Peace lilies are very very hardy plants to grow. There are several varieties out there and are a tried and true plant to garden with.

This is an evergreen perennial which occurs naturally in damp, tropical forests.

The plant likes good bright light but not full sun (they often get bleached out) although some have been known to acclimate in the full sun.

They do well by a good fertilization program (once a month).

Mulch well for the summer.

Mulch also for the winter to protect the roots. This plant is supposed to thrive in zones 11 - 12, but this one is growing on the border of zone 8/9.

The blooms last a long time. They are great for cuttings and used in arrangements.

There are new dwarf varieties on the market that are great performers.

The "Spathe" is a tough houseplant. Grown indoors it is supposed to bloom in January thru March. This is one of the top ten plants for their ability to "clean" the air in offices.

They are best propagated thru division. This is best done in the springtime, not during blooming. The seeds are very difficult to harvest and then plant for future seedlings. I do suggest plant division for best results.

Some questions from Emily's mailbox:

Q: Please help me! My husband gave me a lovely Peace Lily for Mother's Day, but it's dying. How do you take care of this plant? First, I was told I was over watering, then I was told I was not watering it enough. And, I'm not sure how much sunlight to give it either, do you clip the dead flowers and leaves off?

A: The peace lily (spathiphyllum) thrives in a warm room with filtered light. Keep the soil constantly moist but not wet. The leaves normally are glossy and will produce a nice white flower for many weeks. You may summer this plant outside in the shade with good morning sun. Do not put in full sun, as the leaves will get sun scorched.

Q: I have a peace lily as an indoor houseplant. My plant is no longer producing flowers. I think it may have gotten too much sun. Is there any way that I can get it to start producing flowers, again?

A: You may want to make sure your peace lily is pot bound. Fertilize once a month on a timely basis, and change to a 10-10-60 fertilizer. Good bright light is good for your peace lily but not necessarily full sun.

Summer the plant outside in the shade and give it a good location in the full growing season.

Make sure there is no salt build up on the top of the soil, if so just remove it and replace with new sterile potting soil.

Plants sometimes do not bloom if they are experiencing a draft or have been moved around a lot.

Now it is left up to Mother Nature.