Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum spp.) are prized for their distinctive beauty and ability to tolerate low light conditions. Often grown as houseplants, they are as practical as they are striking: Peace lilies filter toxins from the air, including formaldehyde and benzene. Peace lilies can be pruned completely back, but you probably won't want to do that unless the foliage is completely destroyed or damaged.
Pruning Flowers and Stems
Peace lilies are recognizable by their white bracts, or modified leaves, which surround a short stalk of tiny light-green flowers. Each stem puts out one flower. Once the flower fades, you can prune it -- and the stem -- off. Although peace lilies grow on tubers, you don't have to wait for the foliage to die down to prune the plant as you would many other bulb plants. They don't go dormant in the winter. In fact, the foliage will stay green and attractive year-round on these tropical plants, so you probably won't want to cut it off, unless it turns yellow or brown. Instead, cut the stem at the surface level of the soil. This will encourage the peace lily to bloom again.
Pruning the Leaves
Peace lilies will usually tell you if they are suffering by the color of their leaves. They are very sensitive to chlorine, for example, so if too much chlorine is in the soil -- which usually comes from chlorinated tap water -- the leaves will start to turn brown at the tips. Sometimes lower, older leaves turn yellow as they age. Prune off the brown tips of the leaves with sharp shears, cutting at an angle. If the entire leaf is affected, clip it off where the leaf petiole meets the base of the plant. Disinfect your pruning tool before you start by dipping in in a disinfectant. This kills any viruses or bacteria on the blade. Rinse the blade with water and let it air dry. If your plant has cankers, or other dripping or oozing fungal growths, dip your pruning tool into the disinfectant between each cut. Although it is probably not necessary to do this for airborne viruses, it is necessary if you are cutting through cankers or other oozing infections, and it doesn't hurt in any case. Any disinfectant -- such as a basic household cleaner -- will work, according to the Washington State University Puyallup Research and Extension Center.
Caring for Peace Lilies
Pruning your peace lily will keep it looking attractive and redirect its energy to producing more blooms, but your plant needs other care as well. Peace lilies thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 11 and 12. Because they are not tolerant of cold temperatures, they are often grown indoors as houseplants, or brought indoors when cooler weather arrives. Peace lilies grow best when the soil is kept continually moist, but never waterlogged. You can let the soil dry out a bit before watering again, but try not to let the plant wilt, as this will cause the leaves to turn yellow. Peace lilies can't tolerate much light, and prefer partial or full shade. Ironically, if they get too much sunlight, they stop putting out flowers. If this happens, move your flower to a darker location.
Protecting Your Pets
Peace lilies aren't true lilies, which can be deadly to cats. Still, they do contain oxalates, which irritate the soft tissues of the mouth and stomach. The pain is immediate, so most dogs and cats that take one nibble of the plant stop immediately and paw at their mouths, or shade their heads. To be safe, it's best to keep the plant as far away from your pets as possible. If you suspect that your pet has ingested part of a peace lily plant, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
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