Peace lilies are well known for their rich green leaves and elegant white flowers, making them an enduring favourite among indoor plant enthusiasts.
However, peace lilies can sometimes develop brown flowers despite their tropical origin and reputation for being robust.
Many factors can contribute to this problem, ranging from watering issues to improper light exposure.
Why do Peace Lily Flowers Turn Brown?
There are several reasons why a peace lily’s blooms might brown and wilt prematurely.
Here are some of the most common causes:
Over-Watering or Under-Watering
Watering mistakes are the most common reason for browning flowers in peace lilies.
Over-watering can lead to root rot, which subsequently causes the plant to become stressed and the blooms to turn brown.
Conversely, under-watering can cause your peace lily plant to become dehydrated, leading to similar stress symptoms.
Incorrect Light Conditions
Peace lilies are tropical plants that thrive in bright, indirect light.
Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves and flowers, causing them to turn brown or develop brown tips.
On the other hand, insufficient light can stress the plant and lead to yellow leaves and poor flower health.
Fertiliser Burn
Excessive or incorrect use of fertilisers can cause what is known as ‘fertiliser burn.’
This condition results in brown or yellowish spots on the flowers and leaves of the plant.
In severe cases, it can lead to the peace lily turning brown and wilting of the flowers.
Ageing Blooms
It’s normal for peace lily flowers to turn brown (or even green!) and wilt as they age.
This is a natural process that happens once the plant’s life cycle has gone through the blooming phase.
If this is the case, there’s nothing to worry about!
Your peace lily plant should produce fresh, healthy flowers during the next bloom cycle.
But do remember that any peace lily variety needs to be fully mature before it can produce flowers.
How do I Keep My Peace Lily Flowers from Turning Brown?
Now that we’ve identified some of the common reasons behind your peace lily flowers turning brown, let’s look at how you can prevent this problem.
Monitor Watering
Water your peace lily thoroughly, then allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
If you’re unsure about when to water, stick your finger an inch into the soil.
It’s time to water your peace lily plant if it feels dry.
Unless you are growing a peace lily in water, do not let the plant sit in standing water! This can cause root rot.
Provide Proper Light
Place your peace lily in a location that receives bright, indirect light.
Too much direct sunlight can cause sunburn, while too little light can lead to weak, pale flowers.
An east-facing or north-facing window is usually ideal.
Use Fertiliser Sparingly
Peace lilies do not require heavy feeding.
Apply a balanced houseplant fertiliser once every three months during the growing season (spring and summer), but avoid over-fertilising.
Also, be sure to dilute the fertiliser to half the recommended strength to avoid fertiliser burn.
Regularly Remove Spent Blooms
Cut it off at the base once a peace lily bloom has turned brown.
This will prevent the peace lily from wasting energy trying to revive a spent bloom and keep the plant looking tidy.
How to Make Peace Lily Flowers Last Longer
Peace lilies are renowned for their stunning white flowers, and it’s natural to want to keep them blooming for as long as possible.
Here are some tips to help make your peace lily flowers last longer:
Water Wisely
Peace lilies prefer a moist but well-drained environment.
Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can prematurely wilt and brown your flowers.
On the other hand, under-watering can leave your peace lily dehydrated.
Try to keep a balanced watering schedule to maintain optimal plant health.
Proper Light Conditions
Peace lilies need bright, indirect light to thrive.
While they can survive in lower light conditions, peace lilies bloom best when exposed to indirect sunlight.
However, avoid placing your peace lily in direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and flowers.
Use Fertiliser
A balanced, diluted houseplant fertiliser can help extend the life of peace lily flowers.
Gardening experts usually recommend fertilising once every three months during the growing season (spring and summer).
But make sure not to overdo it as it can cause ‘fertiliser burn’ and damage your plant.
Keep an Ideal Temperature
Peace lilies are tropical plants, and they prefer temperatures between 18-30°C.
Extreme temperatures can stress the plant and affect flower longevity.
Maintain Consistent Humidity
These plants love humid environments.
Consider placing a humidifier near the plant or misting it regularly to maintain the humidity levels.
Regular Pruning
Once a peace lily bloom turns brown, make sure to prune it.
This keeps your peace lily plant looking its best and helps the plant conserve energy for producing new, healthy blooms.
Remember, caring for your peace lily is all about balance and observation.
Paying close attention to your peace lily’s needs can help its flowers last longer and keep the plant thriving.
Weekly Care Guide for Your Peace Lily Plant
Use this weekly schedule as a starting point and adapt it as you learn more about your peace lily’s needs.
Day 1: Watering
Check the soil with your finger. If the top inch is dry, it’s time to water your peace lily.
Remember, it prefers moist soil but not soggy.
Day 2: Humidity Check
Peace lilies thrive in humid environments. Consider misting the plant or placing a humidifier nearby, especially during drier months.
Day 3: Light Check
Make sure that your peace lily plant is still getting bright, indirect light.
Too much direct sunlight can cause its leaves to turn yellow and its flowers to brown.
Day 4: Rotation
Rotate your peace lily slightly to make sure all parts of the plant receive equal light.
This will promote even growth.
Day 5: Pruning
Check for any yellowing peace lily leaves or brown flowers.
If you find any, snip them off with clean scissors.
Day 6: Pest Check
Inspect your peace lily for any signs of pests.
Look under the leaves and along the stem. If you find any pests, treat them accordingly.
Day 7: General Check-up
Do a quick general assessment of your peace lily.
Look for any signs of stress or disease, and make any necessary adjustments to its care.
Frequently Asked Questions about Peace Lily Flowers
When do peace lily flowers bloom?
Peace lilies typically bloom in the early summer and continue to bloom sporadically throughout the year.
However, their blooming cycle can be influenced by their care and environment.
If your peace lily isn’t flowering, you may need to adjust its environment and care schedule.
Should I remove dead peace lily flowers?
Absolutely! Cutting off the brown flowers from your peace lily is a good idea.
This is what we call “deadheading,” and it encourages your plant to focus its energy on growing new, healthy blooms.
Simply snip off the brown flowers at the base using a clean, sharp pair of secateurs or pruning shears.
