Peace lilies are one of the most popular and common houseplants that you will find in homes.
These flowering indoor plants truly catch your eye with their glossy, rich green foliage and dainty white blooms that resemble flags of peace.
However, to see their stunning bright white blooms, learning how to prune a peace lily is a necessity, claimed the experts at houseplant retailer Lively Root.
For the most part, pruning is minimal, but there are certain circumstances when your plant might benefit from a decent trim.
The experts said: “Like every other plant, peace lilies should be pruned to foster new growth and maintain good health. Whether you’re dealing with an overgrown and too bushy plant or with its blooms turning brown, pruning your peace lily is an essential task.”
They claimed that the “best time” to prune a peace lily is early spring or summer before it blooms.
Consider it a “golden window” for ensuring the plant’s maximum potential to “grow, bloom and flourish”.
Owners can prune their peace lily easily in a few steps. Just make sure to handle the plant gently to avoid damaging any healthy leaves, stems and blooms.
Step one: Deadhead spent flowers
The first step in pruning a peace lily is to deadhead the wilted, faded, brown or dried flowers. Use sterilised shears to cut and remove them.
The experts claimed that this will not only make the peace lily plant look “neat” but it will also “promote the development of new flowers”.
Step two: Trim old and damaged leaves
If the leaves and stalks on a peace lily appear weak and damaged, yellow or with brown tips, remove them to keep the plant “fresh and healthy”.
Old outer leaves should also be trimmed to avoid spreading any potential pathogens. Ensure to wipe your shears with a cloth dipped in alcohol. Also, it’s a good idea to wear gloves as the sap can be irritating to the skin.
Step three: Clean the leaves
Gently wipe down the leaves with a damp cotton cloth to remove accumulated dust and restore their shine.
The experts explained: “This facilitates photosynthesis and promotes your plant’s overall well-being.”
Mineral oil can be used on the leaves, but only a small amount of it about once or twice a year. For those who suspect insect issues, wipe the leaves with a cloth and a topical insecticide.
Post-pruning, keep the plant in partial shade to prevent shock from overexposure to light and ensure consistent temperature and humidity around your plant, allowing it to rest well.
Owners should also avoid watering their freshly trimmed plants immediately. Instead, wait for a couple of days before watering to let it recover.
