How to identify Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum)

How to identify Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies is a herbaceous perennial that typically reaches up to 3 feet (90 cm) in indoor environments, with potential heights of 6 feet (180 cm) if conditions allow. This plant boasts lustrous, deep-green leaves and features distinctive white blooms that can arise at any time given medium light exposure. Its flowers are known for their longevity and the plant's ability to flourish even in areas of heavy shade. Peace lilies's physical characteristics make it an ideal indoor specimen or accent, valued for both its foliage and floral display.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Peace lilies

White oblong-lanceolate spathe, 4-12 inches (10-30 cm), curves around shorter greenish-white spadix.

Erect, dark green, ovate-lanceolate to elliptic-oblong leaves, 4-25 inches (10-63 cm) long.

Acaulescent growth form with thick, pale underground rhizome serving as the stem.

Distinctive white blooms rising above lustrous deep-green foliage in medium light.

Ideal indoor specimen with minimal branching above ground, suited for areas of shade.

Detailed Traits of Peace lilies

Leaf Features

The leaves of peace lilies form basal rosettes and are erect, simple, and range from ovate-lanceolate to elliptic-oblong. They measure 4 to 25 inches (10 to 63 cm) in length and 1 to 10 inches (2.5 to 25 cm) in width. Dark green, glossy, and rugose, the leaves possess a prominent mid-rib with numerous impressed lateral veins. The petiole length is typically equal to or shorter than the blade.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Peace lilies flowers are distinguished by their spadix and spathe inflorescence. The spathe, white to greenish-white in color, is oblong to oblong-lanceolate, cuspidate, and measures about 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm). It is concave to flat with an acuminate tip, curving around the spadix. The spadix, greenish-white or cream, is shorter than the spathe. These blooms rise above the foliage and are supported by peduncles that extend beyond the plant's leaves.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

Peace lilies have an acaulescent growth form, meaning they typically lack a visible above-ground stem. The true stem is a short, subterranean rhizome. The stem is typically thick and pale to whitish in color, with a smooth texture. It remains primarily underground, providing structural support and storing nutrients. No significant branching occurs above ground. This underground stem typically grows to a few inches (5-10 cm) in length.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

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