The Peace in the Home Plant: A Tranquil Addition to Any Indoor Space

The peace in the home plant also known by its botanical name Soleirolia soleirolii is a low-growing indoor plant with delicate green leaves. This easy-to-care-for foliage plant has been a popular houseplant for decades due to its ability to purify indoor air while also providing a sense of serenity and tranquility. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about growing and caring for the peace in the home plant.

Overview of the Peace in the Home Plant

Native to the Mediterranean region, the peace in the home plant is a member of the nettle family and is sometimes referred to as baby’s tears or mother of thousands due to its quick spreading nature. Here are some key features of this plant:

• Trailing stems with very small, round or heart-shaped leaves about 1/4 inch wide. Leaves may be green or variegated.

• Dense, carpet-like spreading growth habit. Can quickly fill in an area.

• Height ranges from 2-4 inches tall but spreads rapidly across the soil surface.

• Tiny white flowers occasionally bloom on short stalks.

• Prefers indoor growing conditions with medium to low light.

• Very easy care and low maintenance once established.

With its soft trailing stems and tranquil vibe, it’s easy to see why this plant got the nickname “peace in the home.” It makes a lovely accent in any living space where you want to cultivate a sense of calm.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Peace in the Home

While flexible, there are some ideal conditions to allow a peace in the home plant to really thrive:

• Lighting: Bright indirect light is best, but can tolerate lower light. Avoid direct hot sunlight.

• Temperature: Average room temps between 60-80°F are suitable. Avoid dramatic shifts.

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soaked. Moderate watering.

• Humidity: Appreciates 40-60% relative humidity if possible. Mist leaves occasionally.

• Soil: Well-draining potting mix amended with peat moss or compost.

Meeting these basic needs will keep your peace in the home plant happy. It’s not too picky once settled.

How to Care for a Peace in the Home Plant

Caring for a peace in the home plant is quite straightforward. Just focus on providing the following care:

• Water whenever the top 1/2 inch of soil becomes dry. Check often and don’t let it totally dry out.

• Mist the leaves every few days to increase humidity around the plant.

• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during spring and summer. Dilute to half strength.

• Prune back any overgrown, leggy stems to encourage a fuller habit.

• Repot every 2-3 years in early spring using fresh potting mix.

• Propagate new plants from cuttings. Plant tips in moist soil.

With proper care, the peace in the home plant remains lush and healthy for years. It’s one of the easiest indoor plants to look after.

Tips for Growing Peace in the Home Plant

Here are some additional tips for successfully growing the peace in the home plant:

• Start new plants from stem tip cuttings for easy propagation. Just snip and plant in soil.

• Allow the long stems to trail down from shelves or containers to show off its cascading nature.

• Mix in peat moss or coco coir when potting to improve moisture retention.

• Pinch back leggy growth to make the plant fuller and more dense.

• Small containers like teacups make excellent vessels to show off this petite plant.

• Group a few pots together for a lush groundcover effect.

With a bit of simple care, the peace in the home plant generously spreads to create a tranquil carpet of greenery in any indoor space.

Using Peace in the Home Plants for Interior Design

The peace in the home plant has many great applications when decorating indoor spaces:

• Use trailing stems in hanging baskets. Growth will dangle down attractively.

• Plant as a groundcover underneath larger houseplants to create different heights.

• Arrange several small pots on shelves, side tables or windowsills for texture.

• Include in dish gardens, terrariums or small indoor gardens. Combines well with ferns, pilea and ivy.

• Let it spread across a bookshelf or mantle to soften the look of the space.

• Place pots along the top of cabinets to have stems trail down. Creates a waterfall effect.

Take advantage of its cascading nature by allowing the long stems to flow out of containers. The peace in the home plant adds wonderful warmth and natural beauty wherever used.

Common Problems with Peace in the Home Plants

When cared for properly, peace in the home plants stay healthy and problem-free. But here are some potential issues to watch for:

• Dry soil – Leads to yellowing and wilting leaves. Water more frequently.

• Overwatering – Can cause root rot. Allow soil to partly dry out between waterings.

• Low humidity – Dry air causes browning leaf tips. Increase humidity around the plant.

• Leggy growth – Indicates insufficient light. Provide brighter location or prune back.

• Few flowers – Plant needs more light to bloom. Move closer to a window if desired.

Catching any problems early and adjusting care is key. This plant bounces back well when conditions improve.

How to Propagate the Peace in the Home Plant

This hardy plant is very easy to propagate. Just follow these steps:

1. Cut a stem tip cutting a few inches long below a leaf node.

2. Remove lower leaves so you have a bare stem section to plant.

3. Place the cutting into a small container filled with moist potting mix.

4. Water gently and place in indirect light. Keep soil moist but not saturated.

5. Roots and new growth should emerge within a few weeks. Transplant into a regular pot.

Producing more plants from cuttings allows you to easily expand your peace in the home plant collection. It’s a very gratifying propagation process.

Suitable Companion Plants

Some great companion plants for a potted peace in the home plant include:

• Pilea – Mixes well and has similar care needs. Combines short and long trailing textures.

• Ferns – Creates nice contrast between fine and lacy fronds.

• Polka dot plant – Adds fun pops of color to complement the green.

• Nerve plant – Has bold veined leaves that contrast nicely.

• English ivy – Trails nicely and harmonizes as a groundcover.

Combining the peace in the home plant with other pleasing greenery results in beautiful, soothing indoor displays. Play around with plant shapes and colors.

The Takeaway

With its rapidly spreading nature, vibrant green color, and easy care needs, the peace in the home plant is an outstanding choice for low maintenance indoor gardening. A few small pots are all it takes to create a tranquil carpet of living green. Place it in medium light, water when the topsoil dries, and enjoy its restful vibe. Propagating more plants from tip cuttings is a breeze. For a no-fuss houseplant that feels like a natural part of any living space, the sweet peace in the home plant certainly lives up to its relaxing reputation. Give this lovely trailing plant a try!