How To Get Your Peace Lily To Flower More
June 14, 2023
source: Pexels
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum spp.) are renowned for their lush green foliage and striking white flowers, making them a popular choice among indoor plant enthusiasts. While they are relatively easy to care for, getting your peace lily to bloom consistently can sometimes be a challenge. My peace lily rarely flowers, but when it does, it feels like a great accomplishment. It’s like it’s telling me, “You’re doing okay, you’re not killing us”. So, I’m always on the lookout for any tips on how to care for them. In this article, we will explore several tricks and tips to help you get your peace lily to send out more flowers, along with care and maintenance tips to ensure overall plant health. If you want to enjoy an abundance of beautiful flowers from your peace lily, follow these helpful tips.
1. Provide Adequate Light:
Peace lilies thrive in bright, indirect light. Placing your plant near a north-facing window or providing filtered light from a sheer curtain will help replicate their natural habitat. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. Adequate light is essential for flower production, so ensure your peace lily receives ample illumination.
2. Maintain Optimal Temperature and Humidity:
Peace lilies prefer temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Avoid placing them in drafty areas or near heating or cooling vents, as drastic temperature changes can negatively affect blooming. Additionally, these tropical plants appreciate high humidity levels, so misting the leaves or using a humidifier nearby can encourage flower production.
3. Water Properly:
Proper watering is crucial for the overall health and blooming of peace lilies. They prefer to be evenly moist but not waterlogged. Before watering, check the top inch of soil; if it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water. Make sure it gets good drainage, use a well-draining potting mix and a pot should always have drainage holes. Overwatering can lead to root rot, hindering flower production.
4. Maintain Consistent Soil Moisture:
While peace lilies like moist soil, they also dislike standing water. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings, but avoid letting the plant completely wilt. Consistency is key to keeping your peace lily healthy and promoting flower growth.
5. Fertilize Regularly:
To encourage more flowers, feed your peace lily with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a diluted solution to prevent fertilizer burn and follow the package instructions for proper dosage. Fertilizing provides essential nutrients that promote overall plant health and blooming.
6. Prune and Divide:
Pruning helps stimulate new growth and can lead to more flowers. Remove any yellowing or brown leaves and spent flowers promptly. Additionally, peace lilies benefit from dividing every few years. Gently remove the plant from its pot, separate the root clumps, and repot each division into fresh soil. This process rejuvenates the plant and encourages blooming.
7. Reduce Stress Factors:
Peace lilies can be sensitive to stress, which may hinder their blooming. Avoid exposing them to cold drafts, extreme temperatures, and sudden changes in lighting conditions. Additionally, keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits, such as apples and bananas, as exposure to this gas can inhibit flowering.
8. Keep a Clean Environment:
Dust and dirt can accumulate on the leaves of your peace lily, reducing its ability to photosynthesize and potentially impacting flower production. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth periodically to keep them clean and free from dust.
Getting your peace lily to send out more flowers requires attention to its environmental needs and proper care. By providing adequate light, maintaining optimal temperature and humidity, watering correctly, fertilizing regularly, and pruning and dividing when necessary, you can create the ideal conditions for your peace lily to thrive and produce abundant blooms. Remember to reduce stress factors and keep the plant’s environment clean to ensure the best chances of success. With a little effort and care, your peace lily will reward you with its stunning flowers, adding beauty and serenity to your indoor space.