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Red peace lily

Adding a red peace lily plant to your home is an easy way to add some color and texture without having to be a gardening expert. This cheerful houseplant has many benefits, from its lush foliage that can brighten up any room in the house, to its long-lasting blooms which will bring joy for weeks on end.

The red peace lily plant (Anthurium species) is a flowering plant often grown as a houseplant known for its long-lasting glossy red heart-shaped flowers. Native to Central and South America, these tropical plants like moist soil and warm temperatures.

Red peace lily flower

Red peace lily plant basics

Red peace lilies (Anthurium species) are beautiful flowering houseplants that can bring a bright, cheerful look to any home. Native to Mexico and Tropical South America, the red peace lily is part of the genus Anthurium in the family Araceae.

Anthurium is a genus of over a thousand species of flowering plants. The plants are known for their brightly colored flowers, which are typically pink, white, or red, and their glossy green arrow-shaped leaves. Most anthurium plants with red flowers are bred from the species Anthurium andraeanum and sometimes Anthurium scherzerianum, as very few species naturally have a red flower.

Despite the common name, red peace lily plants are not true lilies (because they are not in the genus Lilium). They are also not in the same genus as white peace lilies. But the flowers of all these plants we call lilies do share a similar appearance! See the comparison section later on in this article for photos and a description of similarities and differences.

Anthurium species are often called the “flamingo flower” when their flowers are pink or “Red peace lily plant” for varieties with red flowers. They are popular as houseplants worldwide, as cut flowers, and in outdoor landscaping in tropical climates.

The most striking feature of this plant is its large blooms which have an almost heart-shaped appearance. The flowers are typically arranged in a spadix, a spike-like structure that is surrounded by a large, brightly colored, heart-shaped bract known as the spathe. The flowers are long-lasting, typically lasting several weeks. The plants also typically have large, glossy, green heart-shaped leaves. The heart-shaped blooms and leaves make them very popular for Valentine’s Day gifts.

Care basics

Red peace lilies require warm temperatures between 65°F – 85°F (18°C – 29°C) and indirect sunlight for optimal growth but will tolerate low light conditions as well. They prefer moist soil, so it’s important to water them regularly, but be careful not to overwater them as they are prone to root rot if left sitting in wet soil for too long. Fertilizing once every month during the spring and summer months will help keep your red peace lily healthy and happy.

These plants also benefit from occasional misting, which helps maintain humidity levels around them while preventing dust buildup on their leaves – just make sure you don’t get any water on the flower itself, as this could cause damage or discoloration over time.

When it comes time to repot your red peace lily, choose a pot with good drainage holes so excess water can escape easily without causing root rot issues down the line. These plants do like moist soil but not stagnant muddy soil.

Red peace lily plant

How to care for red peace lily plants

With their bright red flowers, they’re sure to make an eye-catching addition to your home decor. Caring for them is easy as long as you follow some basic guidelines.

Light requirements

Red peace lilies prefer indirect sunlight but will tolerate low-light conditions. They just will not flower as well if the plants don’t get bright light. Place them in a spot where they get several hours of indirect sunlight each day, such as near a window or in the corner of a room away from direct sun exposure.

Watering

Water your red peace lily regularly with room temperature water and allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Make sure not to overwater, which can cause root rot and other issues with the plant’s health. If you’re unsure if it needs more water, stick your finger into the soil up to about two inches deep; if it feels moist, then it doesn’t need more water yet.

Fertilizer

During its growing season (spring through summer), fertilize every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer diluted at half strength according to package instructions for best results. This will help keep your red peace lily healthy and happy.

Red peace lilies at the garden center (anthurium)

Temperature & humidity

Red peace lilies like temperatures around 70°F (21°C) during their active growth period in spring/summer and slightly cooler temperatures during fall/winter when they go dormant—around 55–60°F (13–16°C). They also prefer high humidity levels, so misting or placing near humidifiers may be beneficial for optimal health of this plant species.

Pruning

Prune off any dead leaves or stems throughout the year as needed by cutting just above where new growth begins on the stem, which will help encourage new foliage growth while keeping plants looking neat and tidy.

Repotting

Every two years or so, repot into a larger container if necessary – just make sure that whatever pot you choose has plenty of drainage holes at the bottom so excess water can escape easily when watering.

When repotting is necessary due to overcrowding or poor drainage, use a fresh potting mix designed specifically for houseplants mixed with perlite or vermiculite for added drainage capabilities; this will help ensure good root health over time.

Red peace lily problmes

Common plant care problems

Overwatering is one of the most common problems with red peace lilies. When these plants are overwatered, their roots can become waterlogged and rot, leading to wilting leaves and eventually death. To avoid this problem, make sure that your plant’s soil has had time to dry out before you water it again. If possible, use a moisture meter or probe to check the soil’s moisture level before watering.

Spider mites are another common issue for red peace lilies. These tiny pests feed on the sap from the plant’s leaves and stems, causing yellow spots or stippling on them. Spider mites can be controlled by regularly spraying your plant with an insecticidal soap solution or neem oil spray every two weeks until they disappear completely.

Moist soil can attract small flies, including shore flies and fungus gnats. You can mulch the surface with a bit of dry sand or gravel and consider using beneficial nematodes (see video above) to attack the eggs of the flies before they hatch.

Mealybugs are also known to attack red peace lilies in some cases. These small white insects feed on the sap of plants as well and leave behind sticky honeydew secretions, which attract ants and sooty mold fungus growths on foliage surfaces below them if left unchecked for too long. To get rid of mealybugs, apply an insecticidal soap solution directly onto affected areas once per week until they’re gone completely.

Aphids may also target red peace lilies in some cases; these soft-bodied insects suck juices from new growth tips causing stunted development or distorted leaf shapes in severe infestations. Aphids can be controlled using a horticultural oil spray applied directly onto affected areas once per week until they disappear completely.

Leaf spot disease caused by fungi or bacteria is another potential problem for red peace lilies; this condition causes brown spots surrounded by yellow halos to appear on foliage surfaces. To prevent leaf spot diseases, it is best to avoid overhead irrigation when possible, remove infected leaves promptly, space plants properly, provide adequate air circulation around them, and apply organic fungicides as needed according to label instructions.

Red peace lily plant vs white peace lily plant - side by side comparison
The Anthurium species (on the left) has flat red or pink flowers, while the Spathiphyllum species (on the right) has upright, curled white flowers. Both plants usually have glossy, dark green leaves, but the leaves of anthuriums have more of a heart shape, while peace lilies have more oval, lance-shaped leaves.

Differences between the red peace lily and the regular white peace lily

The red peace lily (Anthurium species) is a beautiful tropical plant known for its vibrant red flowers. On the other hand, the regular peace lily (Spathiphyllum species) is known for its white, spatula-shaped flowers. Both plants are in the aroid family Araceae, which is known for its unique spike-like inflorescence called a spadix surrounded by a petal-like spathe.

One of the main differences between these two plants is in their appearance. The Anthurium species has flat red or pink flowers, while the Spathiphyllum species has upright curled white flowers. Both plants usually have glossy, dark green leaves, but the leaves of anthuriums have more of a triangular heart or arrow shape while peace lilies have more oval, lance-shaped foliage.

There are also a difference in where they tend to grow in nature. Many Anthurium species, including Anthurium andraeanum, are epiphytic and grow on the surface of other plants. Spathiphyllum species are terrestrial perennials that grow in the ground.

When it comes to care, both plants are fairly low maintenance. Both prefer bright, indirect light and should be kept away from direct sunlight. They also both like to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. The Anthurium species may require more frequent watering than the Spathiphyllum species.

Anthurium plant right beside a peace lily showing foliage and flower differences
Anthurium plant right beside a peace lily showing foliage and flower differences
Red peace lily plant

FAQs about the red peace lily plant

Is there a red peace lily?

Yes, there is a red peace lily, but it is not the same species as the regular white-flowering peace lily, and neither the red peace lily nor the regular white one are botanically classified as true lilies. The red peace lily is a common name for red-flowering cultivars in the genus Anthurium, while the typical peace lily is classified as Spathiphyllum. And while neither is a true lily, they are both lovely plants!

How do you take care of a red peace lily plant?

Caring for a red peace lily plant is relatively easy. Water the soil when it feels dry to the touch, but don’t overwater as this can cause root rot. Place in bright indirect light and fertilize monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. In winter, reduce watering and stop fertilizing altogether. Trim off any yellowing or dead leaves to keep the plant looking its best. With proper care, your red peace lily will thrive.

What does a red peace lily mean?

A red peace lily is a type of plant that has deep green foliage and bright, vibrant red flowers. It symbolizes peace, tranquility, and serenity. The color red also stands for passion, love, courage and strength. This flower can be used to bring beauty into any home or garden while expressing these positive emotions. Peace lilies are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance; they make an excellent choice for those who want to add some life to their space without having extensive gardening knowledge or experience.

Can a red peace lily live outside?

No, a red peace lily cannot live outside unless you live in a tropical climate that does not experience frost or freezing temperatures. It is an indoor plant in most climates that requires warm temperatures and humidity to thrive.

Even in the summer, the direct sunlight of outdoor environments can be too intense for the delicate leaves of this plant, causing them to burn or fade in color. Additionally, cool temperatures can cause the roots to rot and make it difficult for the plant to survive.

Before you go…

Growing a red peace lily is an easy and rewarding way to add some color and life to your home. With the right care, you can enjoy these beautiful plants for years to come. Whether you’re just starting out or have been gardening for years, taking good care of your red peace lilies will ensure they thrive.

Mary Jane Duford
Mary Jane Duford

Mary Jane Duford is a quintessential Canadian gardener. An engineer by trade, she tends to an ever-expanding collection of plants. In her world, laughter blooms as freely as her flowers, and every plant is raised with a dash of Canadian grit.

Mary Jane is a certified Master Gardener and also holds a Permaculture Design Certificate. She's also a proud mom of three, teaching her little sprouts the crucial difference between a garden friend and foe.

When she's not playing in the dirt, Mary Jane revels in her love for Taylor Swift, Gilmore Girls, ice hockey, and the surprisingly soothing sounds of bluegrass covers of classic hip-hop songs. She invites you to join her garden party, a place where you can share in the joy of growing and where every day is a new opportunity to find the perfect spot for yet another plant.

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