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Spathiphyllum wallisii /ˌspæ.ðɪˈfaɪ.ləm/

Common name: Peace lily · White sails · Spathe flower

Spathiphyllum wallisii is an evergreen perennial in the arum family (Araceae), native to the tropical rainforests of Colombia and Venezuela in northwestern South America. It forms a clump of glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves and produces a white spathe surrounding a cream-colored spadix, the typical inflorescence of the family. It is one of the most popular houseplants in the world, valued for tolerating low light and for its elegant white "flowers," and it is the parent of many widely grown peace lily cultivars.

Fun facts

  • The white "flower" is actually a modified leaf called a spathe; the true flowers are tiny and packed on the central spadix.
  • It is famous for dramatically drooping when thirsty, then perking back up within hours of watering.
  • The genus name Spathiphyllum comes from Greek words for "spathe" and "leaf," referring to the leaf-like spathe.
  • It was featured in NASA's 1989 Clean Air Study as a houseplant that can remove certain volatile organic compounds from indoor air.

Care summary

Sun Bright indirect light to shade; no direct sun
Water Keep evenly moist; water when top feels dry
Soil Rich, well-draining, peat-based potting mix
Hardiness Zones 11–12
Mature height About 30–100 cm (1–3 ft)
Pet safe No — toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate)
Difficulty Easy
Propagation Propagate by division in spring. Lift the clump from the pot, separate it into sections each with healthy roots and a few leaves, and replant each division in its own pot.

Make your own Peace lily · White sails · Spathe flower profile

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