How to Grow and Care for a Big Peace Lily

The peace lily, or Spathiphyllum, is a popular houseplant known for its elegant white blooms and deep green foliage. While many are familiar with smaller varieties, this plant can become a large, statement-making specimen with the right selection and care.

Giant Peace Lily Varieties

Certain cultivars are known for their impressive dimensions, producing much larger leaves and contributing to a lush, tropical feel. Choosing one of these is the first step toward growing a large specimen.

The most well-known variety is ‘Sensation’, which can reach heights of up to six feet with broad, deeply ribbed leaves over a foot wide. Its sheer size makes it a dramatic focal point suitable for a spacious corner or for creating an indoor jungle aesthetic.

Another large-growing option is ‘Mauna Loa’ or ‘Mauna Loa Supreme’. While not as massive as ‘Sensation’, it is a substantial plant that grows up to four feet tall, featuring the classic glossy leaves and large white blooms on a grander scale. This variety provides a full appearance and serves as an excellent floor plant.

How to Grow a Peace Lily Big

Achieving a peace lily’s maximum size potential depends on providing optimal growing conditions. Consistent care during its active growing seasons of spring and summer will encourage the development of large, healthy foliage.

Light

Peace lilies are often marketed as low-light plants, but to grow one to a large size, it needs bright, indirect sunlight. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning sun without the harsh intensity of direct afternoon light, which can scorch the leaves.

Water

Consistent moisture is important for a rapidly growing peace lily. A large plant with substantial foliage will have higher water requirements than a smaller one. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain away completely to prevent root rot.

Soil & Nutrients

A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is suitable for peace lilies, as it retains moisture while allowing for good aeration. To fuel its growth, regular feeding is necessary. During the spring and summer, use a balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks, diluted to half-strength, to support the development of large leaves.

Humidity

As tropical plants, peace lilies appreciate higher humidity. Providing a more humid environment can prevent issues like brown leaf tips and encourage larger leaves. Grouping plants together or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water can increase ambient moisture.

Caring for an Established Large Peace Lily

Once a peace lily has grown to a significant size, its care shifts from encouraging growth to managing a mature plant. The weight and bulk of an established specimen present unique challenges, particularly when it comes to repotting and controlling its size.

A large peace lily will eventually need to be repotted to sustain its health. Signs that it’s time for a new pot include roots growing out of the drainage holes, water running straight through the soil, or the plant becoming visibly top-heavy. When repotting, select a container that is only two to four inches wider in diameter than the current one to avoid providing too much excess soil.

The physical process of repotting a heavy plant requires care and is often a two-person job. Gently lay the plant on its side to ease it out of the old pot. Inspect the roots for any signs of decay and place it in the new container with fresh potting mix, then water it thoroughly to help the soil settle.

If a giant peace lily becomes too large for its space, division is an effective method for managing its size. This is best done in the spring by removing the plant from its pot and separating the root ball into smaller sections. Ensure each new clump has a healthy portion of roots and foliage before potting it individually.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

The symptoms of common problems can appear more dramatic on a large peace lily due to the plant’s sheer mass.

Severe drooping is a common sight, as a large plant requires a significant amount of water to stay turgid. If the plant is allowed to get even slightly too dry, the leaves will droop dramatically. While the plant usually recovers quickly once watered, repeated wilting can stress the plant over time.

Brown leaf tips are a frequent complaint, often linked to inconsistent watering or low humidity. If the air is too dry or the watering schedule is erratic, the plant cannot supply enough moisture to its extremities, causing the tips to dry out. Using filtered or distilled water can also help, as peace lilies can be sensitive to chemicals in tap water.

A mature, large peace lily may sometimes flower less frequently than its younger counterparts. This can be a sign that the plant is root-bound, meaning the pot is so full of roots that there is little soil left to provide nutrients. Encouraging new blooms can be achieved by repotting into fresh soil or by dividing the plant to rejuvenate its growth.