Maracay Peace Lily

Maracay Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum 'Maracay') is a large, leafy peace lily that grows to about 1m high and wide, with a dense bushy habit, broad dark green leaves and big white sail-like flowers. It comes from the humid, shady forests of South America, which tells you what it wants: shelter, shade and steady moisture. It makes a substantial indoor plant, or a lush border in shaded, frost free gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Big, bushy and broad-leaved. The broad leaves form a dense clump, so one plant fills a corner or a large pot on its own.
• Large white flowers. The sail-like flowers stand out against the dark foliage and light up a shaded spot.
• Thrives in shade. It does well in humid, shady places where many flowering plants will not, indoors or in a shaded tropical garden.
• A home and office classic. Peace lilies appear on most air-purifying lists, though no single plant will clean a whole house, so choose it for its looks.
• Tells you when it is thirsty. The leaves droop slightly when it needs water, then spring back after a drink.

Where it works best

Indoor feature plant. A large pot in a bright living room, entry or office shows off its full 1m spread. Keep it away from direct sun.

Shaded tropical borders. In frost free gardens, plant 80cm apart under trees and along shaded walls. The clumps join into a lush green mass.

Big pots on sheltered verandahs. A glazed pot on a covered verandah or patio gives a tropical look with very little effort.

Growing Maracay Peace Lily in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in a sheltered position and avoid direct sunlight. It suits tropical and subtropical gardens outdoors, and it is frost tender, so protect it from frost. In cooler climates grow it indoors, or in a pot that can come under cover.

Soil. Use a rich, free-draining potting mix, and outdoors mulch the surface. Re-pot container plants at the beginning of spring if they have outgrown the pot.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. After that, water when the soil begins to dry: push a finger into the soil to test. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring and a liquid fertiliser every 2 to 4 weeks in the warmer months, diluted to half the recommended dose to avoid burn.

Pruning. Remove spent flowers and yellowed leaves at the base. Indoors, wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth if dust gathers, and spritz with a hand sprayer to refresh the foliage.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Maracay Peace Lily as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10, in 200mm pots in packs of 6 and as single 300mm pots. Tubes suit a large shaded planting, the pots give a fuller plant to start with, and the 300mm pot is the quickest route to a feature plant.

The tube is grown for us by our grower, who is not always able to fill it. If it shows as sold out, the notify button on the page will email you the day it is available again.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse all our peace lilies
• Peace lily care guide for Australian homes
• Air-purifying indoor plants
• Low light indoor plants

Common questions

Is a peace lily safe for cats, dogs and children?

No. Peace lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and throat if chewed, and they are toxic to pets and people. Keep them out of reach.

Why is it drooping?

Usually thirst. Peace lilies droop slightly when they need water and recover after a drink. If the soil is soggy, the cause is overwatering or poor drainage.

How big a pot does it need?

It reaches about 1m by 1m, so move it into a large pot as it grows. Re-pot at the start of spring if the roots fill the container.