Hi, I'm Judy Mirro, extension Master Gardener,
coming to you from the University of Vermont Greenhouses.
I'm here to help you become a houseplant hero
by providing some guidance
on caring for your house plants.
Today, let's focus on the Spathiphyllum, or peace lily.
There are about 40 species
of this flowering plant, originating
from South and Central America.
The large, elegant peace lily flower resembles a white flag,
which is the international symbol of truce or peace.
This is a great choice
for an easy to grow flowering house plant.
The large varieties typically grow about three feet high.
It has a deep green leaf
and gorgeous white blooms that will last a long time.
The plant doesn't have a specific bloom time
so treat it right and it will bloom throughout the year.
The peace lily does well
in low light and prefers bright, filtered or indirect light.
Do not place this plant in direct sun and you'll be all set.
How do you measure bright indirect lighting?
If it's a spot in your home where it's bright enough
to read a newspaper,
it'll be bright enough to keep your peace lily content.
When it's time to water,
just be sure your water is at room temperature.
Try not to shock those tender roots
by watering with really cold or really hot water.
Tap water is just fine, and if you're concerned
about chlorinated water killing your microbes in the soil,
fill your water container
and allow it to sit overnight for the chlorine to evaporate.
You want the soil to dry out between waterings
but try not to let the piece lily get too dry and wilt.
While over watering often happens with houseplants,
you'll need to thoroughly saturate the root ball
when you do water it.
Just don't let it sit in water.
Because of their wide foliage,
cleaning the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to
remove dust will help the piece lily's appearance
and remove any pests that might gather under the bottom
of the leaves.
But this is one tough houseplant and pests are
a rare occurrence.
But keep an eye out for mealybugs just in case.
If you notice the leaf tips are turning brown, especially
during the winter months, the plant is telling you
that the humidity is just a little too low.
You may also need to re-pot your plant and put it
in a larger container.
Turn the plant upside down and tap on the bottom of the pot
and loosen it up, and then remove it.
If you see the roots are tightly packed and wound up
inside that root ball, it's probably time to remove it
and put it in a larger pot.
Late winter or early spring is the best time
to re-pot your plant.
Remember that by providing your plants
with the conditions and care they need,
you too can become a houseplant hero.
For more information on houseplant and home gardens,
visit the UVM Extension Master Gardener website
and see our Garden Resources page.
Or contact the Extension Master Gardener volunteers
at the Helpline.
The phone number's on the screen.
This is Extension Master Gardner, Judy Mirro,
wishing you happy growing.