The Many Benefits of Growing Peace Lily Plants Indoors

With their distinctive white flowers and ability to thrive in low light, peace lily plants are a popular choice for indoor gardening But beyond just being beautiful houseplants, peace lilies offer some great health and environmental benefits In this article, we’ll explore why peace lily plants are so good to have in your home or office.

An Overview of Peace Lily Plants

First let’s take a quick look at some basics about peace lily plants

• Part of the Spathiphyllum genus, with around 40-60 species

• Native to tropical regions like Central and South America

• Features dark green leaves that are often big and glossy

• Produces signature “flowers” that are actually specialized leaves called spadices

• Spadices start out pale green and turn creamy white as they mature

• Typically reach 1-4 feet tall, depending on variety

• Enjoy warm temperatures between 65-80°F

• Require little maintenance when grown as houseplants

Now that we know a bit about them, let’s examine why peace lily plants are so beneficial.

Air Purifying Properties

One of the biggest advantages of peace lilies is their ability to clean indoor air. Here’s how they do this:

• The plant’s leaves absorb airborne pollutants and volatile organic compounds as part of photosynthesis.

• Bacteria living on the leaves and roots also help break down VOCs and other toxins.

• As the leaves take in air contaminants, the plant releases clean, oxygenated air.

This makes peace lilies excellent natural air purifiers. NASA even lists them among their top plants for removing harmful VOCs like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air.

Natural Air Freshener

In addition to filtering out pollutants, peace lilies also lend a little fragrance to indoor spaces.

• When the spadices bloom, they give off a light, pleasant aroma.

• People often describe the scent as sweet and floral, reminiscent of citrus.

• The blooms release this lovely scent into the surrounding environment without being overpowering.

So peace lilies naturally perfume rooms in a subtle way whenever they flower. And because the blooms last up to 8 weeks, they keep areas smelling fresh for a long time.

Excellent at Regulating Humidity

Peace lilies thrive in humid conditions. As a result, their large leaves give off moisture that helps regulate humidity levels inside.

• When humidity is low, the leaves release more water vapor to compensate.

• This helps counteract overly dry indoor air caused by heating and air conditioning systems.

• More moisture in the air is beneficial for people’s respiratory health and skin.

With enough plants in a space, peace lilies meaningfully help balance indoor humidity for occupant comfort.

Reduces Mold Spores in the Air

By contributing humidity to dry indoor environments, peace lilies help suppress the growth and spread of mold.

• Mold thrives in damp areas that lack adequate ventilation.

• The right humidity levels from plants prevents mold from forming in the first place.

• Peace lily leaves also absorb mold spores right out of the air through the stomata (pores).

Less airborne mold spores means lower allergen levels for people sensitive to mold. Peace lily plants are an organic way to help control mold.

Non-Allergenic Flowers or Spathes

Some flowering plants can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. But peace lilies are safe for most people with allergies.

• The white blooms contain almost no scent compounds or proteins that cause allergies.

• This makes peace lilies hypoallergenic compared to many flowering plants.

• Those with asthma or indoor allergies can safely keep peace lilies in their living space.

Being able to have beautiful flowering plants without allergic side effects is a major perk of growing peace lilies indoors.

Great for Boosting Mental Health

On top of their physical benefits, peace lilies may also provide some mental health advantages:

• Studies show that having plants in a room can markedly reduce stress and anxiety levels.

• Caring for houseplants also leads to lower depression rates and elevated mood.

• The ability of peace lilies to purify air adds to their relaxing qualities.

• The white blooms give a soothing ambiance that enhances tranquility.

Simply nurturing and being around peace lilies is great for emotional wellbeing and staying positive.

Improves Sleep Quality

Research has linked being around houseplants to getting better sleep at night. Peace lilies can specifically support restful sleep in these ways:

• Purifying room air leads to easier, less disrupted breathing at night.

• Their pretty white flowers create a calming pre-sleep environment.

• Caring for plants helps reduce anxiety that interferes with sleep.

• Peace lilies give off oxygen at night, which facilitates deep sleep.

For those who struggle with insomnia or restlessness, keeping a peace lily in the bedroom is an all-natural way to enable higher quality sleep.

A Low Maintenance Plant

In addition to their many benefits, peace lilies are also easy to care for compared to many houseplants:

• Only need to be watered once the top inch of soil is dry. Don’t require frequent watering.

• Can tolerate a range of lighting conditions from bright indirect to low light.

• Are not prone to insect pests or bacterial/fungal diseases.

• Flower reliably with minimal effort. Just provide adequate water.

• Are forgiving plants that bounce back from occasional neglect.

For busy folks or those newer to plants, peace lilies are a great no-fuss option. Their health advantages and ornamental qualities make them a rewarding low-maintenance houseplant.

The Takeaway

With their trademark white blooms rising elegantly from glossy leaves, peace lily plants instantly uplift any indoor space visually. But beyond their graceful good looks, peace lilies offer some great benefits for human health and home environments. From naturally cleansing the air to adding calming humidity and even improving sleep, peace lilies do it all. Their low maintenance needs also make them easy for anyone to grow. If you want a multifunctional houseplant that purifies your home in more ways than one, the peace lily is an excellent choice.