The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular houseplant known for its elegant appearance and air-purifying qualities. With its dark green foliage, occasional white blooms, and resilience to indoor conditions, it’s no surprise that it is one of the most commonly found plants in homes and offices. However, while the peace lily is relatively low-maintenance, it does require some attention to detail in terms of care to ensure it thrives.
If you’re looking for a simple but effective way to enhance the growth and vitality of your peace lily, there’s a surprising method you can try: adding one tablespoon of a particular substance to your watering routine. This simple addition could transform the way your plant grows, leading to an increase in healthy, vibrant new leaves.
In this article, we will explore why this technique works, the science behind it, the best substances to add, and how to properly care for your peace lily in other aspects as well. By the end, you’ll understand how this small change can have a big impact on your plant’s health and growth.
Understanding the Peace Lily’s Growth Needs
Before diving into the watering technique, it’s essential to understand the growth habits and care needs of the peace lily. Spathiphyllum is a tropical plant native to the rainforests of Central and South America. In these regions, peace lilies thrive in humid, shaded environments with well-drained soil and a consistent water supply.
When grown indoors, peace lilies do well in average room temperatures, moderate humidity, and indirect light. Over time, they can produce stunning white blooms known as “spathes,” which are often mistaken for flowers. However, the true flowers of the peace lily are small, hidden within the spathe.
To keep your peace lily healthy and encourage vigorous growth, it’s essential to pay attention to its water and nutrient needs. This is where the trick of adding one tablespoon to the water comes in — it’s a simple way to give your plant a boost without having to go overboard with complex fertilization or maintenance routines.
The Science Behind Adding One Tablespoon to the Water
The concept of adding a tablespoon of a specific substance to your peace lily’s watering routine is based on the idea that certain nutrients or compounds can stimulate plant growth. The process works because plants absorb nutrients from the soil or water, and these nutrients are used to fuel their growth and development. By adding a tablespoon of a particular substance to the water, you are giving your plant a concentrated boost of nutrients that can help it thrive.
The key is to add the right type of substance to your water. While it may sound simple, the addition of specific substances can mimic the nutrients that peace lilies would receive in their native rainforest habitat. These nutrients are typically absorbed through the plant’s roots and transported throughout the leaves and stems, where they play a role in photosynthesis and overall plant health.
But what exactly should you be adding to the water? There are a few different options, but the most commonly recommended additions are organic fertilizers, compost tea, or even a diluted solution of Epsom salt. Let’s explore these options in more detail to understand why they work.
1. Organic Fertilizer (Liquid or Granular)
One of the most effective ways to nourish your peace lily is by adding organic liquid fertilizer to the water. Organic fertilizers are made from natural ingredients like plant-based materials, animal manure, or compost, providing essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are crucial for plant growth, root development, and flower production.
By adding a tablespoon of liquid organic fertilizer to your watering can, you provide the peace lily with the necessary nutrients to stimulate growth. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, organic options are gentle on the plant and less likely to burn the roots, making them an excellent choice for regular care.
2. Compost Tea
Compost tea is a liquid produced by steeping compost in water, allowing the beneficial microorganisms and nutrients from the compost to dissolve into the water. This nutrient-rich tea can be used to water plants, providing them with a wide range of minerals, vitamins, and beneficial bacteria. These microorganisms help improve the health of the soil and support the plant’s natural immune system.
By adding compost tea to the water, you enrich the soil and provide the peace lily with a wide variety of nutrients. The presence of beneficial microbes can also help improve soil structure and encourage root health, which in turn promotes healthy leaf growth.
3. Epsom Salt Solution
Epsom salt, which is made of magnesium sulfate, is another common addition to water that can promote healthy growth in peace lilies. Magnesium is an essential nutrient for plants, playing a crucial role in photosynthesis and overall plant metabolism. When you dissolve a tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and use it to water your peace lily, you provide it with an extra dose of magnesium, which can help enhance chlorophyll production and boost growth.
Additionally, Epsom salt is known to help with the absorption of other nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which further supports the plant’s overall health and vitality.
How to Use the Tablespoon Method Effectively
Now that you understand the science behind this technique and the types of substances you can add to the water, let’s go over how to use the tablespoon method effectively to see the best results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Choose the Right Substance
Depending on the nutrient needs of your peace lily, you can choose one of the substances mentioned earlier: organic fertilizer, compost tea, or Epsom salt. You can experiment with different options to see which works best for your specific plant.
2. Mix the Solution
Once you’ve chosen your substance, mix it into your watering can or container. For liquid organic fertilizers, add about one tablespoon of the product to a gallon of water. For compost tea, use about one tablespoon of the tea concentrate per gallon of water. For Epsom salt, dissolve one tablespoon of salt in a gallon of water.
3. Water the Peace Lily
Once your solution is prepared, use it to water your peace lily as you normally would. Make sure to water thoroughly, ensuring that the solution reaches the plant’s roots. Be careful not to overwater, as peace lilies prefer to be kept in evenly moist soil, not soggy conditions. Always allow the excess water to drain away from the pot.
4. Repeat Regularly
For the best results, repeat the process once every 2-4 weeks. Be sure to monitor your peace lily’s response to the added nutrients. Over time, you should notice new leaves appearing, and the plant will grow more robust and healthy.
Additional Tips for Peace Lily Care
While adding one tablespoon to the water can certainly boost the growth of your peace lily, it’s important to remember that other care factors play a significant role in the plant’s overall health. Here are some additional tips for keeping your peace lily thriving:
1. Light
Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little light can result in slow growth and a lack of blooms. A spot near a window with filtered light is ideal.
2. Watering
Peace lilies like their soil to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, but be sure to allow the excess water to drain from the pot. Avoid letting the plant sit in water for extended periods, as this can lead to root rot.
3. Humidity
Being native to tropical environments, peace lilies thrive in humid conditions. If your home is dry, consider placing a humidifier near your plant or regularly misting its leaves to increase humidity.
4. Repotting
Peace lilies should be repotted every 1-2 years to prevent them from becoming root-bound. When repotting, choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one and refresh the soil with a well-draining potting mix.
Conclusion
By adding just one tablespoon of the right substance to your peace lily’s water, you can enhance its growth and health. Whether you choose organic fertilizer, compost tea, or Epsom salt, this simple practice can lead to the rapid appearance of new leaves, improved leaf color, and overall plant vitality. Keep in mind that while this technique is effective, consistent care in other areas — such as watering, light, and humidity — is essential for keeping your peace lily thriving.
So, next time you water your peace lily, try adding that one tablespoon of goodness to the water. With a little extra effort, you’ll soon enjoy the beauty of a lush, healthy plant with plenty of new leaves to admire.
