Complete guide to variegated peace lily care

Piper the variegated peace lily is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant that can add a touch of elegance to any room. With its attractive variegated foliage and beautiful white flowers, this plant can be a stunning addition to your collection. However, like any plant, it requires proper care to thrive. In this article, we will provide you with some essential tips on how to care for your variegated peace lily and keep it healthy and beautiful.

• Most variegated plants need lots of light but this peace lily is happy in fairly low light. They’ll flower less in shade.
• They’ll let you know when they need water - their leaves will flop. They’ll perk up very quickly after a drink.
• Give your plant a monthly feed in spring and summer. It will keep them healthy and help them produce flowers.

The peace lily could have been named because it will mostly leave you in peace. This classic houseplant will live happily in anything from quite bright light to shady corners and it only needs watering when its leaves flop over. It’s incredibly easy. Oh, but the name peace lily is actually due to its pure white flowers. This one differs from the classic peace lily because it has variegated leaves, striped with green and cream. It’s just as easy to care for as its fully green sister, and equally as lovely. 

The peace lily is native to tropical rainforests, specifically those of South and Central America. It’s thought it was brought to Europe some time in the late 1800s. It’s been popular as a houseplant ever since because of its easy-going nature.

Variegated peace lilies prefer bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn their leaves, and too little light can stunt their growth and colour. Place your plant in a well-lit room, away from direct sunlight. If you notice that the leaves start to turn yellow, it may be a sign that the plant is getting too much light, and you should move it to a shadier spot.

Peace lilies need to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water your variegated peace lily once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater your plant, as this can lead to root rot. If you notice that the leaves start to wilt or turn yellow, it may be a sign of overwatering. On the other hand, if the leaves start to droop, it’s usually a sign that the plant needs more water.

Variegated peace lilies thrive in a humid environment, so it's essential to keep the air around them moist. You can increase humidity by placing a tray of water near the plant or misting the leaves with water regularly. You can also place a humidifier in the room to keep the air moist.

Peace lilies don’t require a lot of fertiliser, but they do benefit from occasional feeding. Use a balanced fertiliser, diluted to half strength, every month during the growing season. Don’t fertilise during the winter months when the plant is dormant.

Variegated peace lilies prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a good quality potting mix with added perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. It's also essential to repot your plant every two years to ensure that it has enough space to grow.

Regular pruning can help keep your variegated peace lily healthy and beautiful. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves as soon as you notice them to prevent the spread of disease. You can also trim back the plant's stems to encourage new growth.

Variegated peace lilies are susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites, so it's important to keep an eye out for these pests. If you notice any signs of infestation, such as webbing or tiny white spots on the leaves, isolate the plant and treat it with an insecticide or a mixture of water and soap.