Summer Glow-Up! 10 Indoor Plants To Take Out

4. The Elegant Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

Peace Lilies are just so graceful, aren’t they? With their dark green leaves and those iconic white “flowers” (which are actually spathes, a type of modified leaf – cool, huh?), they just exude tranquility. I’ve always had one around; my current one is named Seraphina, and she’s usually pretty content. But, like many indoor plants, even Seraphina enjoys a carefully planned summer vacation.

Why Your Peace Lily Might Crave a Summer Escape

So, your Peace Lily is probably doing okay inside, maybe even giving you a bloom here and there. But if you really want to see it flourish and potentially encourage more of those beautiful white blooms, a summer stint outdoors can be just the ticket. I found that Seraphina, after a few weeks in the right outdoor spot, started pushing out more blooms than she typically did indoors. It was like the fresh air and different humidity levels just woke something up in her. It’s a bit like us getting a boost from a change of scenery, I suppose! For Spathiphyllum care, this can be a real game-changer.

The Secret to Their Outdoor Paradise: Shade and Humidity are Queen!

Now, this is super important: Peace Lilies are not sunbathers. Not even a little bit. For these elegant plants, a shady and humid spot is key. Think about where they grow in nature – on the floor of tropical rainforests, under a thick canopy of trees. That’s the vibe you want to replicate. Direct sun will burn its leaves so fast, it’ll make your head spin.

I learned this the hard way, of course. One year, I thought I had Seraphina in a perfectly shaded spot on my porch. But the morning sun shifted for about an hour longer than I anticipated, and a few of her lovely leaves got these awful brown, crispy patches. Oh, the guilt! It was a stark reminder that when they say shade, they mean shade. A spot under a dense tree, on a north-facing porch, or under a covered lanai where no direct sunbeams can reach is ideal. They also adore humidity, so if you have other humidity loving plants grouped together, they’ll enjoy the company.

Transitioning Your Delicate Flower: Slow, Steady, and Moist!

Peace Lilies are definitely on the more sensitive side when it comes to sudden changes. They don’t like shocks to their system. So, when you’re thinking about moving Peace Lilies outside, you need to acclimatize them very gradually. We’re talking even slower than some of the other plants we’ve discussed. Start with just an hour in its chosen shady spot, and slowly increase it over a week, maybe even ten days. Patience is your best friend here.

Another crucial thing is to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Peace Lilies are known for being a bit dramatic when they’re thirsty – they’ll droop quite spectacularly. While they usually bounce back pretty quickly once you water them, you don’t want to stress them out like that too often, especially when they’re adjusting to a new environment. Outdoors, with more air circulation, they might dry out faster than you’re used to. So, check that soil moisture regularly. I make it a habit to poke a finger into Seraphina’s soil every morning during her outdoor stay. This helps avoid issues like Peace Lily brown tips, which can also be caused by inconsistent watering.

Decorating with Peace: A Touch of Serene Beauty

Once your Peace Lily is happily settled in its shady outdoor haven, it will add such a touch of serene beauty to the space. They are just perfect for those shaded garden nooks that might otherwise look a bit bare, or nestled amongst other foliage under a covered lanai. Their lush, dark leaves provide a beautiful contrast to brighter flowers or lighter-colored foliage, and when those white spathes appear, they just glow.

Seraphina, in her shady corner on my porch, creates this little pocket of calm. It’s amazing how elegant outdoor plants like the Peace Lily can transform a simple spot into something that feels a bit more special and peaceful. They are wonderful low-light outdoor plants if you have those tricky darker areas.

So, if you’re looking to encourage more blooms and give your Peace Lily a refreshing break, a gentle move to a shady outdoor spot could be wonderful. Just remember to be patient and attentive!

Up next, we’re going to talk about a real survivor, a plant that’s as tough as it is stylish! Click that “Next” button to see who’s coming up.