Peace Lily Not Blooming: Light Plus Feeding Fixes
A peace lily not blooming often needs a better lit spot, lighter feeding or a snugger pot. University of Florida IFAS advises a well lit area out of direct sunlight for this popular houseplant. NC State Extension adds that it has no set bloom time but flowers freely when grown well.
The short answer
Move the plant to a well lit spot out of direct sun, as University of Florida IFAS advises. Water when the mix starts to dry, feed lightly plus flush the soil between feedings. NC State Extension suggests a somewhat pot bound plant, so avoid moving it into a much larger pot.
How much light helps a peace lily bloom?
Bright light without direct sun. University of Florida IFAS advises a well lit area out of direct sunlight. NC State Extension notes that too much direct sun causes brown leaf tips.
Illinois Extension rates a spot directly in front of an east or west window as high light, about 300 foot candles. A north window a few feet away gives only low light, about 75 foot candles.
| Factor | What to check | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Distance from the window | Move to bright light out of direct sun |
| Feeding | Salt crust or burnt tips | Feed lightly plus flush the soil |
| Pot | Roots fill the pot | Leave it somewhat pot bound |
Source: University of Florida IFAS plus NC State Extension.
Does pot size matter?
Yes. NC State Extension notes that the plant needs a large pot but should stay somewhat pot bound. Repot only when needed, in February or March.
Division is the usual way to make more plants. University of Florida IFAS suggests dividing peace lilies in spring.
How does feeding affect flowers?
Too much feeding backfires. NC State Extension advises light feeding plus flushing the soil between applications. Over fertilizing plus salt build up can burn leaf tips plus roots.
University of Missouri Extension lists excess fertilizer as a top cause of tipburn. It suggests no fertilizer in winter for houseplants without supplemental light, since growth nearly stops then.
How to: step by step
- Shift the plant to bright, indirect light.
- Water once the top of the mix begins drying.
- Bottom water if that is simpler.
- Fertilize lightly during the growing season plus flush the soil between feedings.
- Move it to a bigger pot only when needed, in February or March.
- Allow the plant time to push up new flower stalks.
Troubleshooting
Lush leaves, no flowers: low light. Move the plant closer to an east or west window, out of direct sun.
Brown leaf tips: direct sun, dry soil or dry air. NC State Extension names all three as causes, so correct each one.
Salt crust on the soil: overfeeding. Flush the pot plus empty the saucer, as University of Missouri Extension advises.
For related reading see overwatering plus plant growth, underwatering cannabis plus relative humidity control. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Peace lily, University of Florida IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Spathiphyllum, NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- Houseplant lighting, Illinois Extension
- Leaf tipburn on houseplants, University of Missouri Extension
FAQ
How often does a peace lily bloom?
There is no fixed schedule. NC State Extension notes that the plants have no specific bloom time but flower freely. They bear showy white blooms above deep green glossy foliage. Good light, light feeding plus a snug pot give the plant the conditions it needs to flower again.
Why are peace lily flowers green?
It is often normal aging. NC State Extension notes that the showy white blooms change to pale green after about 10 days. They then remain attractive for at least another month. A green flower is usually an older bloom rather than a sign of trouble with the plant.
How long should grow lights run for houseplants?
Illinois Extension notes that plants can benefit from longer light duration, with 14 to 16 hours as sufficient. Do not give more than 16 hours, since plants need a rest period too. It adds that flowering in some plants responds to day length, so plan the schedule with care.
Does repotting help blooming?
Not usually. NC State Extension notes that the plant should stay somewhat pot bound, even though it needs a large pot. Repot only when necessary, in February or March, into a mix high in organic matter. University of Florida IFAS suggests dividing crowded plants in spring instead.
How cold is too cold for a peace lily?
NC State Extension notes that temperatures of 40 to 60°F slow growth considerably. Extended periods below 40°F can damage leaves, stems plus roots. Hold the plant in a warm room away from cold drafts plus chilly windows through winter, so growth plus flowering carry on.
