The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a beloved indoor plant known for its lush green leaves and elegant white blooms.
However, getting your peace lily to bloom, especially in the fall, can sometimes be a challenge.
Many plant enthusiasts find themselves waiting endlessly for those beautiful white flowers to emerge, only to be disappointed by lackluster results or no blooms at all.
Don’t worry! There are specific steps you can take to encourage your peace lily to bloom this fall.
Why Your Peace Lily Isn’t Blooming
Before diving into the steps for getting your peace lily to bloom, it’s important to understand why your plant might not be flowering.
Peace lilies are relatively easy to care for, but they require the right conditions to produce flowers. Some of the most common reasons your peace lily isn’t blooming include:
- Insufficient Light: Peace lilies thrive in bright, indirect light. Too little light can prevent them from blooming.
- Improper Watering: Overwatering or underwatering can stress the plant and hinder flowering.
- Nutrient Deficiency: Lack of essential nutrients, particularly phosphorus, can affect bloom production.
- Improper Temperature: Peace lilies prefer temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Temperatures outside this range can reduce flowering.
- Pot-Bound Roots: If your peace lily’s roots are too crowded, it may not have the energy to produce blooms.
Now that you know what might be causing the issue, let’s explore how to create the ideal environment to encourage flowering this fall.
Do THIS to Get Your Peace Lily to Bloom This Fall
1. Provide Bright, Indirect Light
While peace lilies can tolerate low light, they won’t bloom well without sufficient light. To promote flowering, place your peace lily in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
A spot near a north or east-facing window is ideal, where the plant gets plenty of natural light without being exposed to harsh direct rays.
- Tip: If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light to provide supplemental lighting, especially during the shorter days of fall.
2. Maintain the Right Temperature and Humidity
Peace lilies thrive in warm, humid environments. During the fall months, keep your home’s temperature between 65-85°F (18-29°C).
Avoid placing your plant near drafts, air vents, or heaters, as sudden temperature changes can shock the plant.
- Tip: Increase humidity by placing a humidifier nearby or setting the plant’s pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Mist the leaves occasionally to keep humidity levels up.
3. Feed with a Balanced Fertilizer
To encourage blooming, peace lilies need a balanced fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content. Phosphorus promotes root and flower development.
Choose a liquid houseplant fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 7-9-5 or similar.
- How to Use: Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply it once a month during the growing season (spring through early fall). Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to leaf burn and poor flowering.
- Tip: Stop fertilizing in late fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.
4. Water Correctly
Peace lilies are sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering. To ensure healthy blooms, water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use room-temperature water, and allow any excess water to drain out of the pot.
- Tip: If your peace lily’s leaves are drooping, it’s a sign that the plant needs water. However, don’t let it sit in waterlogged soil, as this can lead to root rot and reduce blooming potential.
5. Repot When Necessary
If your peace lily is root-bound, it may struggle to bloom. Check the plant’s roots once a year to see if they’re crowded.
If the roots are tightly packed or circling around the bottom of the pot, it’s time to repot.
- How to Repot: Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix, and gently separate the roots before placing the plant in its new container.
- Tip: Repotting in early spring can give your peace lily a fresh start and encourage blooming later in the year.
6. Prune Spent Flowers and Yellow Leaves
Regular pruning helps the plant redirect its energy to produce new flowers. Remove any spent blooms and yellow or brown leaves with sterilized scissors or pruning shears.
This will not only improve the plant’s appearance but also promote healthier growth.
- Tip: Prune at the base of the stem to prevent leaving unsightly stubs.
7. Give Your Peace Lily a Rest Period
Peace lilies need a rest period to produce blooms. After the blooming season, reduce watering and stop fertilizing for a few months.
This rest period allows the plant to gather energy for the next blooming cycle.
- Tip: During this period, keep the plant in a cool location with indirect light and lower humidity.
Things You Should NEVER Do to Your Peace Lily
To ensure your peace lily thrives and blooms, avoid these common mistakes:
- Never Expose to Direct Sunlight: Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and inhibit flowering. Always place your peace lily in bright, indirect light or filtered light.
- Never Overwater: Overwatering is one of the leading causes of peace lily problems. Waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and poor blooming.
- Never Let the Soil Dry Out Completely: While peace lilies can tolerate occasional drought, allowing the soil to dry out completely can stress the plant and reduce flowering potential.
- Never Use Hard or Chlorinated Water: Peace lilies are sensitive to chemicals in tap water, such as chlorine and fluoride. Use filtered or distilled water if possible.
- Never Fertilize During Dormancy: Fertilizing during the plant’s resting period can cause nutrient buildup and burn the roots. Only feed the plant during its active growth phase.
- Never Ignore Signs of Pests or Disease: Common pests like spider mites and aphids can damage the plant, while fungal diseases can spread quickly. Inspect your plant regularly and treat any issues immediately.
With the right care and attention, your peace lily can produce beautiful blooms that add elegance to your home this fall.