Discover the versatility of green beauty

Spathipyllum

Discover the beauty and benefits of the Spathiphyllum, or Peace Lily. Learn about its air-purifying properties, care tips, and how to integrate this elegant plant into your home for healthier living.

As remote working becomes increasingly common, many people now spend more time working from home rather than in the office. How great would it be to work in a space with clean, healthy air? Plants can play a role in this with their air-purifying properties. For instance, the Spathiphyllum is highly effective at purifying the air. It converts CO2 into oxygen and helps maintain optimal humidity levels. We’re happy to share more about this plant and how to care for it properly.

Spathipyllum assortment

View our assortment of Spathipyllum

Show in shop

Origin & symbolism

Origin

The Spathiphyllum is also known as the spoon plant or flag plant. This spoon plant belongs to the Araceae family (aroids) and grows in the tropical rainforests of Colombia and Venezuela. The Spathiphyllum was introduced to Europe in 1870. The name Spathiphyllum comes from Greek: "spath" refers to a spoon, and "phyl" to leaves, referencing the white flowers that resemble a spoon. Additionally, the plant is also called the Peace Lily or Vredeslelie (Peace Lily in Dutch).

Symbolism

The spoon plant is known as a symbol of peace: its white flower represents the white flag, internationally recognized as a sign of truce or ceasefire.

Colors and Shapes

The Spathiphyllum, or Peace Lily, features soft, dark green leaves with elegant white bracts in between. These bracts are often mistaken for flowers, but in reality, the actual flowers are very small and located on the spadix. The size and number of flowers vary depending on the species. The larger the plant, the larger the flowers. Some Spathiphyllums also have lightly scented flowers.

Varieties

The Spathiphyllum is available in many different varieties and sizes. There are now over 50 known species. What they all have in common is that they bloom abundantly, are full of foliage, and are long-lasting.

Each variety has its unique characteristics, such as the size of the flower, or the size, shape, or color of the leaves.

Flowering

The flowering period of the Spathiphyllum lasts approximately four to ten weeks. After this, the plant needs a few weeks of rest before new flower buds appear. Once the flowers have finished blooming, it’s important to cut off the old (green) flower stems. The Peace Lily continuously develops new shoots, which produce new flowers after about twelve weeks.

Watering

The Spathiphyllum originates from marshy areas, so it requires plenty of water. Water generously once a week; it’s perfectly fine for the plant to stand with its roots in a small layer of water, ensuring the root ball stays moist. For a healthy Spathiphyllum, it’s recommended to add a bit of plant food to the watering can once a month. Regular misting is also beneficial for this plant, especially during winter when the heating is frequently on. The Peace Lily clearly indicates what it needs: if the stems droop, the root ball is too dry. After watering, the plant will perk up and look fresh again within an hour.

Repotting the Spathiphyllum

Advise your customers to remove the Spathiphyllum from its nursery pot and place it in a larger pot. This provides fresh nutrients, a greater water reservoir, aerated soil, and more space for root growth. Recommend a plant pot with a diameter that is 20% larger than the nursery pot.

We recommend repotting the plant every 2 to 3 years. The best time to do this is in spring, as any damaged roots will recover better during this period. Always use a plant pot that is 20% larger than the previous one and fill it with fresh potting soil.

Placement

The Spathiphyllum prefers a moderately lit or shaded location. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight. The ideal temperature for the plant is between 15°C and 23°C (59°F to 73°F).