Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum

Spathiphyllum Cochlearispathum

A NOTE OF INTEREST

Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum is a plant species in the family Araceae. It is native to southern Mexico and often cultivated. When cultivated as a houseplant, Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum is commonly called peace lily.

THE NAME

Peace Lily: The name "peace lily" is a bit misleading because this plant is not a true lily. Instead, it belongs to the aroid group, which is part of the arum family. The scientific name, Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum, comes from Greek: "spath" meaning spoon and "phyl" meaning leaf. This refers to the plant's distinctive, spoon-shaped bract, also known as a spathe, which resembles a leaf.

A note from PlantMom

Peace lily is highly resistant to disease and is usually not affected by illnesses. However, it can be vulnerable to leaf spots if light and ventilation are poor or if it is overwatered. The plant is considered easy to care for, since it only needs regular watering and not much else. It is suitable for people who do not have the time or energy to devote to regular care.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Spathiphyllum Cochlearispathum.

Light

A peace lily does best with a moderate amount of sunlight each day, similar to the light it receives in its native forest understory. Too much sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light will often slow growth and reduce flowering. Its sunlight needs remain largely unchanged across different stages of growth.

Water

The peace lily flourishes in the humid and consistently moist conditions found in tropical rainforests. To thrive, it needs to be watered twice a week and benefits from higher humidity levels, which improve its foliage and flowering. As a result, it is often grown indoors where moisture levels can be better controlled.

Temperature

Peace lily originates from regions with tropical-like temperatures. It prefers warmth, thriving between 68 and 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). In colder seasons, consider increasing room temperature and avoiding draughts to maintain its health.

Fertilizer

Correct feeding is essential for a Peace lily's health and appearance. Feed the Peace lily in summer, applying fertilizer once a month throughout the season. The nutrients supply energy for growth and help maintain the plant's structures. Fertilizing improves the Peace lily's floral display, ensuring the best blooms.

Pruning

The Peace Lily boasts lush, dark green leaves and striking white spathe flowers. To keep it healthy and vibrant, it's important to prune regularly from early spring to late winter. This helps remove dead leaves and faded blooms, encouraging new growth, warding off diseases, and promoting a bushier appearance. As a result, the plant enjoys improved vigor and longevity.

Pot & Repot

Repot a Peace lily in spring or summer once it's warm enough, choosing a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Water thoroughly after repotting, and place it in a bright spot with indirect light. Consider adding a moss pole to support the plant as it grows.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Spathiphyllum
Family
Araceae
Hardiness Zone
10-11
Mature Height
0.91 m to 1.83 m
Mature Spread
0.61 m to 1.52 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
2.03 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
All year round
Native Area
El Salvador, Mexico, Costa Rica
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Peace lily en White flag en White peace lily
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Peace lily?

There are various ways to water your Peace lily effectively. If your plant is in a small pot indoors, you can simply take it to your kitchen sink and use the faucet to add water to the container. Hold the pot in your hands and stop watering when you see water coming out of the drainage holes. Avoid doing this in cold weather as it can harm the plant's roots. Normally, using your faucet to water the Peace lily is fine, but if your tap water has high amounts of fluorine, chlorine, or salts, consider using rainwater or lake water instead. Additionally, you can also water the Peace lily from above or directly into the soil using a watering can, hose, or whichever tool you prefer.

Why should I add fertilizer to my Peace lily?

Fertilizer and soil nutrients are like fuel for your Peace lily, helping it grow and stay healthy. Plants use these nutrients to develop new plant material and maintain their existing parts. Specifically for the Peace lily, fertilization is crucial for showcasing its beautiful flowers. Since the flowers are the main attraction, most gardeners want to ensure they look their best. Fertilization is a reliable way to help your Peace lily produce its most spectacular blooms.

What kind of sunlight does a Peace lily need?

To help your Peace lily thrive indoors, it requires full, indirect sunlight. This means the plant should be exposed to bright sunlight, but not from a window or other direct light source, such as a grow light. To shield it from direct sunlight, you can place a sheer curtain between the Peace lily and the window or position it behind a darker part of the window with a screen.

What temperature is best for a Peace lily?

To help your tropical plants thrive, it's best to maintain a temperature range of 75℉ to 90℉ (25-32℃). While different species can tolerate temperatures outside this range, sticking within a few degrees of these limits will ensure optimal growth. However, there are extreme temperature limits to be aware of. Anything below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) can hinder growth and cause issues with the leaves and stems. Low temperatures are particularly damaging, as even a light frost can lead to the death of your tropical plants. In fact, cellular death can occur rapidly, with some species dying within 12 to 24 hours.

What should I do if I give my Peace lily too much or too little water?

If you have underwatered your Peace lily, start by giving it a good amount of water. Water the plant until excess water flows out of the drainage hole or until the soil is completely moist if you're growing it outside. If you notice that your Peace lily is getting too much water, reduce the frequency of watering. It's also important to consider the soil and container the plant is in. If they prevent proper drainage, your plant will likely be overwatered again. To fix this, transfer your plant to looser soil or a container with larger drainage holes or a more porous material. Additionally, check the location of the plant. If it's in a cramped space, moving it to a window or near a door can improve ventilation. Ensuring your plants are in a well-ventilated area can help prevent overwatering.

When should I fertilize my Peace lily?

The Peace lily has two main phases throughout the year. The first phase is the dormant phase which happens in winter and during this time, there is minimal new growth. The other phase is the active growth phase, which occurs in spring and fall. This is when your Peace lily requires the most fertilization. For optimal results, it is advisable to start fertilizing your Peace lily in the spring months and continue feeding it once a month throughout the rest of spring and most of summer. As fall approaches, you can gradually decrease the frequency of fertilization.

How do I make sure sunlight doesn't harm my new Peace lily?

If you're bringing home a Peace lily for the first time, it's a good idea to gradually introduce it to sunlight instead of immediately placing it in bright, indirect light. Take about two weeks to slowly move the plant towards sunlight, to prevent shock or leaf burn from sudden intense light. By easing it into the light, your Peace lily will have a better chance of adapting to your home environment.

Does the Peace lily need different temperatures for different stages of growth?

Peace lily does not require changes in temperature to go through different growing phases, but it is important to remain consistent. Fluctuations in temperature can slow down its growth, regardless of its current phase. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the plant in a controlled environment. The ideal temperature range to maintain is between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃), with higher temperatures being more favorable. While going above 90℉ (32℃) is not ideal, as a tropical plant, it can handle it to some extent. However, temperatures dropping below 50℉ (10℃), particularly below 40℉ (5℃), will begin to cause direct damage to this heat-loving plant species.

How frequently should I water my Peace lily?

The Peace lily doesn't need consistently moist soil. It's actually better to let the soil dry out between waterings. If you have Peace lilies in containers, you can tell when it's time to water by checking how dry the soil is. If about half of the soil in your container is dry, it's time to water. You can check by sticking your fingers or sticks into the soil or using a soil moisture meter. If you have Peace lilies growing outdoors, watering about once every other week should be sufficient, unless it has rained recently.

When is it not a good idea to use fertilizer on my Peace lily?

To support Peace lily growth without causing root burn, it's important to fertilize your plant during its active growth in the spring and summer. These are the periods when extra nutrients are needed. However, when your plant enters its dormancy stage in the fall and winter, it's best to halt fertilization.

How can I know if my Peace lily is getting too much light?

The Peace lily is sensitive to excessive sunlight and can get sunburned easily. In its natural habitat, it only receives mild, filtered light from tree canopies. Although it needs more light indoors to grow, too much can still be problematic. If your Peace lily is exposed to too much light, you'll see signs such as faded or washed out foliage, yellow or brown and crispy leaf tips, and excessive, weak growth.

Does the Peace lily require varying temperatures depending on the season?

Peace lilies are easy to take care of throughout the year because they do not require different temperatures for different seasons. The most important thing to remember when caring for them is to keep the environment at an optimal temperature range. That's why it's recommended to keep these plants indoors, as it allows you to control the temperature regardless of the weather outside. Light is also crucial for tropical plants like peace lilies. They prefer to have partial side-level sun exposure, which means they should receive dappled or filtered light. When growing them indoors, bright but indirect light is the best option. Too much direct sunlight can harm the plant's leaves and hinder its growth.

PLATES
Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum flower
PLATE 01 · flower
Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum flower
PLATE 02 · flower
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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