traverser la saison sans dégâts.
Care
Watering
Water regularly to keep the substrate moist, but never waterlogged. Aerate the soil between waterings to prevent root rot. In winter, reduce watering frequency slightly. Use room-temperature water, ideally filtered or left to sit for 24 hours.
Light exposure
Place it in a bright spot with partial shade, away from direct sunlight that scorches the leaves. It adapts well to artificial light. Maintain stable temperatures between 18 and 28°C, away from cold drafts and radiators.
Soil and substrate
Prepare a light and aerated mix: universal potting soil combined with peat, pine bark, or sphagnum. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water stagnation. Repot every 18 to 24 months in spring.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer (equal NPK) diluted every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season (April to September). Stop feeding in autumn and winter. Overfertilizing causes salt buildup that browns the leaves.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove yellowing or damaged leaves at the base of the petiole to encourage branching. Pinch young stems to achieve a more compact shape. Rinse the leaves once a month with a damp sponge to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
Diseases and pests
Watch for spider mites and scale insects, especially in dry air. Increase ambient humidity with misting or a bed of damp gravel. Brown marks on the foliage indicate excess fluoride: filter the water or let it sit for 48 hours before use.
Did you know?
Spathiphyllum wallisii is best known for its nickname "Peace Lily" because of its white spathe-shaped bracts that emerge elegantly above the foliage. NASA studies in the 1980s ranked it among the best indoor plants for purifying air of household pollutants, which greatly contributed to its popularity as a houseplant.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.