Peace lilies, with their lush foliage and beautiful white spathes, have become a firm houseplant favourite across the UK. However, encouraging these elegant plants to flower can be a little trickier and it can be frustrating caring for your plant without seeing any results.
Gardening expert Luke Newnes, from Hillarys’ Interior Squad, said: “Peace lilies are one of those classic houseplants that everyone loves for their glossy leaves and those elegant white flowers (technically called spathes). Getting them to flower can be a bit of a mystery, but with the right care, you can coax out blooms almost any time of year.”
Mimicking their natural rainforest environment could be the secret to getting your peace lily to bloom.
Naturally at home on the rainforest floor, peace lilies flourish in the warmth and humidity, away from harsh direct sunlight.
In the UK climate, expect blossoming mainly from March to September. However, don’t be surprised if an impeccably kept plant defies expectations and flaunts flowers beyond this period, showcasing the peace lily’s flexible nature.
Should the months pass without a sign of flowering, don’t lose hope. Luke explained: “As long as it’s healthy and happy, it can still push out blooms later in the summer. Sometimes it just needs a little nudge.”
A consistent feeding strategy is key, including regular application of a balanced liquid houseplant feed.
Start feeding your peace lilies from early spring every four to six weeks to help encourage them to switch their efforts from leaf production to blooming.
Luke said: “If your plant is all leaves and no flowers, it’s often down to not enough light or a lack of feed.”
When it comes to choosing the perfect spot for your peace lily, you should opt for somewhere bright yet sheltered, with north or east-facing windows optimum. Soil care is equally essential: keep it moist without overdoing it to sidestep any chance of root rot.
Aiming for that tropical rainforest vibe at home ensures optimal growth; up the humidity through misting or using a pebble tray, and pot-check for coiled roots hinting at repotting time.
Regular maintenance such as deadheading old blooms and clearing yellowed leaves refocuses the plant energy on fresh sprouts. And if your nothing happens in spite of your efforts, moving your plant to a brighter location or tweaking watering habits can nudge it into showing off its white blossoms.