Looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance houseplant? Peace lily varieties are a fantastic choice for every home. Their elegant white blooms and lush leaves bring a touch of calm to any room, and they’re famously forgiving for new plant owners.
These plants are more than just pretty. They are known to help clean the air in your house. With so many types to pick from, you can find one that fits your space perfectly, from a tiny desk plant to a large floor statement piece.
Peace Lily Varieties – For Every Home
You might be surprised by the diversity within the peace lily family. The botanical name is Spathiphyllum, and there are dozens of cultivated types. They differ in size, leaf shape, and even flower details. This means you can truly find one that matches your lifestyle.
Let’s look at some of the most popular and accessible peace lily varieties you can find.
Popular Peace Lily Types You’ll Love
Here are some standout varieties that are commonly available at garden centers and online shops.
- Spathiphyllum wallisii (Mauna Loa): This is likely the classic peace lily you picture. It has medium-green, lance-shaped leaves and produces those iconic white spathes (the spoon-shaped “flower”) reliably. It grows about 3 feet tall and wide, making it a perfect all-purpose plant.
- Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’: This is the giant of the group. ‘Sensation’ has deep green, ribbed leaves that can grow over 4 feet long. It’s a stunning architectural plant for a large, low-light corner. It flowers less frequently but its foliage is the main attraction.
- Spathiphyllum ‘Domino’ or ‘Picasso’: These are variegated peace lilies. Their leaves are splashed and speckled with creamy white streaks. They add bright visual interest even when not in bloom. They need a bit more light than solid green types to maintain their variegation.
- Spathiphyllum ‘Little Angel’: A charming dwarf variety. ‘Little Angel’ stays compact, usually under 1 foot tall. It’s a prolific bloomer, often producing multiple small white flowers at once. It’s ideal for a small shelf or as a table centerpiece.
- Spathiphyllum ‘Mojo’: This variety has striking, vibrant green foliage that is fuller and more compact than the classic types. The leaves are slightly puckered, giving it a unique texture. It’s a very robust and attractive plant.
- Spathiphyllum ‘White Stripe’: Similar to ‘Domino’, but with a more defined pattern. It often has a central white stripe running down the length of the leaf, bordered by green. It’s another beautiful option for those seeking patterned leaves.
How to Choose the Right One For You
With so many options, picking can be fun. Think about these three factors to narrow down your choice.
- Available Space: Measure the spot where you want the plant. A ‘Sensation’ will overwhelm a small apartment, while a ‘Little Angel’ might get lost in a vast foyer. Check the mature size on the plant tag.
- Light in Your Home: Most peace lilies thrive in bright, indirect light. Low light is okay for green varieties, but growth and flowering will be slower. Variegated types need medium to bright indirect light to keep their patterns sharp.
- Your Care Style: All peace lilies tell you when they’re thirsty by drooping slightly. If you want a dramatic, large plant, be ready to water a ‘Sensation’ more often due to its size. A smaller variety in a humid bathroom might need less frequent attention.
Essential Care Guide for All Varieties
The good news is that care is very similar across most peace lily varieties. Follow these simple steps to keep yours thriving.
Light and Placement
Peace lilies are not suited for direct, hot sun, which can scorch their leaves. A spot near an east-facing window is ideal. A north-facing window works well, too. You can also place them several feet back from a south or west window.
If the leaves turn yellow, it might be getting to much light. If the plant stops producing flowers and grows very slowly, it might need a brighter location.
Watering and Humidity
This is the most important part. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Here’s a simple method:
- Stick your finger about an inch into the soil.
- If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
- Water thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.
- Empty the saucer after 15 minutes so the roots aren’t sitting in water.
Peace lilies enjoy higher humidity. You can mist the leaves occasionally, place the pot on a tray of pebbles with water, or group it with other plants. Brown leaf tips are a common sign of low humidity or chemicals in tap water. Using filtered or distilled water can help.
Soil and Feeding
Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. A standard houseplant mix is fine. Repot your peace lily every 1-2 years in spring if it becomes root-bound.
Feed your plant during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength, about once a month. There’s no need to fertilize in the fall and winter when growth slows.
Dealing with Common Problems
Peace lilies are tough, but they have a few common issues.
- Drooping Leaves: This is almost always a sign of thirst. Water the plant, and it should perk up within hours.
- Brown Leaf Tips: Usually caused by dry air, over-fertilizing, or chlorine in water. Increase humidity and switch to filtered water if possible.
- Yellow Leaves: Can mean overwatering, too much light, or natural aging. If many leaves are yellowing, check your watering habits and light levels.
- No Flowers: If the plant is healthy but not blooming, it often needs more light. Also, ensure you are feeding it appropriately during the growing season.
Propagating Your Peace Lily
The easiest way to get more plants is by division. This is best done when you repot in the spring.
- Gently remove the plant from its pot.
- Look for natural clumps of leaves with there own root systems.
- Carefully tease these sections apart with your hands or a clean knife.
- Pot each new division into a appropriately sized container with fresh soil.
- Water well and keep in a warm, shady spot for a week to help it recover.
Styling Your Home with Peace Lilies
Their clean lines and neutral colors make peace lily varieties incredibly versatile in home decor. A tall ‘Sensation’ makes a living sculpture in an empty corner. A group of small ‘Little Angel’ plants can create a lovely centerpiece.
Try placing a medium-sized peace lily on a plant stand to give it height and presence. Their glossy leaves also look beautiful in bathrooms, where they can benefit from the steam. Remember to consider the pot as part of the decor—a simple ceramic pot can elevate the whole look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are peace lilies toxic to pets?
Yes. Peace lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting in cats and dogs if ingested. It’s best to keep them out of reach of curious pets.
How often do peace lilies flower?
Most varieties will bloom once or twice a year, typically in spring and sometimes again in fall. Good light and proper care encourage more frequent flowering. The white bloom can last for over a month.
Can I put my peace lily outside?
You can move it to a shady, sheltered patio in the summer, but never in direct sun. Bring it back indoors well before nighttime temperatures drop below 60°F (15°C).
Why are the flowers on my peace lily turning green?
This is normal! The white spathe often slowly turns green as it ages, eventually fading. You can snip off the old flower stem at the base when it’s mostly green.
What’s the difference between a peace lily and a true lily?
They are not related. True lilies (Lilium) are often highly toxic to cats. Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are milder in toxicity and belong to the Araceae family, like pothos and philodendron.
From the towering ‘Sensation’ to the dainty ‘Little Angel’, there’s a peace lily variety perfectly suited for your home. Their elegant beauty and simple care routine make them a rewarding plant for anyone. With the right placement and a little attention, your peace lily will thrive for years, bringing a sense of calm and a touch of nature indoors. Start by assessing your space and light, then choose the variety that speaks to you—you won’t be disappointed.