The peace lily, Spathiphyllum, is an easy going plant that wilts dramatically when the soil is too dry but perks up within a few hours after being watered. This tough plant can do the wilt-and-recover act over and over again and still continue to grow and even blossom. It will grow in low light, northern light, filtered bright light, or artificial light, so where it is put doesn’t really matter as long as there is some exposure. It will produce blooms when there is enough light, such as in an east or west window or in filtered light in a southern exposure. The single-petal white bloom that looks like a sail or spoon can be left on the plant to shrivel and fall off, or the flowering stalk can be cut off when the petal turns green.
Proponents of horticultural therapy give high marks to the peace lily for improved air quality through a reduction of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene (found in detergents and nylon); for strengthening the connection with the natural world; and as something living to talk to, sing to, and play music for — activities that children often do with a cat or a dog.
Maintenance of a peace lily is easy. When the elegantly long, shiny green leaves become dusty, they can be wiped with a soft dust cloth or held under a warm spray of water in the kitchen sink and allowed to air dry. The peace lily can be fed with time release fertilizer in the soil or monthly liquid feedings or seasonally with plant food sticks pushed below the surface of the soil. Cool room temperatures are fine, but warm is good, too. The peace lily originated in Indonesia and Central America, both of which are known for hot, humid conditions. If a peace lily is over watered, leaf tips will turn brown. Let the soil dry before watering again and clip off the browned tip or the entire leaf.
The resiliency of the peace lily is what makes it a good first pet for a young child. After a simple demonstration of how to water the plant, using a small watering can specific for the purpose, and a discussion of when to water it (once a week, such as Saturday morning), let the child take full responsibility — with no reminders from Mom or Dad. If she forgets to water the plant, it will wilt and remind her. If it dies, she’s probably not ready to take responsibility beyond herself just yet.
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