Peace lilies, with their glossy green leaves and stunning white blooms, are a popular choice for indoor gardeners due to their relatively easy care and ability to improve indoor air quality.
However, getting them to bloom can sometimes be a challenge.
If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your home with the serene beauty of peace lily flowers, you’re in the right place.
We’ll explore 11 effective ways to encourage your peace lily plant to bloom, ensuring it becomes not just another green ornament but a central and lively feature of your indoor landscape.
1. Provide Proper Lighting
Peace lilies thrive in light conditions that mimic the dappled shade of their natural rainforest habitats. While they can survive in low light, for optimal blooming, place your plant in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunshine can scorch the leaves, so avoid placing them directly in front of a sunny window.
2. Keep the Watering Consistent
These tropical plants need a steady supply of moisture but do not do well with overwatering or sitting in standing water, which can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings, and when you do water, do so thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes.
3. Maintain Adequate Humidity
As native jungle plants, peace lilies prefer a humid environment. You can increase humidity around the plant with a humidifier, by placing a water-filled tray with pebbles under the pot, or by regularly misting the leaves. Aim for 50% or higher humidity for the best bloom potential.
4. Fertilize Moderately
Feeding your peace lily standard houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season can promote healthy growth and flowering. However, be cautious not to overdo it as too much fertilizer can damage your plant.
5. Repot When Necessary
As peace lilies grow, they may become pot-bound. If you notice roots are growing out of the drainage holes or the soil is quickly drying out, it’s time to repot into a larger container. This will provide ample room for root growth and can promote blooming.
6. Keep Temperatures Stable
Peace lilies enjoy warm temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18–26 degrees Celsius). Protect them from drafts and extreme temperature changes, which can stress the plant and affect blooming.
7. Prune Spent Flowers and Yellow Leaves
Regularly removing yellowed leaves and spent flowers can redirect the plant’s energy towards new growth and blooms. Use clean, sharp shears or scissors to avoid damaging the plant.
8. Provide Proper Soil
The right soil can make all the difference. Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. A soil that allows proper aeration and water drainage will support the overall health of the plant, contributing to its ability to flower.
9. Consider the Pot’s Size
While peace lilies can bloom when slightly root-bound, a pot that’s too small can restrict growth and blooming. Conversely, a pot that’s too large can lead to excess soil moisture and potential root rot. Choose a pot that gives the plant a little room to grow, but not so much that the soil stays wet for long periods.
10. Use a Bloom Booster Fertilizer
Consider using a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content (the middle number in the fertilizer ratio) to encourage blooming. Apply this type of fertilizer sparingly and according to package instructions to avoid damage to the plant.
11. Be Patient
Lastly, remember that patience is key. Even if you’re providing the ideal conditions, a peace lily may take its time to bloom. They typically flower in the spring, but can surprise you at other times if they’re particularly happy with their environment. Keep providing consistent care and your peace lily will eventually reward you.
Ensuring your peace lily is happy and healthy is the best way to encourage it to bloom. Each plant is unique, so it might take some time to find the perfect combination of care techniques that works for yours. Monitor your plant’s response to the adjustments you make, and with these expert tips, you’ll be sure to enjoy the tranquil beauty of peace lily blooms in your space.
