Peace lilies offer a surprising range of varieties, differing significantly in leaf shape, size, and flower structure. If you think all peace lilies look the same, you are in for a treat. This guide will walk you through the most popular and unique peace lily varieties available to plant enthusiasts.
You will learn how to identify them and care for their specific needs. Understanding these differences helps you choose the perfect plant for your space.
Peace Lily Varieties
The classic peace lily you often see in offices is usually the *Spathiphyllum wallisii*. But that’s just the beginning. Botanists and hybridizers have developed numerous cultivars, each with distinct traits.
Some stay compact enough for a desk, while others become large floor plants. Their flowers, called spathes, can vary from pristine white to creamy hues. Leaf texture and color also differ, with some featuring striking ruffles or deep gloss.
Understanding Peace Lily Classification
Peace lilies belong to the genus *Spathiphyllum* and are part of the Araceae family. They are not true lilies. The “flower” is actually a specialized leaf bract (the spathe) surrounding a spike of tiny real flowers (the spadix).
Varieties are often categorized by their size and growth habit. This makes it easier for you to select one based on where you plan to put it.
Common Size Categories
- Compact/Dwarf Varieties: Typically under 12 inches tall. Ideal for shelves, small tables, or terrariums.
- Medium Varieties: Range from 1 to 3 feet tall. These are the most common for general home decor.
- Large/Giant Varieties: Can grow from 4 to 6 feet tall with proper care. They make dramatic statement pieces.
Popular And Common Peace Lily Cultivars
Let’s look at specific named varieties you are likely to find at nurseries or online retailers. Each has its own character and charm.
Spathiphyllum Wallisii
This is the species plant from which many hybrids descend. It’s a reliable, medium-sized plant reaching about 12-15 inches tall. The leaves are lance-shaped and glossy green.
Its white spathes are modestly sized and it blooms reliably. It’s an excellent low-maintenance starter plant for any home.
Peace Lily ‘Mauna Loa’
‘Mauna Loa’ is one of the most popular large cultivars. It can grow over 4 feet tall and wide. The leaves are broad, deep green, and arching.
It produces large, elegant white spathes that can last for weeks. This variety needs a bit more space but is still relatively easy to care for.
Peace Lily ‘Sensation’
This is the true giant of the peace lily world. ‘Sensation’ can reach up to 6 feet in height indoors, with leaves that are deeply ribbed and can be over 20 inches long.
It is grown primarily for its impressive, tropical foliage, as it flowers less frequently. It’s perfect for filling an empty corner in a room with low light.
Peace Lily ‘Domino’
‘Domino’ is a stunning variegated variety. Its dark green leaves are speckled and streaked with creamy white patterns. No two leaves are exactly alike.
It stays in the medium size range, usually around 18-24 inches tall. The variegation requires a bit brighter indirect light to maintain its contrast, but direct sun will scorch the leaves.
Peace Lily ‘Picasso’
Similar to ‘Domino’, ‘Picasso’ is a variegated cultivar, but its pattern is more blocky and bold. Some leaves may be almost entirely white, while others are half-and-half.
This striking appearance means it has slightly higher light needs. It’s a conversation-starting plant that adds a modern touch to your interior.
Peace Lily ‘Little Angel’
A charming dwarf variety, ‘Little Angel’ forms a compact, bushy clump. It usually stays under 12 inches tall. It blooms more profusely than many larger types, producing numerous small white spathes.
This makes it ideal for a windowsill, a small office desk, or as part of a mixed plant grouping. Its small size dosen’t mean less impact.
Peace Lily ‘Power Petite’
Another excellent compact choice, ‘Power Petite’ is known for its resilience and frequent blooming. It has rich green, slightly ruffled leaves and a tidy growth habit.
It tolerates lower light conditions well and is very forgiving for beginners. It’s a great choice if you want a peace lily but have limited space.
Peace Lily ‘White Stripe’
This variety is prized for its foliage. The leaves have a distinct central white or pale green stripe running the length of the leaf, contrasting with the dark green margins.
The flowers are standard white spathes. ‘White Stripe’ offers visual interest even when it’s not in bloom, which is a plus for any indoor garden.
How To Choose The Right Variety For You
Selecting a peace lily variety depends on your available space, light conditions, and the look you want. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you decide.
- Assess Your Space: Measure the height and width of the area where the plant will live. Remember, large varieties like ‘Sensation’ need floor space, while ‘Little Angel’ fits on a shelf.
- Evaluate Light Conditions: Most peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light. Variegated types like ‘Domino’ need a bit more light to keep their patterns vibrant. Low-light tolerant doesn’t mean no-light.
- Consider Your Care Commitment: All peace lilies are relatively easy, but larger plants need more water and occasional repotting. Compact varieties are often more adaptable to slight neglect.
- Decide on Aesthetic: Do you want classic green foliage, dramatic giant leaves, or unique variegation? Choose a plant that matches your personal style and home decor.
Caring For Different Peace Lily Varieties
While their core needs are similar, slight adjustments in care can help each variety thrive. The basics remain consistent: indirect light, consistent moisture, and warmth.
Light Requirements Across Varieties
- Standard Green Varieties (e.g., ‘Wallisii’, ‘Mauna Loa’): Tolerate lower light best. Keep them out of direct afternoon sun.
- Variegated Varieties (e.g., ‘Domino’, ‘Picasso’): Need brighter indirect light to support their less-green leaves and maintain variegation.
- Giant Varieties (e.g., ‘Sensation’): Can handle slightly lower light due to their large leaf surface area, but medium indirect light promotes healthier growth.
Watering and Humidity Tips
All peace lilies like their soil to be kept consistently moist but not soggy. They are famous for drooping when thirsty, which is a clear signal to water.
Larger plants in big pots may dry out more slowly than small plants in little pots. Always check the top inch of soil. Here’s a simple watering routine:
- Use your finger to feel the soil moisture weekly.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch feels dry.
- Allow excess water to drain completely from the pot’s bottom.
- Empty the saucer after 30 minutes to prevent root rot.
Peace lilies enjoy high humidity. Misting the leaves, using a pebble tray, or placing a humidifier nearby benefits all varieties, especially those with delicate variegation.
Soil and Fertilizing Needs
A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is ideal. You can use a general houseplant mix. Repotting is typically needed every 1-2 years in spring.
Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Feed once a month. Over-fertilizing can harm the roots and cause brown leaf tips.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even easy plants have problems sometimes. Here’s how to address common issues specific to different peace lily varieties.
Yellowing Leaves
This can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or natural aging. For large varieties, lower leaves may yellow as the plant directs energy to new growth. Remove them cleanly at the base.
If many leaves yellow, check your watering habits and ensure the pot has drainage holes. Compact varieties are sensitive to waterlogged soil.
Brown Leaf Tips
The most common cause is low humidity or chemicals in tap water. This can be more noticeable on varieties with long, elegant leaves like ‘Mauna Loa’.
- Use distilled, rainwater, or filtered water if possible.
- Increase humidity around the plant.
- Trim brown tips with clean scissors, following the natural leaf shape.
Lack of Flowers
If your peace lily isn’t blooming, it often needs more light. This is especially true for prolific bloomers like ‘Little Angel’. Move it to a brighter location without direct sun.
Also, ensure you are fertilizing appropriately. Too much nitrogen promotes leaves at the expense of flowers. A fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content can encourage blooming.
Propagating Your Peace Lily Plants
The best way to propagate peace lilies is by division. This works for almost all varieties and is best done when repotting a mature, crowded plant.
- Gently remove the entire plant from its pot.
- Carefully tease apart the root clump into smaller sections, each with several leaves and healthy roots attached. You may need to use a clean, sharp knife.
- Pot each new division into a container with fresh potting mix, sized appropriately for its root system.
- Water well and keep in a warm, humid spot with indirect light until new growth appears, indicating the division has established.
This is a great way to share your favorite peace lily varieties, like a beautiful ‘Domino’, with friends and family.
Styling And Display Ideas
Different varieties lend themselves to different placements in your home. Here are some suggestions to showcase their beauty.
- Compact Varieties: Create a grouping of three different small types (‘Little Angel’, ‘Power Petite’, a young ‘Domino’) on a bright bathroom shelf or kitchen windowsill.
- Medium Varieties: Use a stylish ‘Picasso’ or ‘White Stripe’ as a centerpiece on a sideboard or console table. Their foliage adds interest even off-center.
- Large Varieties: Place a majestic ‘Sensation’ or ‘Mauna Loa’ in a decorative floor pot to frame a seating area or fill an empty corner. They work well beside a sofa or next to a bookshelf.
Remember to rotate your plants a quarter turn every time you water. This ensures even growth and prevents the plant from leaning toward the light source, which is important for maintaining a balanced shape on all varieties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about peace lily types and their care.
What Is The Most Common Peace Lily Variety?
The most common variety is likely the species *Spathiphyllum wallisii* or its close hybrids like ‘Mauna Loa’. These are mass-produced for their reliability and classic look. You’ll see them often in garden centers and grocery stores.
Which Peace Lily Variety Is Best For Low Light?
The all-green, large-leafed varieties handle lower light conditions the best. The ‘Sensation’ peace lily is particularly renowned for its tolerance of low light. ‘Power Petite’ and the standard *Spathiphyllum wallisii* are also excellent choices for dimmer rooms.
Are Variegated Peace Lilies Harder To Care For?
They require a bit more attention, primarily regarding light. They need brighter indirect light to sustain their white leaf sections, which produce less chlorophyll. Without enough light, they may revert to greener leaves or grow more slowly. Their watering and feeding needs are otherwise similar.
How Big Do Different Peace Lily Types Get?
Size varies dramatically. Dwarf types like ‘Little Angel’ stay under 1 foot. Medium types like ‘Domino’ reach 1-3 feet. Giant cultivars like ‘Sensation’ can achieve 4-6 feet in height and spread indoors. Always check the expected mature size when purchasing.
Can All Peace Lily Varieties Be Grown In Water?
Many peace lily varieties can adapt to growing in water (hydroponics), but it’s easier with smaller cultivars. Compact varieties like ‘Power Petite’ transition to a vase or jar more easily than a large, heavy ‘Mauna Loa’. You must use purified water and change it weekly to prevent rot.