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Peace Lily Sensation

Spathiphyllum Sensation · Araceae

Moderate Toxic to pets Low-light tolerant

Spathiphyllum 'Sensation' is the largest cultivar of peace lily commonly available as a houseplant, capable of reaching 1.5 to 1.8 metres in height under good growing conditions. It produces broad, deeply ribbed, glossy dark green leaves that can exceed 50 cm in length, giving it a bold, architectural presence. White spathe flowers are produced periodically throughout the year, though it is grown primarily for its striking foliage.

☀ Light

Bright, indirect light; tolerates low light

💧 Water

Keep consistently moist; allow top centimetre to dry slightly

🌡 Temp

18 to 30 degrees C

💦 Humidity

High; 50% or above preferred

🌿 Soil

Rich, well-draining peat-free multipurpose mix

🍽 Feeding

Monthly balanced liquid feed in spring and summer

Photo: Ben P L / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

How to care for Peace Lily Sensation

Light

Spathiphyllum 'Sensation' performs best in bright, indirect light, such as a position a metre or two back from an east- or north-facing window, or shielded from direct sun behind a sheer curtain. It will tolerate lower light levels better than many houseplants, but growth will slow and flowering will be significantly reduced in deep shade. Direct summer sun should be avoided as it scorches the large leaves readily, causing irreversible brown patches.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top centimetre of compost feels dry to the touch, allowing excess to drain freely from the pot. 'Sensation' has a higher water demand than smaller peace lily cultivars owing to its greater leaf surface area. It is sensitive to both waterlogging, which causes root rot, and to prolonged drought, which causes the leaves to droop and eventually develop brown tips. Using water that has been left to stand overnight or filtered water is advisable if your tap water is heavily chlorinated or very hard.

Soil and potting

A rich, moisture-retentive but well-draining compost is ideal. A peat-free multipurpose compost blended with approximately 20 to 30 percent perlite provides adequate aeration while retaining sufficient moisture. Good drainage is essential; compacted or waterlogged compost is the most common cause of decline in this cultivar. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0 is suitable.

Feeding

Feed once a month during the active growing season from spring through to early autumn using a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser diluted to half the recommended strength. Over-fertilising leads to salt build-up in the soil, which damages roots and causes brown leaf tips. No feeding is required during winter when growth slows. Flushing the pot with plain water every few months helps to clear any accumulated mineral salts.

Humidity and temperature

This cultivar thrives in temperatures between 18 and 30 degrees C and dislikes cold draughts, temperatures below 13 degrees C, or sudden fluctuations. Being of tropical origin, it prefers humidity levels of 50 percent or higher. In heated homes with dry air, placing the pot on a tray of damp pebbles, grouping it with other plants, or using a room humidifier will help maintain adequate humidity. Misting is of limited benefit as the large leaves dry quickly and misting can encourage fungal spotting if air circulation is poor.

Repotting

Repot 'Sensation' every two to three years or when roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes or circle the surface of the compost. Because of its eventual large size, it will require progressively larger containers, moving up by no more than 5 cm in diameter each time. Spring is the best time to repot. Use a heavy, stable pot to prevent toppling, and take care not to damage the fleshy roots during the process. Once it reaches its maximum desired size, top-dressing with fresh compost annually is a reasonable alternative to full repotting.

Pruning

Pruning requirements are minimal. Remove yellowing or dead leaves by cutting them cleanly at the base of the petiole using clean scissors or a blade. Spent flower spathes should be cut back to the base once they turn green or brown to encourage further flowering and maintain a tidy appearance. Do not tear leaves away, as this can leave ragged wounds that may invite disease.

Is Peace Lily Sensation toxic?

Pets: Toxic. All parts of Spathiphyllum contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs according to ASPCA classification. Ingestion causes intense oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Symptoms are typically self-limiting but veterinary advice should be sought if a pet has consumed any part of the plant.
People: Toxic if ingested, causing oral irritation, burning, and gastrointestinal upset. The sap may also irritate skin and eyes on contact. Keep out of reach of young children.

Common problems

Brown leaf tips

Likely cause: Low humidity, fluoride or chlorine in tap water, over-fertilising, or drought stress Fix: Increase ambient humidity, switch to filtered or standing water, reduce fertiliser concentration, and ensure the plant is watered before it wilts completely.

Yellowing leaves

Likely cause: Overwatering leading to root rot, or occasionally underwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency Fix: Check the root system for rot and trim any affected roots, allow the compost to partially dry between waterings, ensure the pot drains freely, and feed during the growing season.

Drooping or wilting leaves

Likely cause: Underwatering is the most common cause; less often, severe root rot can also cause wilting Fix: Water thoroughly if the compost is dry; the plant typically recovers within an hour or two. If the compost is wet and the plant is wilting, root rot is likely and the root ball should be inspected.

Brown patches on leaves

Likely cause: Direct sunlight scorch, cold draught damage, or physical contact with cold windows Fix: Move the plant away from direct sun or cold glass, and shield it from draughts. Damaged tissue will not recover but new leaves will be unaffected once conditions improve.

Failure to flower or very infrequent flowering

Likely cause: Insufficient light, low temperatures, or the plant being pot-bound for too long without repotting Fix: Move to a brighter position with indirect light, ensure temperatures remain consistently above 18 degrees C, and repot if root-bound. Some growers report that a brief period of cooler temperatures (around 16 degrees C) in autumn can trigger flowering.

Pests (scale insects, spider mites, mealybugs)

Likely cause: Low humidity and warm, dry conditions favour mite infestations; poor air circulation and stressed plants are more susceptible to scale and mealybugs Fix: Inspect regularly, particularly on the undersides of leaves. Treat with a diluted neem oil spray or insecticidal soap, wiping leaves individually on large infestations. Improve humidity to discourage spider mites.

How to propagate

Division

The most reliable method for home growers. At repotting time in spring, carefully separate rooted offsets or clumps from the parent plant, ensuring each division has several healthy roots and at least two or three leaves. Pot each division into fresh, lightly moist compost and keep in a warm, humid position until established.

Offsets

Mature 'Sensation' plants regularly produce small offsets or plantlets at the base. These can be gently separated once they have developed their own roots, without needing to disturb the entire root ball, and potted up individually into small containers.

Where Peace Lily Sensation comes from

Native to Colombia, Venezuela.

South America

Story and origins

The genus name Spathiphyllum is derived from the Greek words 'spathe' (a blade or spatula) and 'phyllon' (leaf), referring to the spathe that resembles a broad leaf and surrounds the flower spike. The cultivar name 'Sensation' alludes to the plant's dramatic scale and visual impact relative to standard peace lily cultivars. The common name 'peace lily' is thought to refer to the white spathe, which resembles a white flag, traditionally a symbol of peace and truce.

Plants of the genus Spathiphyllum were first described by the German botanist Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in 1832, and the genus encompasses around 47 accepted species found across tropical Central and South America and parts of tropical Asia. Peace lilies were introduced to Europe as ornamental plants in the late nineteenth century and became popular houseplants during the twentieth century owing to their tolerance of indoor conditions and attractive appearance. 'Sensation' emerged as a named cultivar in commercial horticulture during the latter half of the twentieth century and is now among the most widely sold large foliage houseplants in the UK and Europe. In many cultures, peace lilies are associated with funerary traditions as well as sympathy and new beginnings, a symbolism reinforced by their white spathe and association with renewal.

Varieties to know

Spathiphyllum wallisii

The common small species parent; much more compact at around 40 to 60 cm, widely sold as a standard peace lily.

Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa'

A mid-sized cultivar reaching around 90 cm, noted for reliable and prolific flowering.

Spathiphyllum 'Domino'

A smaller variegated cultivar with white and green marbled foliage, considerably more compact than 'Sensation'.

Spathiphyllum 'Power Petite'

A dwarf cultivar reaching only around 30 cm, suited to small spaces and tabletop display.

Fun facts

Spathiphyllum 'Sensation' is one of the largest peace lily cultivars available for domestic use, with individual leaves that can reach over 50 cm in length under optimal conditions.
NASA included Spathiphyllum species in its Clean Air Study of 1989, finding they could absorb volatile organic compounds such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air, though subsequent research suggests the effect in a real room is too small to be practically significant without unrealistic numbers of plants.
The white 'flower' of peace lilies is not a true flower but a spathe, a modified leaf (bract) that surrounds the actual flowers borne on the central spadix.
Peace lilies are one of the few flowering houseplants that can bloom in relatively low light conditions, making them unusual among tropical flowering species.
Spathiphyllum is native to tropical regions of the Americas and Southeast Asia, and 'Sensation' was developed through selective cultivation rather than being collected directly from the wild.

Peace Lily Sensation FAQ

Why are the leaves of my Peace Lily Sensation turning yellow?

Yellowing is most commonly caused by overwatering and poor drainage leading to root rot. Check that water drains freely from the pot and allow the top centimetre of compost to dry before watering again. Less commonly, yellowing can result from underwatering, nutrient deficiency, or very low light. Remove yellow leaves cleanly at the base.

How often should I water my Spathiphyllum Sensation?

There is no fixed interval; instead, check the compost regularly and water when the top centimetre feels dry. In a warm home during summer this may be every five to seven days, while in winter it may be every ten to fourteen days. The large leaf area means it transpires more water than smaller cultivars, so it will typically need watering more frequently than a standard peace lily.

My Peace Lily Sensation is not flowering. What can I do?

Insufficient light is the most common reason for poor flowering. Move the plant to a brighter position with indirect light. Ensuring the temperature is consistently above 18 degrees C and that the plant is not severely pot-bound will also help. Some growers find that a brief cooler period in autumn encourages flower initiation. Flowering tends to slow as plants age and as light levels drop in winter.

Is the Sensation peace lily safe to have around cats and dogs?

No. Like all Spathiphyllum species, 'Sensation' is toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals present throughout the plant. Ingestion causes oral pain, drooling, and vomiting. It should be kept out of reach of pets, and veterinary advice should be sought promptly if a pet has eaten any part of the plant.

How big will a Spathiphyllum Sensation get indoors?

Under good conditions indoors, 'Sensation' typically reaches between 1.2 and 1.8 metres in height including the foliage, with a spread of around 1 metre or more. Growth is slower in lower light or when the plant is pot-bound. It is considerably larger than the standard peace lily sold in supermarkets, which rarely exceeds 60 cm.

What is the best position in my home for a Sensation peace lily?

A bright room with indirect light, away from direct sun, is ideal. A position near a north- or east-facing window, or back from a brighter window, suits it well. Avoid positions next to radiators, in cold draughts, or near doors that open to the outside in winter. The plant requires space owing to its size; a floor-level position in a living room or hallway with reasonable light is commonly effective.

Can I put my Peace Lily Sensation outside in summer?

It can be placed outdoors in a sheltered, shaded spot during the warmer months once temperatures are reliably above 15 degrees C, typically from June to early September in the UK. It must be protected from direct sun and strong winds, both of which will damage the large leaves. Bring it back indoors well before any risk of frost, and check carefully for pests before doing so.