Variegated Peace Lily
The Variegated Peace Lily, botanically known as Spathiphyllum wallisii 'Domino', is an elegant and alluring houseplant with glossy, deep green, heart-shaped leaves edged with creamy yellow. It can reach up to 2 feet in height and spread up to 3 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for a statement plant in the home. Its white flowers bloom throughout the spring and summer months when the plant is properly cared for. This plant can act as a natural air purifier for your home.
The Variegated Peace Lily enjoys slightly moist soil but does not like to sit in soil that has been over watered. It's best to keep the soil moist but not soggy or dry. To ensure your plant is getting the proper amount of water, you can check the moisture of the soil with a moisture meter. Allow the top 75% of the soil to dry out before watering again. Be sure to never let this plant sit in water or become completely dry.
The Variegated Peace Lily prefers medium to bright indirect light. It is best to avoid direct sunlight which will cause the leaves to burn. Bright indirect light is preferred, but the plant will tolerate medium light as long as it is not too hot or too cold. In lower light areas, the leaves may become somewhat brittle and lacklustre. The leaves of the Variegated Peace Lily also contain chloroplasts, which allow the plant to absorb light for photosynthesis.
The ideal temperature range for the Variegated Peace Lily is 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and 65°F (18°C) at night. Anything higher than 80°F (27°C) will cause the leaves to become crisp and curl. It will tolerate temperatures as low as 55°F (13°C) as long as it has indirect light.
variegated peace lily prefers moderate levels of humidity. To provide proper humidity levels, you can mist the leaves with distilled water in the mornings or add a humidifier to the room. Some of the signs of humidity-related issues for your Variegated Peace Lily are brown tips on the leaves or wilting of the leaves.
The best soil for a Variegated Peace Lily is a well-draining loose potting mix. This mix should be light and aerated with good water retention capabilities. Sandy and clay-based soils are not recommended, as these can become too dense and lead to water retention issues. A good mix should be made up of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and potting soil. To ensure proper drainage, it is best to add a layer of gravel or clay chips to the bottom of the pot before planting.
Variegated Peace Lily should be fertilized during the spring and summer months with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. It is best to use a liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, and to fertilizer the plant every two weeks. During the fall and winter months, it is best to refrain from fertilizing as the plant goes into its dormant stage. If the growth of the plant starts to slow down, it is recommended to switch to a slow-release fertilizer that will provide the necessary nutrients for a few months. It is essential that you do not use a fertilizer with too high of a nitrogen content as this can cause the plant to produce too much foliage at the expense of flower production.
Spathiphyllum wallisii 'Domino', being a tropical plant, is susceptible to the usual plant pests. Common pests include scales, white flies, spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. If a plant is infested, the pests must be identified in order to effectively eliminate them. To begin the elimination process, lightly spray the affected area with a mixture of water and neem oil every few days. This will not only kill the existing pests but also discourage new pests from reproducing. After the initial spraying, conduct a thorough examination of the plant and remove any signs of pests using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Another method of elimination is to carry out a hot-water treatment, this is successful in eliminating both eggs and harmful pests. A hot-water treatment involves dunking the plant in warm water (approx. 120°F) for a few minutes, this should be done with careful attention and only if absolutely necessary.
Variegated Peace Lily should be repotted every two to three years, with the best time for repotting being in the late spring or early summer months. It is best to repot during this time as the plant is in a period of growth and will become re-established quickly. When repotting the plant, it is best to use a terracotta pot that is one size larger than the one it is currently in, as terracotta helps the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. Always use a good quality potting mix and avoid using soil from the garden. When filling the pot, be sure to not fill it too high as this could lead to the soil becoming too moist.
Pruning is essential for a healthy Variegated Peace Lily, and it should be done once a year during the late spring or summer months. Pruning promotes bushy growth and full-looking foliage, as well as encouraging the plant to produce more flowers. Pruning should be done with sterile gardening shears and should only include stems and leaves that are dead, damaged, or overcrowded. It is best to prune the plant in stages, a few stems each time, and to avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at one time as this could potentially shock the plant.
Mulching can be beneficial to the Variegated Peace Lily, as it can help retain moisture in the soil and control weeds. It is best to use organic mulches such as straw, shredded leaves, wood chips, or bark to mulch the plant. It is important to avoid using chemical-based fertilizers or mulches, as these can disrupt the delicate soil composition of the plant.
The Variegated Peace Lily can be easily propagated by division. When repotting the plant in the late spring or early summer months, the root ball can be gently pulled apart and divided into two or more sections. Each section should have at least one healthy shoot with good soil. After propagating, ensure the soil is kept slightly moist and the plants are kept in indirect sunlight. The plants should start showing signs of growth within a few weeks.
The Variegated Peace Lily is a self-supporting plant and does not require any additional support. However, if the stems become too weak or heavy, the plant may require a support stake to keep it upright.
The Variegated Peace Lily does not strictly require a rest period and can be kept actively growing all year round. However, if the plant is starting to look dull with wilting leaves, it is best to let the plant rest in a cool, dry area with indirect sunlight for a few months. During the rest period, water the plant only when absolutely necessary.
The Variegated Peace Lily is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. It is best to keep this plant away from pets and children as even small amounts can cause mild irritation and digestive problems.
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