Peace Lily: The Low Maintenance, High Reward Houseplant

Plantale

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The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a houseplant native to the tropical forests of Central and South America.

You know the old saying: too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Well, that’s because it’s often true! When it comes to houseplants, this rule applies. You see, some of them are so easy to take care of (and require so little time and maintenance) that people tend to go overboard with them.

The peace lily is one such plant. It’s super low maintenance and almost impossible to kill…but it also doesn’t give you much in return for your efforts. If you don’t have the time or desire to keep up with a particular plant, there are plenty of others out there that will give you far more than they take from you as well as being easier to care for in return.

If you do want a peace lily, however, we think you should get one! Not only do they come in some very cool colors—blue and purple are our favorites—they also offer a lot of benefits beyond just how little work they require...

A Brief Introduction to the Peace Lily

The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a houseplant native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. It’s a species in the family Araceae (the same family as calla lilies, philodendrons, and many other popular indoor plants).

The genus name “Spathiphyllum” comes from the Greek words “spatha” (broad blade) and “phyllon” (leaf). The common name “peace lily” may come from its white flowers, which bloom in the late summer/early fall—around the same time that many people celebrate peace on Earth.

Peace lilies are low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for and can thrive in just about any environment. They’re also fairly inexpensive to buy, making them a great choice for those who are just getting started growing indoor plants.

Why You Might Want a Peace Lily Anyway

Even though peace lilies are low-maintenance plants, they’re still worth having around. Here are a few benefits of adding a peace lily to your indoor gardening setup:

Peace lilies are easy to care for. Probably the biggest benefit to keeping peace lilies is that you don’t have to put in much effort to keep them happy. You don’t have to fertilize them very often—if at all. They don’t need repotting, and they don’t require special lighting or watering schedules. Basically, if you have peace lilies, you’ll have more time to do the things you actually want to do!
Peace lilies are pretty low-maintenance. Sure, they do require a little bit of work. However, they’re nowhere near as demanding as many other houseplants. You don’t have to worry about them outgrowing their pots and dying right there in your living room. They don’t need a ton of sunlight. They don’t need to be watered very often. And they don’t need to be repotted every year. Basically, if you have peace lilies, you’ll have more time to do the things you actually want to do!
Peace lilies have beautiful flowers. One of the best things about keeping peace lilies as indoor plants is that, eventually, you’ll get to enjoy their beautiful flowers. This can be a really great way to add a little bit of color and vibrancy to your living space.

Growing Conditions for Your Peace Lily

If there’s one thing that peace lilies are, it’s flexible. They’re very hardy plants that can adapt to a wide variety of growing conditions. That said, you do have to pay attention to a few things if you want your peace lilies to grow like champs.

Light: Peace lilies do best in medium to high lighting. If you put them in a very low-lit spot, they’ll likely wilt and die every time you turn off the lights. However, they don’t like to be in overly bright places either.
Water: Like most other houseplants, peace lilies prefer to be kept on the moist side rather than underwater. They’ll still grow slow and fine if you water them too infrequently. But they’ll grow faster and stronger if you keep them in a little bit of water.
Soil: Peace lilies prefer rich, organic soil that has a good amount of nutrients in it. They do have a few pests and diseases, but they’ll stay away if you keep your soil clean and healthy.

Benefits of Having a Peace Lily in Your Home

There are a bunch of reasons why you might want to have a peace lily in your home. They’re easy to care for, they add a bit of vibrancy and color to your living space, and they smell good. But there are a few other benefits that are often overlooked.

Peace lilies are great for cleaning the air. They’re one of the best plants for removing indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. They’re very effective at reducing indoor toxins, making them a great choice if you have allergies or have a family member with asthma.
Peace lilies are a great source of nutrients for your pets. If you have a cat or dog, you’re probably well aware that it’s important for them to get a balanced diet. Peace lilies are a great source of vitamins and minerals that can be fed to your pets as needed.
Peace lilies are good for your mood and health. They’re often used to relieve stress and anxiety, thanks to the fact that they release a chemical into the air called benzyl benzoate. This chemical is also often used in insect sprays and candles.

The Verdict: Should You Get a Peace Lily?

If you’re looking for a houseplant that requires very little maintenance and can withstand just about any conditions, a peace lily is an excellent choice. However, they’re not the best choice if you want something that will give you a lot in return. They don’t need a whole lot of attention, but they don’t give you a lot either. But if you’re just looking for something that’s easy to care for and looks nice, a peace lily will do the trick!