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Peace lilies are one of the most popular indoor plants renowned for their beautiful, glossy green leaves and striking white flowers. However, not all peace lilies are guaranteed to bloom.

If you’re frustrated by the lack of floral growth in your peace lily, don’t give up just yet. 

Whether you’re a gardening expert or a new green thumb, our tips will help you create the ideal environment for your peace lily to thrive.

 

Peace Lily Not Blooming? Reasons A Peace Lily Never Flowers

 

Your Peace Lily Plant Variety

Most varieties of peace lilies are known for producing white or cream-coloured flowers. 

If your peace lily is healthy and has matured enough, it will likely make flowers. However, some varieties of peace lilies may be more prone to flowering than others.

For example, the Spathiphyllum wallisii and Spathiphyllum sensation varieties are popular for their attractive flowers and are more likely to produce blooms. 

Other varieties, such as Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum, may produce fewer flowers or none at all.

 

Outside of Natural Flowering Season

Peace lilies flower throughout the year under the right conditions, but they tend to produce more flowers during their natural growing season, from spring to autumn.

While peace lilies can bloom all year round, the frequency and intensity of flowering may vary depending on the plant’s growing conditions and overall health.

 

Receiving Insufficient Lighting or Incorrect Light

Spathiphyllum home plant in straw pot stands on a windowsill.

How much light your peace lily receives is one common reason why they fail to bloom. Peace lilies require bright but indirect light, so place your plant near a window where it can receive ample sunlight.

 

Signs that your peace lily is receiving the right amount of light:

  • Healthy growth: If your peace lily is producing new leaves regularly and maintaining a vibrant green colour, it is likely receiving adequate light.
  • Leaf orientation: When peace lilies receive the right amount of light, their leaves will grow upright and spread out. If the leaves are growing horizontally or appear to be reaching towards the light source, it may indicate that the plant needs more light.
  • Blooming: Peace lilies generally bloom when they receive sufficient indirect sunlight. If your peace lily is producing flowers, it’s a good indication that it’s getting enough light.

 

Signs that your peace lily is getting too much light:

  • Scorched leaves: If the leaves of your peace lily are turning yellow or developing brown tips and edges, it may be getting too much direct sunlight. Move the plant to a location with more filtered or indirect light to prevent further damage.

 

Signs that your peace lily is not getting enough light:

  • Leggy growth: If your peace lily becomes “leggy,” with elongated stems and sparse foliage, it may not receive enough light. Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect sunlight.
  • Dark green leaves: Although peace lilies have naturally dark green leaves, it may be a sign that the plant is not receiving enough light if they become exceptionally dark.
  • Lack of blooms: Insufficient light can lead to a lack of flowering in peace lilies. If your plant is not blooming, consider providing more indirect sunlight.

 

Over or Underwatering

Watering can water soil in pot with peace lily

Overwatering can be a huge issue for peace lilies, causing root rot and preventing them from producing flowers. 

On the other hand, underwatering is another potential problem preventing your peace lily from blooming.

Here are some signs to look out for to determine if your peace lily is receiving the correct amount of water:

  • Soil Moisture: Check the soil moisture by inserting your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water the plant.
  • Drooping Leaves: If the leaves are drooping, it could be a sign that the plant is underwatered. However, if the leaves are also yellowing, they may be overwatered.
  • Brown Leaf Tips: If the leaf tips turn brown, it could be a sign of overwatering. In this case, reduce the amount of water you give the plant.
  • Root Rot: Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, which can be seen by blackened, mushy roots. If you notice root rot, repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
  • Lack of Growth: If the plant is not growing or producing new leaves, it may not receive enough water.

To ensure that your peace lily is receiving the correct amount of water, water the plant deeply and allow the soil to dry out partially before watering again. 

Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, and never allow the plant to sit in standing water.

Aim to keep the soil moist but not too wet, and ensure the pot has drainage holes to avoid water-logging the roots.

 

Lack of Nutrients

peace lily plant in fertilised soil

To encourage flowering in your peace lily, it’s important to fertilise it regularly during the growing season. 

A good rule of thumb is to fertilise every month during spring and early summer when the plant is actively growing.

However, you need to check that the plant is healthy before applying fertiliser. Here are some signs that your peace lily is ready to be fertilised:

  • New Growth: If your peace lily is producing new leaves or has recently been repotted, it may be ready for a boost of nutrients.
  • Fading Leaves: If the leaves are pale or yellow, this could be a sign that the plant is nutrient deficient and needs fertiliser.
  • No Blooms: If your peace lily has stopped producing flowers, it may need additional nutrients to support flower production.

Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package, as over-fertilising can also damage the plant.

 

Temperature and Humidity

Peace lilies thrive in warm and humid environments, meaning they might not bloom properly if the temperature and humidity levels aren’t optimal.

Ideally, the temperature should be between 18-27°C during the day and not drop below 15°C at night. Temperatures below 10°C can damage the plant and prevent it from producing flowers.

It’s also important to keep the plant away from draughts, such as air conditioning or heating vents, which can cause fluctuations in temperature and humidity. 

You may need to provide additional humidity by misting the plant regularly or placing a tray of water nearby to help create the ideal blooming conditions.

 

Low Potassium Levels

Potassium is a vital nutrient for peace lilies that helps with flower production. If your peace lily lacks potassium, it’s unlikely to produce flowers.

You can remedy this by using a potassium-rich fertiliser or adding some banana peels or eggshells to the soil to enrich it.

 

How to Get a Peace Lily to Flower Again

peace lily flower

Peace lilies thrive indoors, purify the air, and are relatively easy to care for. With these steps, you can see your peace lily flower again in no time.

 

Step 1: Optimal Lighting

Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little light can inhibit blooming.

Place your peace lily near a north or east-facing window where it can receive filtered light. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light to supplement.

 

Step 2: Adequate Watering

Over or underwatering can cause stress and prevent your peace lily from blooming. They enjoy consistently moist soil but not soggy.

Water your peace lily when the top inch of soil feels dry. Use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the plant, and drain any excess water from the saucer to prevent root rot.

 

Step 3: Proper Feeding

Peace lilies benefit from a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser to promote growth and blooming.

Feed your peace lily every 6-8 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a 20-20-20 fertiliser at half strength, following the package instructions. 

Avoid over-fertilising, as this can cause more harm than good.

 

Step 4: Ideal Temperature and Humidity

potted peace lily plants indoor

Peace lilies thrive in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-30°C) and humidity levels of 40-60%. Avoid placing your plant near air vents, draughty windows, or heat sources.

To maintain humidity, consider using a pebble tray or humidifier or mist the plant regularly with a spray bottle.

 

Step 5: Pruning and Cleaning

Remove yellowed or dead leaves to encourage new growth and blooming. Regularly clean the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.

Pruning your peace lily also helps redirect energy to the production of flowers.

 

Step 6: Repotting

green peace Lily with root and soil, changing pot concept

As your peace lily grows, it may become root-bound, limiting its ability to absorb nutrients and water.

Repot your peace lily every 1-2 years using a well-draining, high-quality potting mix. Choose a container 2 cm to 5 cm larger than the previous pot, with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

 

Step 7: Encouraging Blooming

If your peace lily is healthy and still not blooming, try placing it in a slightly darker room for a few weeks. This can mimic the plant’s natural habitat and encourage it to produce flowers. 

Afterwards, move it back to a well-lit area to enjoy the blooms.

 

FAQs About Peace Lily Flowers

 

How Often Does a Peace Lily Grow Flowers?

Peace lilies grow flowers once or twice a year, usually during the warmer months of spring and summer. 

However, this can vary depending on factors such as the specific variety of peace lily, the growing conditions, and the overall health of the plant.

 

Is It Hard To Get a Peace Lily To Bloom?

Getting a peace lily to bloom is not difficult if you provide the right conditions and care. 

Peace lilies are relatively low-maintenance plants but have specific care requirements to thrive and produce flowers.

About Author

Jamie Donovan

Jamie is an Australian horticulturalist and landscape designer. He enjoys writing about landscape architecture, garden design and lifestyle topics.

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About Author

Jamie Donovan

Jamie is an Australian horticulturalist and landscape designer. He enjoys writing about landscape architecture, garden design and lifestyle topics.

Share