Ask the Expert: Can you get starts off of a peace lily plant?
My sister-in-law has had me plant sitting for her and had suggested that I take a start or split the plant to keep for helping to take care of it. Is this something that is safe to do with a peace lily?  Tasha

Reply:

Tasha,

You can safely split a peace lily to get a new start.  Begin by taking the peace lily out of its pot.  Make sure you have a very sharp knife.  See if you have a natural place to separate it -  meaning a sturdy set of leaves that are not attached to the main plant.  If so, take your knife and from the bottom up cut the section you want away from the main plant.  This will ensure that you have enough roots to support the foliage.  Now place the original plant back in its container and fill in with soil.  You can now plant the new piece in a container of your choice.  Make sure the plant is plant at the same level as the original plant.  In other words, the soil line of the new plant should be right at the place where the roots and leaves join.  Water it and then begin peace lily care as usually.  Both plants might wilt slightly at first.  This does not mean they need more  water.  They are going through shock and will recover in a week or two.

The same principle applies even if you can find a good place to split the peace lily.  The key is to cut from the roots up, so that you have enough roots to support the attached foliage.

Good luck and keep me posted.

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