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Spathiphyllum floribundum /ˌspæ.ðɪˈfaɪ.ləm/

Common name: Snowflower · Snowflower peace lily

Spathiphyllum floribundum is an evergreen perennial in the arum family (Araceae), native to the rainforests of northwestern South America, particularly Colombia and Panama. It grows as a compact clump of arching, glossy green leaves and produces numerous small white spathes held just above the foliage. Like its relatives, it is grown as a shade-tolerant houseplant, and it is prized for flowering more freely and abundantly than many other peace lilies.

Care summary

Sun Low to bright indirect light; avoid direct sun
Water Keep soil lightly moist; do not let fully dry out
Soil Humus-rich, well-draining potting mix
Hardiness Zones 11–12
Mature height About 30–60 cm (1–2 ft)
Pet safe No — contains calcium oxalate crystals
Difficulty Easy
Propagation Propagate by division. Remove the plant from its pot, gently pull or cut the clump into sections with several leaves and roots each, and pot the divisions separately in fresh potting mix.

Fun facts

  • The specific epithet "floribundum" means "flowering abundantly," a nod to its profuse white spathes.
  • It is a parent of the famous hybrid Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa', one of the best-selling peace lily cultivars ever bred.
  • Its spathes often age from pure white to pale green as they mature.
  • It stays smaller than many other peace lilies, making it well suited to tabletops and small indoor spaces.

Common problems

    • Mist leaves or use a humidifier
    • Water with filtered or rain water
    • Trim brown tips with clean scissors
    • Water only when top inch dries
    • Repot into fresh loose mix
    • Ensure the pot drains freely
    • Move to bright indirect light
    • Feed monthly in spring and summer
    • Keep the plant slightly pot-bound
    • Wipe leaves with soapy water
    • Dab scale with rubbing alcohol
    • Inspect leaf undersides weekly