Spathiphyllum plants, or peace lilies, are popular for their green leaves and white flowers. They are primarily cultivated inside the house. However, for gardeners based in Florida, one question comes forth, i.e., “Can you plant peace lilies outside in Florida?” It is possible to grow them outside if conditions permit in the Sunshine State. This article will explore how peace lilies fare in Florida’s outdoor weather. It will cover key factors to know before planting and how to maintain them for healthy growth.
Florida is known to have a warm tropical climate, which in most cases is good and suitable for a variety of plants. The state is between the colder US Hardiness Zones and the hotter tropical areas. It has been divided into Zones 8-11. However, peace lily plants, like other Spathiphyllum, will grow in hot, humid places. Florida may be a good place to plant them.
Temperature, light, and humidity are key for growing peace lilies. They must be planted outdoors, away from covered, controlled spaces.
Peace lilies are tropical plants. They prefer temperatures of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This is fairly normal for the state of Florida for the better part of the year. Still, the worst enemy of a peace lily plant is cold, and little is tolerated at temperatures lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
For example, if you’re in Northern Florida or a cold region, you should move your outdoor peace lilies indoors before the frost or cold winds arrive.
Personal greenhouses are the best way to grow peace lilies, especially for home gardeners who use indoor potted plants. Florida’s climate is very humid in summer. It is great for growing peace lilies. The outdoor humidity will mostly be above the minimum for those plants. So, the state will be good for their growth. In case such seasons with low humidity are experienced in your area, you may consider watering the plants or fast-tracking the plants to help reduce the impact of the drought on the plants.
Peace lilies do not like direct sunlight, which is why they can be planted in dark spots or places with partial light. Direct sunlight may burn their foliage, so it is important to put them in such a location where they receive bright, filtered, or dappled light. Again, a lot of direct light in a humid place in Florida can cause burns. It is better to grow peace lilies in partial shade (embrace) on the east or north side of trees or high walls where they are not too exposed to the sun.
Peace lilies will thrive in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Florida’s native soil can be sandy and lacks the moisture that peace lilies growing would require. To get their ideal conditions, one should reduce the sand in the soil. Use a nutrient-holding material, like compost or peat moss.
There again, good drainage should be taken into consideration. Excessive moisture at the soil surface around the roots leads to root decay. This is more so practiced when planting the peace lily outside in Florida, where overly soaked soils are discouraged; hence, water should be able to drain out of the soil and not remain stagnant.
Peace lilies are not native to America. They cannot handle the heat. So, they need more water in hot, sunny weather. The dry phase is not comfy for them, and while they can take a dry spell, they do better in soil that is not soggy but is moist. In Florida, where it is hot, one will need to do more watering of outdoor peace lilies if they are potted, especially during the hot summer season. Nonetheless, care should be taken not to drown the plants. The first inch or so of soil must be allowed to become dry before re-watering the plant.
The base of the peace lilies should be left layered. It will keep the soil cool, conserve moisture, and stop weeds. Mostly, the reason for mulching is that it provides protection to the barren soil covering the wilting of the plant roots.
When it’s growing season in Florida, peace lilies should be spared light feeding. Apply a few drops of balanced slow-release fertilizer every 6 – 8 weeks during the spring and summer seasons. A normal application of fertilizers is ideal for peace lilies because, in overdosing them, you can see some leaf yellowing, making it advisable to feed a little in every episode.
If you want to take care of your peace lilies outdoors, be sure to cut off the leaves that are yellow or brown. By removing the older leaves, new growth will encourage the plant to remain in good condition. Also, it is good practice to wash the leaves from time to time, as they will collect dirt faster in outdoor plants.
Peace lilies have a good tolerance for pests, but planting them outdoors might subject them to aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs. Inspect your plants at all times for any pests and, where necessary, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
White flowering peace lilies are perennial plants. They are native to tropical regions in South Florida. Hence, notice the above statement, which most of this article glosses over. On the other hand, not all parts of Florida have such privilege; most notably, some northern parts experience winter weather. And I am sure most of you know, peace lily plants are tropical and thus susceptible to chilly weather; those outdoor peace lilies in those areas should be sheltered when the temperature goes below 10 °C or 50 °F. Here, of course, I refer to covering them or bringing them indoors at times, including when I see there is snow or any freezing conditions.
For southern Florida areas, which are less chilly during winter months, peace lilies can remain outside all year round. Just be cautious with any cold fronts or any dips in temperature, expecting anything below normal.
A number of benefits are associated with the practice of planting peace lilies outdoors in the state of Florida:
So, can you plant peace lilies outside in Florida? The answer is yes! Provided that the appropriate measures in thermoregulation, humidity conditions, and illuminance are documented, peace lilies would very much fit in Florida’s warm weather. Just remember to keep them out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist enough, as well as cover them up during the cold weather spells.
As a result of these actions, the peace lilies will not be confined indoors as indoor decor but rather grown as part of the landscape in your garden. If you are planning to add beauty to your garden or you are simply fascinated by the beauty of these plants, then peace lilies are perfect for Florida gardens.
The Peace Lily, with its elegant white blooms and lush green leaves, purifies the air and symbolizes nature’s calming beauty.
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