Spathiphyllum wallisii is the botanical name of peace lily, a popular houseplant believed to attract good luck. The plant is characterised by its glossy leaves and white flowers that many describe as a cobra’s hood. You can easily grow this herbaceous, perennial plant indoors and outdoors. However, it is essential to understand its soil, light and water requirements to ensure healthy growth of the plant.
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Spathiphyllum Wallisii: Quick facts
| Plant name | Spathiphyllum Wallisii |
| Common names | Peace lily, White sails, or Spathe flower |
| Family | Araceae |
| Found in | South America |
| Flower colour | White, cream, tan, green |
| Foliage | Semi-evergreen, ovate or oblong, shiny leaves |
| Toxicity | Medium |
| Stem | Acaulescent, no visible above-ground stem |
| Benefits | Used for ornamental purposes, remove indoor pollutants |
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Spathiphyllum Wallisii: Flowers
The plant’s flowers grow in an aroid structure, with a bract enclosing the flower clusters. The flower petals are bracts. The size of the flower can be more than six inches. The spathe, a large bract, appears white or white with green nerves and turns green with age. The inflorescence is spadix and spathe with white flowers of four to 12 inches growing above leaves. The flowers have a long blooming season.
Spathiphyllum Wallisii: Plant care
- Sunlight: Direct sunlight for long hours can damage leaves. Keep the plant in direct sun for two to six hours and bring it in partial shade.
- Temperature: Spathiphyllum Wallisii is an excellent indoor plant and grows well at room temperature.
- Watering: The plant has high water needs, especially during summers. However, watering must only be done when the topsoil surface is slightly dry. Avoid overwatering the plant.
- Humidity: Misting leaves can increase humidity and helps the plant thrive.
- Soil: The plant grows in moist soil with rich organic matter. Choose peat-based potting mix with perlite.
- Fertiliser: Add fertilisers once in two weeks with a diluted liquid plant food. This should be done regularly during its growing season, from spring to fall.
- Pruning: Pruning may be required only to remove the dying leaves or flowers.
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Spathiphyllum Wallisii: Uses
Ornamental purposes
The plant is grown widely for landscaping purposes. Peace lilies are also preferred as houseplants and grow well in containers. Keep it in a decorative pot to beautify your home interiors.
Low maintenance
Spathiphyllum Wallisii can be a gardener’s favourite as it is a low-maintenance plant with minimum requirements. The plant can survive without sunlight, making it a good indoor plant.
Removes indoor air pollutants
Indoor air pollutants, including harmful gases and VOCs, can cause health problems. Studies have shown that certain plants, including peace lilies, can significantly improve air quality by removing these pollutants. The plant can remove mildew in rooms with excessive moisture and eliminate mould spores suspended in air.
FAQs
How long do Spathiphyllum flowers last?
Spathiphyllum flowers or peace lilies bloom in spring and last for more than a month.
Is Spathiphyllum wallisii plant poisonous?
The poisonous part of Spathiphyllum wallisii is its leaves and can be dangerous if consumed in large quantities. It can cause pain in mouth, burning sensation on lips, throat, and tongue, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, etc.
What are the common problems with Spathiphyllum wallisii?
Spathiphyllum wallisii flowers attract pests, mites, scales, and mealy bugs. Regular cleaning is required to keep away insects and pests. Spathiphyllum wallisii leaves can turn yellow if exposed to excess sunlight.