The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is one of the most beloved houseplants. Its glossy leaves and striking white blooms make it a popular choice for many and it being relatively easy to grow and care for only adds to it. But what happens when those flowers fade and refuse to return?
Coaxing a peace lily to bloom again can seem tricky. But all isn’t lost – you can revive a struggling peace lily with the right care and environment.
So let’s go through seven practical ways to encourage your peace lily to flower, based on my own experience, that will help you save and bring yours back to life.
1. Adjust Lighting: Bright, Indirect Sunlight is Key
One common mistake many peace lily owners make is placing their plant in too dim of a location. While peace lilies can survive in low light, they need bright, indirect light to trigger flowering. Without this, the plant focuses solely on leaf production.
- Near an east-facing window is ideal, where it gets 6–8 hours of indirect sunlight.
- Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
- South or west-facing windows may require sheer curtains to soften the light.
If your peace lily is in a shadowy corner, consider moving it closer to a light source. You’ll likely see an improvement in its overall health and, hopefully, the emergence of those sought-after blooms.
2. Water Consistently but Avoid Overwatering
Peace lilies are sensitive to both under- and overwatering, and both can stress the plant, preventing flowering. A key factor is keeping the soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Ensure the water drains thoroughly from the pot to prevent root rot.
- Use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the roots.
Peace lilies are humidity-loving plants, so misting or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water can help replicate the moisture levels they enjoy in their native rainforest habitats.
3. Maintain Ideal Temperature and Humidity Levels
Temperature plays a critical role in encouraging blooms. Peace lilies thrive best between 65°F and 85°F. Too cold, and they’ll sulk; too hot, and they’ll lose their vigor. If your peace lily is located near a drafty window or a heating vent, it may suffer enough stress to stop flowering altogether.
- Keep the plant away from direct drafts or air conditioning units.
- Ensure the temperature doesn’t drop below 55°F.
- Maintain humidity levels above 50% to mimic its natural environment.
4. Feed Your Peace Lily – But Not Too Much!
Many houseplant owners skip fertilizing their peace lilies, thinking they don’t need it. While peace lilies are light feeders, they still benefit from a weak fertilizer solution during their growing season (spring and summer).
- Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 mix.
- Apply half the recommended strength every 6–8 weeks during the growing season.
- Stop feeding during winter when the plant is dormant.
Remember, too much fertilizer can burn the roots and halt flowering, so moderation is key.
5. Repot If the Plant Becomes Root Bound
Over time, peace lilies can become root-bound, meaning their roots have filled up the pot, leaving little room for soil or nutrients. If your peace lily has been in the same pot for several years, it may be time for a repotting.
- Roots may be poking out of the drainage holes.
- Water runs through the pot too quickly, without being absorbed by the soil.
- The plant isn’t growing or flowering, even with proper care.
When repotting, choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one and use a well-draining potting mix. Adding perlite or orchid bark to the soil mix can improve aeration.
6. Remove Spent Blooms and Prune Regularly
Deadheading is essential to keep your peace lily focused on producing new flowers instead of wasting energy on old, spent blooms.
- Cut spent flowers at the base once they begin to fade.
- Remove yellowing or brown leaves to help the plant redirect its energy towards blooming.
Regular pruning helps the plant maintain its health and appearance, encouraging it to invest energy in creating new blooms rather than maintaining old, wilting ones.
7. Be Patient: Let the Plant Mature
If your peace lily is relatively young, it may simply not be mature enough to bloom. Peace lilies take about 12–15 months to reach full maturity and begin producing flowers.
- If your plant was blooming when you bought it, it may have been forced to flower with gibberellic acid by growers.
- After the first bloom fades, it may take a year or two before the plant flowers naturally again.
In the meantime, maintain proper care—light, water, feeding, and pruning—and let your plant do the rest. Patience is a gardener’s best tool!
Troubleshooting Table
Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Yellowing leaves | Overwatering or lack of nutrients | Let the topsoil dry out between waterings, apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. |
No blooms | Insufficient light or immature plant | Move to a brighter spot with indirect light, ensure the plant is mature enough to bloom. |
Browning leaf tips | Low humidity or underwatering | Increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier, water consistently. |
Root rot | Waterlogged soil | Repot in fresh, well-draining soil and reduce watering frequency. |
Final Thoughts
Getting your peace lily to bloom again requires balancing light, water, temperature, and patience. These lovely plants are adaptable but will reward your efforts when provided with the right conditions. By tweaking your care routine, you’ll soon have a thriving, blooming peace lily that adds elegance to your home.
Happy gardening!