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Hi, I'm Judy Mirro,
extension Master Gardener,

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coming to you from the University
of Vermont Greenhouses.

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I'm here to help you
become a houseplant hero

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by providing some guidance

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on caring for your house plants.

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Today, let's focus on the
Spathiphyllum, or peace lily.

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There are about 40 species

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of this flowering plant, originating

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from South and Central America.

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The large, elegant peace lily
flower resembles a white flag,

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which is the international
symbol of truce or peace.

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This is a great choice

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for an easy to grow flowering house plant.

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The large varieties typically
grow about three feet high.

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It has a deep green leaf

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and gorgeous white blooms
that will last a long time.

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The plant doesn't have
a specific bloom time

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so treat it right and it will
bloom throughout the year.

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The peace lily does well

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in low light and prefers bright,
filtered or indirect light.

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Do not place this plant in
direct sun and you'll be all set.

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How do you measure
bright indirect lighting?

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If it's a spot in your home
where it's bright enough

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to read a newspaper,

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it'll be bright enough to
keep your peace lily content.

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When it's time to water,

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just be sure your water
is at room temperature.

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Try not to shock those tender roots

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by watering with really
cold or really hot water.

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Tap water is just fine,
and if you're concerned

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about chlorinated water killing
your microbes in the soil,

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fill your water container

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and allow it to sit overnight
for the chlorine to evaporate.

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You want the soil to dry
out between waterings

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but try not to let the piece
lily get too dry and wilt.

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While over watering often
happens with houseplants,

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you'll need to thoroughly
saturate the root ball

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when you do water it.

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Just don't let it sit in water.

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Because of their wide foliage,

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cleaning the leaves regularly
with a damp cloth to

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remove dust will help the
piece lily's appearance

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and remove any pests that
might gather under the bottom

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of the leaves.

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But this is one tough
houseplant and pests are

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a rare occurrence.

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But keep an eye out for
mealybugs just in case.

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If you notice the leaf tips
are turning brown, especially

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during the winter months,
the plant is telling you

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that the humidity is
just a little too low.

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You may also need to re-pot
your plant and put it

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in a larger container.

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Turn the plant upside down and
tap on the bottom of the pot

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and loosen it up, and then remove it.

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If you see the roots are
tightly packed and wound up

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inside that root ball, it's
probably time to remove it

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and put it in a larger pot.

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Late winter or early
spring is the best time

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to re-pot your plant.

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Remember that by providing your plants

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with the conditions and care they need,

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you too can become a houseplant hero.

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For more information on
houseplant and home gardens,

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visit the UVM Extension
Master Gardener website

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and see our Garden Resources page.

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Or contact the Extension
Master Gardener volunteers

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at the Helpline.

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The phone number's on the screen.

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This is Extension Master
Gardner, Judy Mirro,

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wishing you happy growing.