The Incredible Peace Lily Plant
The peace lily (Spathiphyllum), renowned for its elegant beauty and air-purifying qualities, is one of the most popular indoor plants. This tropical perennial is native to the rainforests of Central and South America and thrives in humid, low-light conditions. Despite its tropical roots, the peace lily is relatively low-maintenance, which adds to its appeal.
Peace lilies are ideal for offices, whether individually potted or part of a larger installation.
The peace lily features glossy, dark green leaves that can grow quite large, with some reaching up to 12 inches long and 4 inches wide. The plant is recognizable by its white flowers, which are technically not flowers but modified leaves. These leaves surround a spike that contains small, inconspicuous flowers. The bloom is what gives the peace lily its name. It is often mistaken for a calla lily because it resembles a white flag of peace, standing out beautifully against the dark foliage. The flowers typically last for several weeks and bloom several times a year, particularly in spring and summer.
This versatile plant comes in various sizes, from compact varieties that are perfect for desktops to larger plants that can stand tall in corners of conference rooms.
Care and Maintenance of the Peace Lily
One of the main reasons for the peace lily’s popularity is its low-maintenance nature. It can thrive in conditions that might be challenging for other plants, such as low light and varying humidity levels. Peace lilies do best when placed in bright, indirect light. However, they can tolerate some shade, though they may not flower as profusely in such conditions.
Watering is another area where the peace lily showcases its resilience. The plant prefers consistently moist soil but does not like to sit in water. It’s crucial to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot. When the plant is thirsty, its leaves may droop, signaling that it’s time to water. The plant is forgiving, though, and will usually perk back up once watered.
Air Purification Capability
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the peace lily has the ability to purify indoor air. NASA’s Clean Air Study, which examined the effectiveness of various plants in filtering toxins from the air, highlighted the peace lily as one of the most effective at removing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. The plant absorbs these toxins through its leaves and roots and breaks them down into harmless substances, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. This air-purifying quality makes the peace lily an excellent choice for offices and workspace environment.
Symbolism and Benefits
The peace lily is more than just a pretty plant—it’s also rich in symbolism. As the name suggests, it is often associated with peace, purity, and tranquility. In many cultures, it is seen as a symbol of peace and hope, making it a thoughtful gift for various occasions. The plant’s white blooms are seen as a representation of serenity and new beginnings, which adds to its spiritual significance.
Having a peace lily in the office can promote a sense of well-being for employees. Studies have shown that plants in indoor environments can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and boost overall mental health.
The peace lily is an extraordinary plant that combines beauty and ease of care. It makes a great addition to any office environment, whether used to decorate hallways, offices or lobby areas. If you are responsible for the decor in your corporate property, call Tropex today. We can help you choose the best live greenery for your space, design and install the plants – and maintain those plants to ensure they are always healthy and beautiful. Call today to learn more about the benefits of plant leasing for your business.
