Peace lilies are popular worldwide. They are beautiful and easy to care for. For plant lovers, the dark green foliage and the white flowers add to their decor. However, there is a question that is usually asked quite frequently, which is: “Are peace lilies tropical plants?” The short answer is yes, peace lilies indeed belong to the group of monocotyledonous plants. This article will explore their roots, what makes them tropical, and how to maintain them to mimic their natural vibe.

How did peace lilies come to be? 🌱

Spathiphyllum peace lilies are tropical plants in the Araceae family. They originated in Central and South America. They are found in the warm, wet, broadleaf evergreen forests. There, they are non-epiphytic herbaceous plants. They grow on the forest floor, supported by larger plants. Their natural setting lacks direct sunshine and is very humid. So, they thrive in tropical conditions.

Because of these conditions, they have evolved to grow very well indoors, coping with the low light and high humidity. This is more so, especially when they originated from places such as the tropics and subtropics that have such conditions.

What characteristics qualify peace lilies as tropical? 🌍☀️

The phrase “tropical vegetation” describes plants that originated in specific tropical climates that are characterized by warm or hot temperatures, high humidity levels, and enough rainfall throughout the year. Peace lilies perfectly fall into this category. They are found in the understory of tropical forests in their natural habitat and survive with limited light and a moist atmosphere. There’s more to why peace lilies are the most unpretentious and quintessential of tropical plants.

Temperature Requirements 🌡️

Peace lilies do not respond well to short cold spells and optimum temperatures are of 65-80° F (18-27° C). Such temperatures barely exist in their original habitat as they tend to reside in warm conditions. If the particular area where the peace lily is located has its temperatures dropping below 10° C (50° F), which could happen especially indoors, then this is one accurate aspect that plants are tropical in nature where they are highly sensitive to cold.

Humidity Needs 💧

Peace lilies, like other tropical plants, do not only revitalize moisture. Living in rain forests means peace lilies are used to little moisture in the trees. Most homes have average humidity and it is not surprising for these house plants to do just fine but for the optimal growth and health conditions of the plants, the relative humidity should be more than 50% and if it is about to change. During winter especially when there is a lot of dry heat circulating inside the house, it is possible to experience browning of the leaves’ tips indicating water stress to the plant.

Indirect Sunlight 🌞🌿

In their natural habitat, these interior foliage plants, which are referred to as peace lilies, can be found growing on the forest floor beneath the crowns of tall trees and are therefore only exposed to scattered and thus indirect sunlight. The leaves are susceptible to frying under the heat of the sun, and that is why such plants develop a hatred for direct light. Such a habit of looking away from bright glare is very much common for understory plants in the tropics, which explains the reason why peace lilies are preferred indoors. If it isn’t too dark, they do well in dim light.

Caring for Peace Lilies for the Indoor Plant Lover Like a Tropical Plant 🛠️🌸

Now that it’s clear that the peace lily is indeed a tropical plant, we need to move to practical issues such as better ways to take care of it as a sort of imitation of the way nature wants it. As much as these plants are quite robust and flexible in their growing phases, mimicking a tropical sort of environment wherein they are kept will be favorable for the plant and make you enjoy more blooms and better plant health.

Watering Needs 💦

One of the fundamental aspects of keeping a peace lily within the tropical plant category is providing enough water. In its original environment, peace lilies are accustomed to moderate humidity but not to soaking the soil. To imitate that, water your peace lily when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid soggy soil as it encourages rot to the roots.

For those who wish to give their peace lily a little bit more of that oomph, misting the leaves or putting the plant near a humidifier can be done to improve moisture levels in the area.

Choosing the Right Location 🏡

Peace lilies being tropical plants, the place chosen must mimic the plant’s appeal. This implies illuminating the surroundings without direct light upon the peace lily. Do not place them in the sun, since the peace lily leaves are prone to sunburn. The light provided by a window facing north or east ensures that there is enough light.

Applying Fertilizer to Your Peace Lily 🌿🌻

Heavy feeding is mostly advisable to tropical plants like peace lilies during their growing season. For instance, one may buy balanced houseplant fertilizer, which can last for about 6-8 weeks in spring and summer. The caution here is that it should not be over-fertilized because peace lilies are known to be sensitive to general plant food build-up, and this may render the leaves yellow.

Repotting and Soil 🌱

As such, peace lilies will need a soil mix where water will not matter even if it is holding moisture. One will get good results using peat-based potting soil and then adding either perlite or sand. They are slow-growing plants and therefore do not need to be shifted into a bigger pot quite often. However, it is advisable to repot the plants after every 1 or 2 years so that the soil is replaced and a more conducive environment is created for root development.

Can peace lilies be grown outside? 🌿🏞️

Pinflowers are one of the plants that are commonly seen in the house because of their ornamental value, but they can also be grown in certain climates outdoors. In a tropical or subtropical area, peace lilies can be grown outside as long as you provide a shaded area. But for people in colder areas, it is best to move the plant inside before the temperatures fall below 50°F.

When peace lilies are planted outside, they still need certain conditions that they are accustomed to in their natural tropical habitats, which are shade, moisture, and humidity. A peace lily is best suited in the outdoors within a wall garden section where the area is designed to look like the surface of the soil.

Problems with Growing Peace Lilies and Solutions to Them 🚨🌱

As much as peace lilies are among the most robust tropical houseplants, they too have their limitations when certain conditions are not ensured. Here are a few common issues and how to resolve them:

• Brown leaf tips: This problem is generally a result of lack of humidity in the air. You can use misters or, even better, humidifiers to improve the humidity levels within the vicinity of the plant.
• Yellow leaves: Leaves turn yellow due to watering the plants too much or placement of the plants in super sunny areas. Change your routine of watering and place the plant in a less sunny area.
• Drooping leaves: Among the behavioral traits of these plants is wilting of the leaves when they want water. In case of droopy appearance of the plant, do not worry, just water it well, and within some hours, it will be lively again.

Conclusion: Peace Lilies, Perfect Tropical Houseplants 💚🌿

Now, are peace lilies tropical plants? Indeed, they are! The tropical plants are from the rainforests of Central and South America. Given the warmth, humidity, and indirect sunlight that they enjoy, it adds tropical effects in the house.

You will be able to savor the beauty and tranquility of a healthy peace lily in the years to come by mimicking the conditions of their habitat by maintaining moisture and temperature and providing some level of humidity. Inside the house or outside in the right environment, peace lilies have a great versatility and resilience thus are always the best plants to have.