Peace lilies, with their glossy foliage and white flowers, are the darling of British homes – a combination of beauty and low-maintenance allure. They’re not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as natural air purifiers, requiring minimal upkeep to flourish.
Even those new to indoor gardening can encourage peace lilies to bloom by tending to their simple needs. Peace lily owners hoping for spring blossoms might be surprised to learn these plants typically make a comeback in late summer. For those eager to see their peace lily flower anew, Graham Smith, MCIHort from LBS Horticulture, shares crucial advice with Express.co.uk.
They said: “Ensure that the plant is receiving enough light, as peace lilies that are placed in the shade are not likely to flower compared to those placed in bright light.”
Although aesthetics often dictate where we place our plants, Graham emphasises that for thriving blooms, positioning is key.
He added: “Peace lilies can tolerate a range of indirect light levels, but their favourite light conditions are somewhere in bright, indirect light.
“Regardless of the time of the year, they should not be placed near a south-facing window where they will receive strong, direct sunlight.
“This is because direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of the peace lily and damage the plant.”
During the growing months of spring and summer, it’s crucial to feed these plants regularly.
A houseplant-specific fertiliser or a foliar spray feed can work wonders on a peace lily that’s not blooming as expected.
But it’s not just about what happens above ground. Graham said: “You should check that the peace lily is not root-bound, as this can impact flowering.
“If the plant is root-bound, repot it into a slightly larger container with fresh compost to encourage blooming.”
Don’t dilly-dally; the ideal time for this is during the growing season from April to October.
However, if you’re a bit behind schedule, Graham says the onset of autumn is also a fine time to give your peace lilies some attention.
When it comes to watering these delicate beauties, wait until the top inch of soil feels dry. Then, water thoroughly until excess moisture drains out.
Remember to empty any leftover water from the container after about half an hour to prevent root rot.
For those looking to keep their peace lilies in tip-top shape, horticultural experts recommend misting them or placing their pots on a tray of moist pebbles to boost humidity levels.
And if you’re wondering where to place these plants, your bathroom could be the perfect spot.
With plenty of humidity and frosted windows providing gentle, indirect sunlight, it’s an ideal environment for peace lilies to thrive without the risk of harsh sunburn.