The Peace Lily is a beautiful plant that is becoming more and more popular. It is also known as the Spathe Flower or White Sails. And it’s easy to see why—this plant’s bright green leaves and beautiful white spathes make it a beautiful addition to any room. We at TLB love this plant just as much as you do, so to help you keep it healthy, we’re giving you this great guide on how to take care of the Peace Lily.
Find out how to keep your Peace Lily happy by reading on. You’ll also learn some interesting things along the way.
The peace lily is one of the most popular indoor houseplants appreciated for its ability to thrive in low light conditions and filter indoor air. But beyond its resilience and air-purifying abilities the peace lily holds deep symbolic meaning.
Overview of the Peace Lily
The peace lily, also known as the white sail plant or spathe flower, is part of the Araceae family. There are around 40-60 different species of peace lilies, with the most common being Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum. These plants are native to tropical regions of the Americas and southeast Asia.
Peace lilies are herbaceous perennials meaning they can live for many years. They have dark green leaves and produce a distinctive flower called a spathe. This is a hood-like bract that surrounds the spadix a specialized spike upon which the small flowers are borne. Spathes are long-lasting and pure white in color.
Symbolic Meaning of the Peace Lily Flower
So what does a peace lily mean exactly? These plants have rich symbolic meaning in many cultures and belief systems. Here are some of the most prominent symbolic associations with the peace lily flower:
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Purity and Innocence – The peace lily’s white flowers represent purity and innocence in many cultures. White is seen as unblemished and untouched, thus peace lilies can signify virtue and innocence
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Peace and Tranquility – As the name suggests, peace lilies are strongly associated with peace, tranquility, grace, and calmness. Their tranquil vibe has seen them used at funerals and in sickrooms.
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Harmony – With their lush leaves and delicate white blooms, peace lilies are said to create inner and outer harmony. They encourage living in balance with oneself and others.
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Hope – In Christianity, the emergence of the peace lily’s flower represents hope of rebirth and resurrection, just as Jesus emerged from his tomb.
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Friendship – An exchange of peace lilies can signify the establishment of new bonds of friendship and goodwill between people.
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Healing – The peace lily has come to symbolize healing and wellbeing. It is believed to restore balance where there is destruction and sickness.
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Feng Shui – In feng shui, peace lilies are thought to attract positive energy and flow. They also represent the Metal element needed for balance.
Cultural and Religious Symbolism
Beyond general meanings, the peace lily holds special religious and cultural symbolism:
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In Christianity, it represents the Virgin Mary’s purity and the resurrection of Christ. The flower is strongly associated with Easter.
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In Buddhism, it symbolizes enlightenment, purity of spirit, and tranquility. White blooms are used in Buddhist ceremonies.
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In Hinduism, it signifies the path to inner peace and a tranquil, balanced mind. It is associated with introspection.
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In Feng Shui, the peace lily energizes spaces, signifies the Metal element, and helps purify and detoxify indoor air.
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In Europe, it traditionally symbolized chastity and virtue for Victorians. Its leaves represent shelter and peace.
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In Japanese culture, it is strongly associated with death and funerals. It represents departed souls.
Beyond being an easy care houseplant, the peace lily carries layered symbolic meaning in many cultures. Its white spathes variously represent purity, virtue, tranquility, rebirth, friendship, and healing across religions, belief systems, and history. This makes the peace lily a thoughtful gift between friends, for religious ceremonies, and for decorating spaces in need of positive energy. With proper care, peace lilies can thrive for many years indoors as a living symbol of grace and renewal.
Shop Peace Lilies at The Little Botanical
At TLB, we have a beautiful selection of Peace Lilies, from big, bold types to gift sets and living walls. Look around at what we have to offer below. We’re sure you’ll find something you love for your room.
Positioning and humidity for a peace lily
In its tropical, natural habitat, this stunning plant would enjoy steamy conditions thanks to its rainforest setting. Put your green beauty somewhere with a lot of humidity, like a kitchen or bathroom, to make him feel at home. If the spot you’ve chosen isn’t as humid as you’d like, mist him often, especially in the summer. If you like the idea of a group of plants in your home, put them close together; they will magically make each other more humid! To keep your Peace Lily healthy and to help those beautiful white flowers bloom, keep him away from drafts and radiators.
Fun Fact Friday: Episode 1 | The Peace Lily | Symbol of Peace
FAQ
What do peace lilies symbolize?
What does gifting a peace lily mean?
What is special about peace lily?
Why do people send peace lilies?
What does a peace lily symbolize?
As the name suggests, the peace lily symbolizes peace, harmony, and tranquility. Gifting a peace lily conveys wishes for a peaceful and calm environment for the recipient. Giving a peace lily as a gift shows that you care about the recipient’s well-being and happiness. It is a thoughtful way to express your love and affection.
Are peace lilies a good gift?
Peace lilies also make for a great gift between friends as it provides so much beauty for considerably little maintenance. Casablanca lilies are bred for beauty. These flowers are lovely and large. They are milky white and face outward, shaped like a bowl and feature recurved petals and contrasting red-orange anthers.
What is a peace lily?
Peace Lily is a flowering plant with graceful white flowers that will not only beautify your interior but purify the air as well. What’s more, they continue to bloom all year round in low-light conditions but require a cool spot below room temperature to survive.