Greetings, human caretaker. I am a Peace Lily, known to your scientists as *Spathiphyllum*. To help me thrive in your indoor domain, you must understand my needs from my perspective. Here is my guide to our coexistence.
I am a denizen of the forest floor, accustomed to the dappled light that filters through the canopy above. Direct, harsh sunlight will scorch my delicate leaves, leaving unsightly brown patches. Conversely, deep shadow will stifle my ability to produce the energy I need to grow and bloom. Please place me in a spot with bright, indirect light. A north-facing window is often perfect, or a few feet back from an east or west-facing one. I will tell you if I am unhappy; yellowing leaves often mean too much light, while a lack of my signature white blooms (which are actually a specialized leaf bract called a spathe) suggests too little.
My relationship with water is simple yet crucial. I prefer consistently moist soil, but I am not an aquatic plant. Soggy, waterlogged roots will suffocate me and lead to fatal root rot. The best method is to check my soil with your finger. When the top inch feels dry to the touch, it is time for a deep, thorough watering until it runs freely from my pot's drainage holes. Please empty the saucer afterward. I am famously dramatic; when I am thirsty, my leaves will droop noticeably. This is my clear signal to you. A quick drink will have me perked up again within hours.
My tropical origins mean I crave warmth and humidity. Temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) are ideal. Please keep me away from drafty doors, cold windows, and heating or air conditioning vents, as sudden temperature changes cause me stress. The dry air common in many homes is challenging for me. It can cause my leaf tips to turn brown. To make me more comfortable, you can place my pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot is not sitting in the water) or occasionally mist my leaves with lukewarm water.
While I am not a heavy feeder, I do benefit from supplemental nutrition during my active growing season (spring and summer). A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength is perfect. Please provide this once a month. Over-fertilizing will harm my roots and can cause leaf burn. In the autumn and winter, when my growth slows, I prefer to rest and do not require any fertilizer.
You will know I am ready for a new, slightly larger home when my roots become densely packed in my current pot, or when I seem to require water unusually frequently. This typically happens every year or two. When repotting, choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter and use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. Be gentle with my roots during the process. Afterward, water me thoroughly and keep me in a shaded spot for a few days to recover from the shock.
