How to Grow and Care for Variegated Peace Lily ‘Domino’ Indoors – Benefits & Tips for Beginners

A regular peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) features solid, dark green leaves, creating a classic and elegant look. In contrast, the variegated peace lily ‘Domino’ stands out with its striking foliage, adorned with unique streaks of light green to creamy white against deep green leaves. This variegation adds an extra layer of visual appeal, making ‘Domino’ a more decorative choice for indoor plant enthusiasts.

While both varieties share similar care requirements, the variegated peace lily needs slightly more light to maintain its beautiful patterns, as lower light conditions may cause the variegation to fade. If you’re looking for an air-purifying, low-maintenance houseplant with a more distinctive appearance, the variegated peace lily ‘Domino’ is a fantastic choice.

The Variegated Peace Lily ‘Domino’ (Spathiphyllum wallisii ‘Domino’) is a stunning houseplant that combines the elegance of the classic peace lily with striking variegated foliage. Its deep green leaves, adorned with creamy white streaks, make it a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts. Additionally, it produces delicate white flowers that add to its charm. If you’re looking to add a unique and low-maintenance plant to your collection, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know about caring for the variegated peace lily ‘Domino’.

Key Characteristics:

Common Name: Variegated peace lily, Domino peace lily 

Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum wallisii ‘Domino’ 

Family: Araceae 

Plant Type: Perennial 

Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall and wide 

Sun Exposure: Indoors: bright, indirect sunlight 

Soil Type: Moist, well-drained soil 

Soil pH: Acidic 

Bloom Time: Spring 

Flower Color: White to creamy white 

Native Area: Colombia, Venezuela 

Toxicity: Toxic to people and pets

Why Choose the Variegated Peace Lily ‘Domino’?

• Eye-Catching Foliage – Unlike the solid green leaves of the traditional peace lily, ‘Domino’ boasts striking streaks of white and pale green, making it a visually appealing houseplant.
• Air-Purifying Qualities – Like other peace lilies, the ‘Domino’ variety helps filter toxins from the air, improving indoor air quality.
• Low Maintenance – This plant thrives with minimal care, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced plant lovers.
• Tolerant of Low Light – While it prefers bright, indirect light, it can also survive in lower-light conditions, making it perfect for offices and homes with limited natural light.

Care Guide for Variegated Peace Lily ‘Domino’

1. Light Requirements

The variegated peace lily ‘Domino’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, while too little light may cause the variegation to fade.

Ideal Placement:

• Near an east-facing window for soft morning light.
• A few feet away from a south or west-facing window to avoid harsh sunlight.
• Can tolerate low-light conditions but will grow slower and may not bloom as frequently.

2. Watering Schedule

Peace lilies prefer consistently moist soil, but they do not like to sit in water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause drooping leaves.

Watering Tips:

• Water once a week, ensuring the top inch of soil dries out between waterings.
• Use filtered or distilled water to prevent brown leaf tips caused by chlorine and fluoride in tap water.
• Always empty the drainage tray to prevent the roots from sitting in water.

3. Soil and Potting Mix

A well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix is essential for the ‘Domino’ peace lily.

Recommended Soil Composition:

• 60% potting soil (rich in organic matter)
• 20% perlite (for aeration)
• 20% orchid bark or coco coir (to retain moisture without becoming soggy)

4. Temperature and Humidity

Being a tropical plant, the ‘Domino’ peace lily thrives in warm and humid conditions.

• Temperature: Keep it between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels of 50-70%.
• Humidity Boosters: Use a humidifier, place the plant near other plants, or set a pebble tray with water beneath the pot to increase moisture.

5. Fertilizing Your Peace Lily

Fertilization encourages healthy growth and flowering.

• Feed every 6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to 1/4 strength.
• Avoid over-fertilization, as excess nutrients can lead to burnt leaf tips and reduced variegation.

6. Pruning and Maintenance

Regular pruning keeps your variegated peace lily looking vibrant and healthy.

• Remove yellow or dead leaves to improve air circulation.
• Deadhead spent flowers by cutting them at the base to encourage new blooms.
• Clean the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep the foliage glossy.

Propagation of Variegated Peace Lily ‘Domino’

The best way to propagate a variegated peace lily is through division.

Steps for Propagation:

1. Carefully remove the plant from its pot.
2. Gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each has roots and leaves.
3. Repot each division into fresh soil in a well-draining container.
4. Water thoroughly and place in bright, indirect light.
5. Avoid fertilizing for at least two months to allow the new plants to establish roots.

Common Pests and Diseases

While relatively hardy, variegated peace lilies can sometimes fall prey to pests and diseases.

Common Pests:

• Mealybugs – White, cotton-like pests found on the leaves.
• Scale insects – Brown, shell-like insects that suck plant sap.
• Spider mites – Tiny pests that cause stippling on leaves.

Treatment:

• Wipe the leaves with rubbing alcohol or an insecticidal soap.
• Introduce natural predators like ladybugs.

Common Issues:

• Drooping Leaves: Caused by underwatering or overwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust watering habits.
• Yellowing Leaves: Could be a sign of overwatering or too much direct sunlight.
• Brown Leaf Tips: Often due to tap water chemicals. Use filtered or distilled water.

Encouraging Blooms in Your ‘Domino’ Peace Lily

Variegated peace lilies bloom less frequently than their solid green counterparts, but with the right conditions, you can encourage flowers.

Tips for Blooming:

• Provide bright, indirect light (avoid deep shade).
• Maintain a consistent watering schedule.
• Use a bloom-boosting fertilizer with phosphorus.
• Keep the plant in a warm, humid environment.

Is the Variegated Peace Lily ‘Domino’ Toxic?

Yes, like all peace lilies, the ‘Domino’ variety is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling if consumed.

Safety Tips:

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Wash hands after handling the plant.

Final Thoughts

The variegated peace lily ‘Domino’ is a stunning, low-maintenance plant that adds elegance to any space. With proper care, it can thrive indoors, purify the air, and occasionally produce beautiful white blooms. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, this plant is a rewarding addition to your indoor garden.

FAQ:

1. What is the best light for a variegated peace lily ‘Domino’?
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid harsh direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

2. How often should I water my ‘Domino’ peace lily?
Water when the soil feels slightly dry. Drooping leaves signal underwatering, while yellowing may indicate overwatering.

3. How frequently should I fertilize my plant?
Feed every 6 weeks in spring and summer with diluted liquid fertilizer. Reduce in fall and stop in winter.

4. How can I propagate a variegated peace lily ‘Domino’?
Divide the root ball during repotting in spring, ensuring each section has roots and leaves.

5. Why isn’t my peace lily blooming?
It likely needs more light. Move it to a bright, indirect spot and fertilize during the growing season.

6. Is the variegated peace lily ‘Domino’ toxic?
Yes, it’s toxic to pets and humans if ingested.

7. What common pests affect this plant?
Mealybugs and scale can appear—remove them with rubbing alcohol. Brown tips may result from over-fertilizing or hard water.