How to Grow and Care for Variegated Peace Lily 'Domino'

Lush, low-maintenance peace lilies are one of our favorite houseplants, but a variegated peace lily cultivar, 'Domino,' (Spathiphyllum wallisii 'Domino') takes verdant beauty to the next level. These low-maintenance houseplants are known for the stripy markings on their deep green leaves in shades ranging from pale green to cream—plus, they produce attractive white flowers. The slow-growing plant likes lots of bright, indirect light and even moisture (they plants don't like to be overly soggy or dry). Note that it is toxic to people and pets, Here's everything you need to know about caring for a variegated peace lily.

Variegated Peace Lily Care

Here's how to care for your variegated peace lily.

• Likes bright, indirect light
• Keep evenly watered; do not let get too soggy or too dry
• Fertilize every 6 weeks
  

Light

Keep your variegated peace lily in a place with lots of bright, indirect light or dappled or filtered sunlight. Direct morning light, such as from an east-facing window, can also work well, but avoid harsh direct sun from a west-facing or south-facing window. Too much sun can burn the plant's leaves. Peace lilies can survive in low light, but your plant might lose its leaf variegation and delay flowering.

Soil

The 'Domino' peace lily grows best in a moist, well-drained potting mix with lots of organic matter, such as a potting soil mix that contains some orchid bark or perlite, and organic compost.

Water

Water your variegated peace lily so the soil stays evenly moist without getting soggy or drying out. Consider watering once per week at first, checking the soil moisture before watering. Be sure to water deeply, until water comes out of the bottom drainage hole. Double-check drip trays to make sure the plant isn't sitting in water.

Temperature and Humidity

This tropical jungle plant grows best in warm, humid conditions. In warm regions, they can be brought outdoors for the summer once night temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilizer

If you use a potting mix rich in organic matter, your peace lily shouldn't need much fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can burn leaf tips and roots. Feed your plant with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to one-quarter strength every six weeks or so. Begin feeding in early spring and continue through summer, when the plant is actively growing. Stop feeding in the fall, then resume in late winter the next year. Green, stunted flowers might be a sign of too much nitrogen. In that case, switch to a fertilizer designed for flowering plants.

Pruning

Prune your variegated peace lily every six months or so, or when deadheading. It's beneficial for your variegated peace lily to remove any yellow or dead leaves. Make sure to cut as close to the base as possible. This will help improve air circulation and generate new plant growth.

Propagating Variegated Peace Lily

Variegated peace lilies are propagated by division. In fact, repotting time is a great opportunity to divide and multiply your plant as you freshen its soil. Here's how:

1. Remove your variegated peace lily from its pot. Using your fingers, gently loosen the soil around the root ball.
2. Carefully pull apart the root ball into clumps. Depending on the age of your plant, you might need to use a clean, sterilized knife or gardening shears to cut through the root ball. Ensure that each division has roots and at least a couple of leaves.
3. Plant each clump in an appropriately-sized pot with fresh potting soil, making sure the soil level in the new pot is the same as it was in the original.
4. Water the soil well and place your divisions in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Do not fertilize the plants for at least two months.
   

Potting and Repotting Variegated Peace Lily

Variegated peace lilies don't mind being a little pot-bound (and variegated cultivars tend to grow a bit slower). But if you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the container or water is unable to infiltrate the soil because the roots are so dense, it's a good idea to repot. Repotting is best done in spring. You can replant your variegated peace lily into a pot one size larger than the original filled with fresh soil.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases 

Variegated peace lilies can fall prey to some common houseplant pests, mealybugs, and scale in particular. Cottony growths on the undersides of leaves and at the base of the plant indicate mealybugs, while you'll see scale insects as flat, brown spots that leave behind sticky sap. Remove these pests by picking them off the leaves with a cotton swab or a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.

How to Get Variegated Peace Lily to Bloom

Bloom Months

Variegated peace lilies can take a while to bloom, so don't fret if yours doesn't produce flowers right away. Sometimes they won't bloom for the first year or two, but when they do bloom, it will happen in the spring.

What Do Variegated Peace Lily's Flowers Look and Smell Like?

In addition to their lush, attractively patterned foliage, variegated peace lilies will grow elegant white flowers that produce a light and sweet fragrance.

How to Encourage More Blooms

If your variegated peace lily isn't blooming, chances are good that it's not getting enough light. This is especially true because variegated plant cultivars like this one have less chlorophyll, meaning they need more light than non-variegated plants to grow. Their care is similar to regular peace lilies, except they typically grow a little slower and need a bit more light. Move your plant to a place with lots of bright, indirect light (but not in direct sun). This will also help the plant keep its attractive patterning.

Deadheading Variegated Peace Lily Flowers

Keep your plant looking tidy and thriving by cutting back dead leaves and spent flowers at the base of the plant.

Common Problems With Variegated Peace Lily

Variegated peace lilies are quite low-maintenance, but they do occasionally have issues. Here are some common problems and how you can solve them.

Drooping or Yellow Leaves

Drooping or yellow leaves can signal underwatering or overwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust accordingly.

Browning Tips

Brown leaf tips aren't uncommon with the variegated peace lily. Chlorinated or hard water seems to contribute to this issue, so if this applies to your home, flush your plant's soil with distilled water regularly. Brown tips can also be a sign that you've given the plant too much fertilizer, and you can treat this issue the same way. Note that a brown tip can also be the beginning of a single leaf naturally dying.