Peace Lily Buying Guide In New Zealand – Care Tips, Varieties & More

Indoor Plants
3.5.2025

Elegant, timeless, and easy to care for—peace lilies (Spathiphyllum species) are a favorite among indoor plant lovers. With their lush green leaves and striking white blooms, these plants add a touch of grace and calm to any space. But there’s more to them than just beauty!

🌿 Did you know? Peace lilies were even recognized by NASA for their air-purifying abilities, helping remove common indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.

🌱 Key Features of Peace Lilies:
.
Adaptable growth – Small varieties stay around 40 cm, while larger ones reach 1.8 m tall.
Year-round blooming – White, spoon-shaped flowers appear throughout the year, with peak blooms in summer.
Low-maintenance – Requires moderate light, occasional watering, and minimal feeding.

A large peace lily 'Sensation' with broad, ribbed green leaves growing upright in a smooth white pot. The plant is set against a grey textured wall on a polished concrete floor.A peace lily 'Sensation' with one tall white flower and broad green leaves. The plant sits in a woven basket in a well-lit indoor space with other plants displayed on a wooden shelf in the background.
Attribute Details
Common Names Peace Lily
Botanical Name Spathiphyllum spp.
Family Araceae
Plant Type Tropical flowering plant
Mature Size 30–90 cm tall, 30–60 cm wide (varies by variety)
Sun Exposure Low to bright indirect light; no direct sun
Soil Type Moist, well-draining potting mix
Soil pH Acidic
Bloom Time Spring to autumn (indoors)
Flower Color White spathes with yellow spadix
Native Area Central America, Asia
Toxicity Toxic to pets and humans if ingested (calcium oxalates)

How Much Light Does Your Space Get?

While they are known for their tolerance to low light, understanding their ideal light conditions can help maximize growth and flowering.

☀️ Optimal Light Conditions:
Low to moderate light in autumn and winter.
Moderate to bright indirect light in spring and summer for stronger growth.
Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause scorched leaves and browning edges.

📍 Best Placement in New Zealand Homes:
East-facing window
– Ideal for gentle morning light.
Filtered light through sheer curtains – Prevents leaf damage while allowing brightness.
Away from direct sun exposure – Protects leaves from yellowing or curling.

🚨 Signs of Incorrect Lighting:
Too much sun?
Leaves turn brown or curl at the edges.
Too little light? Leaves pale, slow growth, or fewer blooms.

How Much Space Do You Have?

Compact varieties → Best for desks, bookshelves, or small apartments.
Medium-sized varieties → Ideal for tabletop centerpieces or side tables.
Large varieties → Best as statement plants in open-plan areas.

What Is the Room Temperature Like?

🌡️ Temperature Guidelines:
Optimal Range:
18–24°C (Ideal for steady growth)
Below 18°C: Growth slows, and leaves may turn yellow.
Above 24°C: Can tolerate heat, but requires more watering to prevent wilting.

🚨 Watch for These Temperature Issues:
Cold Stress:
Keep away from drafty windows, air conditioning vents, and uninsulated floors in winter.
Heat Stress: In warm weather, increase humidity by misting the leaves or using a humidity tray.

📌 Pro Tip: If your home experiences large temperature swings (especially at night), monitor soil moisture closely and adjust watering to keep your peace lily healthy and hydrated.

Growth habit and size of Peace Lily

Their growth rate and final size depend largely on the cultivar and care conditions.

🌿 Growth Characteristics:
Compact varieties
: Stay around 40 cm tall, ideal for tabletops and smaller spaces.
Standard-sized varieties: Reach 60–80 cm tall, making them versatile for home and office décor.
Large varieties (e.g., ‘Sensation’): Can grow up to 1.8 m tall and wide, best suited for spacious rooms or offices.

🌱 Natural Expansion & Division:
Peace lilies expand naturally by producing new crowns over time.
If the plant becomes too large, it can be divided and repotted every few years to manage size and encourage fresh growth.

How Much Maintenance and Commitment Does Peace Lily Require?

🌱 Low-maintenance & easy to grow—just follow these simple care tips!

💦 Watering:
✔ Keep soil slightly moist, not soggy.
Drooping leaves? Time to water—it’ll bounce back quickly!

🌿 Fertilizing:
Spring–Autumn: Feed monthly with half-strength liquid fertilizer.
Winter: Reduce feeding to every six weeks.

Repotting:
✔ Peace lilies like being rootbound—repot once a year in spring.
✔ Use fresh, well-draining soil for best results.

🌱 Cleaning & Grooming:
Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
Trim fading flowers at the base to keep the plant looking fresh.

📌 Quick Tip: If leaf tips turn brown, switch to filtered or rainwater to avoid fluoride buildup.Peace lilies thrive with minimal effort—just water, feed, and wipe the leaves, and they’ll stay healthy year-round!

What’s the longevity of Peace Lily ?

Typical lifespan: 10+ years with good care.
Divide every 5 years to keep it growing strong.

Is Peace Lily Toxic to Pets or Children?

Yes, they contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mild toxicity if ingested.

Toxicity Symptoms:

🐾 Pets (Cats & Dogs)Drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting. Avoids eating after nibbling leaves.

👶 Children Mild mouth irritation, nausea if ingested. Rinse mouth with water and monitor symptoms.

Top 2 Peace Lily Varieties: WhichOne Suits You Best?

Peace Lily Variety Best For (Room/Apartment) Growth Speed Price Range Maintenance Difficulty
‘Sensation’ Large rooms, offices, spacious interiors Medium $50 - $150 Easy
‘Supreme’ Living rooms, homes, medium spaces Fast $30 - $100 Moderate

1. ‘Sensation’ (The Tallest Variety)

A large peace lily 'Sensation' with broad, ribbed green leaves growing upright in a smooth white pot. The plant is set against a grey textured wall on a polished concrete floor.A peace lily 'Sensation' with one tall white flower and broad green leaves. The plant sits in a woven basket in a well-lit indoor space with other plants displayed on a wooden shelf in the background.

- Size: Up to 1.8 m tall
- Why Choose It?
Big, bold, and tropical-looking
- Perfect Spot: Spacious rooms, offices, or high-ceiling homes.
- Growth Speed: Medium
- Price Range:
$50- $150
- Maintenance Difficulty:
Easy

2. ‘Supreme’ (The Classic)

A mature peace lily with multiple white flowers rising above dark green foliage. The plant is placed by a window with natural light, surrounded by other indoor plants in a cozy home setting.A healthy peace lily plant in a red pot, displaying glossy, dark green lance-shaped leaves. The plant is placed indoors next to a black filing cabinet and against a light-colored wall.

-Size: 60–80 cm tall
- Why Choose It? Produces multiple flowers in summer.
- Perfect Spot: Living rooms, homes, medium spaces.
- Growth Speed: Fast
- Price Range:
$30- $100
- Maintenance Difficulty:
Moderate

What to Buy Alongside Peace Lily ?

📌 Potting Mix
Best choice: Light, well-draining indoor potting mix.
Avoid: Heavy, dense soil—can cause root rot.
📌 Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer (with magnesium & iron).
Feed every 4–6 weeks at half strength.
📌 Container or Cover Pot
Choose one with drainage holes or use a decorative cover pot.
✔ Glossy ceramic pots highlight deep-green leaves & white blooms.
📌 Watering Can & Mister
Use room-temperature water to prevent shock.
Misting is optional but helps in dry indoor conditions.

💡 Quick Tip: Some New Zealand garden centers offer starter kits that bundle these essentials—making plant care even easier!