One of the most iconic and popular houseplants, the Peace lily, known botanically as Spathiphyllum wallisii, more commonly as White Sails and by us at Patch as Pippa, offers the joy of both luscious foliage and flowers. Its common names describe the white, flag-like flowers that make this plant an essential to any houseplant collection. They’re far from ordinary flowers though. They’re made up of a spathe – the white flag-like bit – which is in fact a modified leaf, and a spadix, the bit in the middle which is made up of hundreds of tiny flowers known as an inflorescence.
Native to the tropical rainforests of South and Central America, the Peace lily was brought to Europe in the late 1800s and has done an excellent job of adapting well to the UK’s less-than tropical conditions. This does tell us though that she will enjoy the naturally steamier rooms in your home, making her the perfect kitchen or bathroom plant. While she loves humidity, Pippa’s light and water needs are modest. She’ll cope in quite low light, though prefers indirect light, and only needs watering when the top two inches of her soil are dry. When she’s thirsty, she’ll tell you with her wilting leaves, so keep a close eye.
To keep this elegant beauty looking her best, she’ll appreciate a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer.
For more care advice about Pippa, check out our complete guide to peace lily care.
Did you know?
In the Chinese art of feng shui, the peace lily is considered an aura purifier. So if your aura is feeling particularly spotless after buying one, that’s why.