The peace lily, or Spathiphyllum, is a highly favored houseplant known for its graceful, dark green foliage and distinctive white “flowers.” These eye-catching blooms are not true flowers, but rather specialized leaves called spathes that surround a central spike called a spadix, where the tiny actual flowers are located. While peace lilies are celebrated for their resilience in low light, their flowering patterns often perplex new owners seeking a predictable schedule. Understanding the plant’s natural life cycle and recognizing the aging process of a single bloom are essential steps toward encouraging a long-lasting and recurring show of white spathes.
The Duration of a Single Bloom
A single peace lily spathe generally provides a beautiful display for a significant period, typically lasting from one to two months, sometimes even longer under ideal conditions. The longevity of this display is one of the plant’s most appealing characteristics. The white spathe serves a protective function for the central spadix, and its striking color helps to attract pollinators in its native tropical environment.
The end of a spathe’s life is signaled by a gradual, natural color change. The white modified leaf will slowly begin to turn a pale green, which is not a sign of poor health but rather a normal part of its maturity. This greening occurs as the structure begins to produce chlorophyll, allowing it to photosynthesize and contribute energy back to the plant. Once the spathe has fully transitioned to green, or if it begins to turn brown, its ornamental function is complete, and it should be pruned to redirect the plant’s energy.
The Re-Blooming Frequency
Peace lilies have a natural propensity for producing new blooms, which is heavily influenced by the plant’s maturity and its environment. These plants typically initiate their most prolific flowering phase in the spring, often between February and April, following a winter resting period. A healthy and well-cared-for plant may bloom again in the late summer or early fall, potentially producing two or three distinct flowering periods in a single year.
Younger Spathiphyllum specimens may not flower as readily as mature plants, which usually reach flowering age after about three years. The cyclical appearance of new spathes is a response to favorable conditions, such as brighter, indirect light and consistent temperatures. While some varieties can bloom sporadically throughout the year, the most significant re-blooming occurs when the plant has been able to rest and subsequently gather the necessary energy reserves. This period of energy conservation is required to initiate the development of new flower structures.
Essential Care for Repeat Flowering
To successfully encourage the peace lily to re-bloom, specific care actions must be taken once the previous spathes have faded. The most immediate action is deadheading, which involves removing the spent flower stalk to conserve the plant’s energy. This is done by tracing the stalk of the green or brown spathe all the way back to the base of the plant and cutting it off as close to the soil line as possible. This pruning action prevents the plant from wasting resources on seed production and redirects that energy toward producing new leaves and flower buds.
Providing Adequate Light
Providing the correct light is the most important factor in promoting repeat flowering. Peace lilies survive in low light, but they will only reliably produce new blooms when given bright, indirect light. An ideal location is near a north-facing window, or several feet away from an east or west-facing window, where the light is filtered but consistent. Insufficient light is the most common reason a peace lily remains a foliage-only plant.
Judicious Fertilization
Fertilization plays a role in sustaining the energy needed for re-blooming, but it must be applied judiciously. Peace lilies are not heavy feeders and can suffer from chemical burn if over-fertilized. During the active growing season, from spring to fall, using a balanced houseplant fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20, is recommended.
A high-nitrogen fertilizer, like a 3-1-2 ratio, will support lush green foliage. However, it is important to avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to greening of the spathes and inhibit flower production. Fertilizing every six to eight weeks during the growing season, at a diluted strength, provides the necessary nutrients for the plant to cycle into a new flowering phase.