The Peace Lily: A Popular Choice for your Office Plantscape or Home Office
If you’re looking for a plant that will bring a touch of tranquility and elegance into your office or home, look no further than the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum). This beautiful and resilient plant is not only pleasing to the eye, but it also offers a range of benefits that make it a popular choice among plant lovers and interior landscapers. Let’s look closer at the Peace Lily and explore why it deserves to be part of your home or office plant collection.
A Glimpse into the Peace Lily
The Peace Lily is a tropical perennial that thrives in the shaded understories of tropical rainforests. Its lush green leaves and graceful white blooms make it a stunning addition to any indoor space. The name “Peace Lily” is derived from its white flowers, which resemble white flags of peace. This plant is available in over 40 different varieties. Most have shiny, very dark green leaves and produce white flowers. The most common cultivar readily available is ‘Mouna Loa Supreme’. The ‘Sensation’ variety has massive leaves with striations and produces huge flowers. It can grow to be 4ft tall and looks spectacular in groupings in large planter beds or as an individual specimen in a unique container. Some newer varieties such as the ‘Domino’ have white and green marbled foliage.
Benefits of Having a Peace Lily
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Air Purification: The Peace Lily is a natural air purifier. According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, it can remove common indoor pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. This makes it an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality.
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Low Maintenance: If you’re not blessed with a green thumb, the Peace Lily is your perfect match. It requires minimal care and can tolerate low light conditions, making it an ideal plant for busy individuals or beginners.
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Humidity Boost: Peace Lilies thrive in humid environments and can help increase the humidity levels in your home. This is particularly beneficial during dry winter months when indoor air can become quite dry.
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Stress Reduction: Studies have shown that being around plants can reduce stress levels and promote a sense of well-being. The Peace Lily, with its serene presence, can contribute to creating a calming atmosphere in your living space.
Caring for Your Peace Lily
Taking care of a Peace Lily is a breeze, but here are a few tips to ensure it stays healthy and vibrant:
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Light: Peace Lilies prefer indirect, filtered light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. They can thrive in low light conditions, making them versatile for various indoor settings. Remember, all plants need light for a minimum of 8-10 hours every day though.
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Watering: The Peace Lily is a bit fussy with regards to the amount of water it needs. It requires more water than most indoor plants so be prepared to check it frequently and keep it moist. The leaves will droop quickly if it dries out even slightly, but they will perk up once the plant is watered. Also beware of overwatering…this will cause black edges on the leaves. Be sure to use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
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Humidity: Since Peace Lilies love humidity, consider misting their leaves regularly or placing a humidity tray nearby. This will help keep the plant happy and prevent leaf browning.
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Fertilization: Feed your Peace Lily with a balanced liquid fertilizer every six weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). This will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and blooming.
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Pruning: Remove any yellow or brown leaves to keep your Peace Lily looking its best. You can also trim spent blooms to encourage new growth.
The Symbolism of the Peace Lily
Beyond its aesthetic and practical benefits, the Peace Lily carries symbolic meaning. It is often associated with purity, peace, and healing. Many people gift Peace Lilies as a gesture of sympathy or to celebrate new beginnings, as they are believed to bring positive energy and serenity to the recipient.
In Conclusion
The Peace Lily is more than just a plant; it’s a soothing companion that brings a touch of nature’s tranquility into your home or office. Its low maintenance needs, air-purifying qualities, and calming presence make it a perfect choice for anyone looking to enhance their indoor space.
