Variegated Peace Lily

Variegated Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) is a slender, upright tropical plant about 50cm high and wide, with narrow tapering leaves in light green patterned with silvery white. Pure white, pointed flowers stand above the foliage and appear throughout the year as the plant grows. It is a more refined take on a familiar houseplant, and an easy choice for beginners.

Why you'll love it

• Silvery white variegation. The slender leaves are patterned in sparkling white, which adds brightness to a dim corner.
• White flowers all year. Pointed flowers rise above the leaves throughout the year as the plant grows.
• Easygoing. Peace lilies are forgiving houseplants, and this one asks little beyond shade, shelter and a regular drink.
• A neat 50cm size. It stays compact, so it fits a shelf, a desk or a small pot.
• Tropical look. The understorey origins give it a cool tropical style indoors or in a shaded garden in a frost free climate.

Where it works best

Indoor pots. A 200mm to 300mm pot in a bright room, away from direct sun, shows off the variegation. It is ideal for shelves, desks and entries.

Underplanting in tropical gardens. In frost free tropical gardens, plant 50cm apart beneath trees and in shaded beds, where the silvery leaves light up the shade.

Offices and bathrooms. It suits spaces with filtered light and humidity, and a pot on a bathroom bench or office shelf is easy to manage.

Growing Variegated Peace Lily in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in a sheltered position and avoid direct sunlight. It is a South American understorey plant, so it suits tropical and subtropical gardens outdoors. Protect it from frost, and in colder climates grow it indoors.

Soil. Use a good potting mix that drains freely. Outdoors, mulch around the plant to hold moisture. Re-pot container plants at the beginning of spring.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks, and then water only when the soil begins to dry. Test by pushing a finger into the soil. Peace lilies like humid conditions. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring and a liquid fertiliser every 2 to 4 weeks in the warmer months, diluted to half strength.

Pruning. Trim spent flowers and damaged leaves at the base. Wipe indoor leaves with a damp cloth when dust gathers, and spritz them with a hand sprayer to bring back the glossy finish.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Variegated Peace Lily as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and as single 300mm pots. Tubes are the economical way to fill a shaded bed. The 300mm pot gives you an established plant that makes an instant feature indoors. Pot or plant it into a sheltered spot soon after it arrives.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on the page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

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
• Indoor flowering plants
• Best low light plants for the home

Common questions

Is it toxic to pets?

Yes. Peace lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and throat if chewed, so they are toxic to cats, dogs and people. Keep it out of reach.

Will it flower all year?

It flowers throughout the year as the plant grows. More light and regular feeding in the warmer months give you more flowers.

Does the variegation fade?

It stays strongest in bright, indirect light. Direct sun scorches the leaves, and very dim light can make them less silvery.