A gorgeous, low-maintenance indoor plant with NASA recognition, the peace lily stands out as a firm favorite for people’s living spaces. The benefits of a peace lily go beyond its beauty and easy-going nature- enough to convince you that owning this plant is an absolute necessity!
The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular choice among house plant enthusiasts owing to its incredible array of benefits. Its beautiful appearance, low maintenance, and NASA-approved air purification status make the peace lily an excellent choice for indoor spaces.
Do you have plans to grow your indoor plant family and are trying to decide which is the best option? Are you looking for a plant that offers more than just good looks? Discover why there are so many reasons to love- and own- a peace lily plant:
Peace Lily Fast-Facts
Also known as closet plants (as it grows in dim light), Spathe flowers, or white sails, peace lilies are tropical plants native to the rainforests of Venezuela and Colombia. These resilient plants thrive in a warm, humid environment with low light.
The name may be deceptive, but a peace lily is not a true lily. It is a member of the Arum (Araceae) family. It does hold true to part of its name, as this plant symbolizes peace and prosperity.
Technically, the white, petal-like bloom on a peace lily is not a true flower. It is known as a bract/spathe – a unique leaf that encloses the actual flowers, which are extremely tiny.
The peace lily’s sap contains a high concentration of oxalate crystals, which, if ingested, can cause a toxic reaction in humans and pets. Symptoms of oxalate poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, itchy and burning throat, headache, lethargy, and respiratory problems.
Related: Are Peace Lilies Poisonous?
Benefits Of Peace Lily Plants
Here are 10 great reasons why peace lilies should become part of the furniture in all your living environments:
1. Low Maintenance Plant
Looking for a plant that won’t require your undivided attention and accommodates your busy schedule? The peace lily is a surprisingly resilient and forgiving plant.
It does not require frequent fertilizing – once or twice a year is sufficient to help the plant grow and thrive. This and it is content with medium to low light and a consistent indoor temperature.
There is no need for a strict watering schedule, as the peace lily will let you know when it’s thirsty! Keep an eye out for droopy leaves or dry soil, then give your plant baby a drink and a light spritz. The leaves will need the occasional wiping to remove dust.
2. Purifies The Air
Did you know that the air quality inside is often worse than outdoors? As we spend most of our time indoors, it is essential to avoid exposure to harmful air pollutants that can cause multiple health issues.
The peace lily is recognized by NASA as one of the Top 10 Household Air Cleaning Plants. NASA’s research indicates that this indoor plant can effectively eliminate 60% of the pollutants like benzene, ammonia, trichloroethylene, xylene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde from the air.
The peace lily absorbs the toxic gases through its leaves and sends them to its roots to break down and neutralize by microbes in the soil. The plant ‘takes one for the team’ by storing the toxins inside its pores.
3. Enhances Sleep Quality
The serene colors and air purifying qualities make the peace lily an exceptional addition to the bedroom. This plant works while you rest, as it filters the air and absorbs common allergens such as mold spores and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Peace lilies also increase humidity levels in the bedroom, which helps you breathe easier. There is a feeling of peace and tranquillity when looking at this plant, and its appearance defuses anxiety and enhances a sense of relaxation.
All of these factors work together to promote a night of quality, blissful sleep. Regular, high-quality sleep has many benefits, which includes a strengthened immune system, improved mood, mental clarity, healthy weight management, and a reduced risk of chronic illnesses.
4. Prevents The Formation Of Mildew
Mildew can be an unsightly, unhealthy, and pesky issue. The peace lily adapts to high humidity conditions, so keeping them in a bathroom, kitchen, and washroom will help reduce excess moisture and prevent the formation of mildew.
Place your peace lily near the shower. The steam and humidity will help the plant flourish, and you won’t have to water it as often.
5. Eliminates Mold Spores In The Air
Along with removing mildew from high-moisture areas, the peace lily is a great way to eliminate mold spores from the air. This is highly beneficial for people with asthma and respiratory conditions who experience severe symptoms from exposure to mold spores.
Plant the peace lily in a pretty pot and place it in high-moisture areas in the house, such as the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room.
6. Beautifies Your Living Space
With its gorgeous foliage, unique white flower, and tranquil presence, a peace lily is an affordable and effortless way to spruce up your home or work environment. This plant adds a classic and sophisticated charm without taking up space.
As per Feng Shui principles, the peace lily calms and harmonizes the energy of the home or workplace. There is something grounding and delightful about watching something grow, and the peace lily gives you a connection to nature and the outside world.
7. Absorbs Acetone Vapors
Prolonged exposure to acetone-based products in the home such as paint, varnish, and nail polish remover can cause adverse effects, including low blood pressure, nausea, headaches, and lethargy. The peace lily is also effective at absorbing and eliminating these harmful acetone vapors.
8. Natural Air Freshener
When in full bloom, the peace lily’s unique white flowers emit a beautiful, sweet fragrance that is not overpowering. Thanks to their longevity, the flowers can keep their fragrance for quite a while. The floral aroma tends to be more prominent in the evening.
The peace lily’s ability to absorb moisture and prevent the formation of further mold and mildew means that you won’t have a musty, damp smell in your home.
9. Symbolizes Peace, Prosperity, And Good Fortune
Consider the presence of a peace lily as a lucky charm. This plant is identified as a symbol of peace, hope, innocence, and prosperity. It is believed to bring the owner good fortune and harmony.
10. Perfect Gifting Plant
Stunning, easy to care for, and beautifully symbolic, the peace lily makes a thoughtful gift for any occasion. This beloved houseplant is often a top choice for a condolence gift, ornamental plant for funerals, and other religious ceremonies, as it denotes the beauty, harmony, and serenity of life.
The gift of a peace lily means you acknowledge the journey your loved one is on, and you wish them peace and support. It adds a new layer of hope at a time when people need it most.
