Peace lilies are popular houseplants with white flowers that exude an air of peace and tranquillity.
They’re promoted as easy to grow, and they are, making them the perfect for new plant parents.
But like all houseplants, they have a few care preferences that need to be met if they’re going to thrive, and ultimately, bloom.
One thing that peace lilies need to bloom is to be kept in the right location to get the right amount of light.
Although peace lilies are often described as low-light tolerant, they may tolerate and survive in low light, but surviving is different than thriving.
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Low light does not mean no light at all. According to the experts at Platt Hill Nursery, “if we want them to bloom, we need to give them ideal light”. So, what is that?
Bright, indirect light is what a peace lily plant prefers, so “five to six feet from a sunny window with a sheer curtain is ideal”.
In other words, enough distance so their leaves aren’t scorched by direct sun, but enough to receive the rays that indirectly light a room.
The pros warned: “A dark corridor or windowless room won’t have enough sun for this plant to produce its showy flowers.”
There are three main signs that a peace lily needs a change of location. Pale and curled leaves mean it is not getting enough light.
Scorched leaves mean the light the plant is getting is too bright. Often, if the plant is not blooming, it’s a sign of too little light.
Apart from the location of the houseplant, water is highly important for a peace lily to bloom.
Peace lilies want moist, but never wet soil. Aim to water them once the top inch or two of soil is dry.
Peace lilies prefer to be under-watered rather than overwatered. So take care not to rush ahead with watering when they don’t need it.
To test, stick your finger into the soil to find out. If there is no moisture, give them a good drink, but if there is still moisture, wait another day or two.
Brown leaf tips may be a sign of under-watering or lack of humidity, whereas yellow leaves indicate either under-watering or over-watering.
