The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular houseplant known for its deep green foliage and elegant white “flowers.” This white structure is not a true flower but a specialized leaf called a spathe, which wraps around the central flower spike (spadix). The spathe protects the tiny flowers and attracts pollinators. As the bloom cycle ends, the pristine white spathe naturally changes color, shifting from pure white to green.
Understanding Why Peace Lily Flowers Turn Green
The green coloration of the spathe is a natural biological process that indicates the end of its aesthetic function. Since the spathe is a modified leaf, the plant initiates a resource-saving measure as the true flowers fade. The white tissue develops chlorophyll, allowing the spathe to photosynthesize and contribute energy back to the plant.
This process is primarily driven by the plant’s age, but environmental factors can accelerate the color change. Inadequate light exposure is a significant contributor to premature greening. Insufficient light encourages the spathe to produce chlorophyll more quickly to compensate for the lack of photosynthetic energy. Excess nitrogen from over-fertilization can also hasten the process by promoting vegetative growth and chlorophyll production in the spathes.
The Process of Removing Green Spathes
Yes, you should remove green spathes. While the green spathe does not harm the plant, removing it redirects the plant’s energy away from maintaining the aging structure. This energy is then used for new foliage growth and future white blooms, rather than being unnecessarily expended on a spent structure.
To remove the spent flower, use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors for deadheading. Trace the green spathe’s stalk (peduncle) down to the base of the plant. Make a clean cut as close to the soil line or the main leaf clump as possible. Cutting the entire stalk prevents an unsightly stub from yellowing and decaying, which could attract pests or disease. This careful removal encourages the peace lily to focus its resources on developing new rhizomes and flower buds, enhancing the plant’s overall vigor.
Keeping Future Blooms Bright White
Maintaining the signature white color of new spathes requires providing the proper growing environment. Peace lilies thrive in bright, indirect light, which maximizes flower production and prevents premature greening. Placing the plant near an east or north-facing window provides the filtered light intensity needed for vibrant, long-lasting white blooms. Direct, harsh sunlight can stress the plant and cause the spathe to turn green as a protective response.
The plant’s nutritional intake also plays a role in flower color longevity. Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer sparingly during the spring and summer growing season. Selecting a fertilizer formula lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus encourages blooming without promoting excessive chlorophyll development. Over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen formulas, encourages the plant to prioritize leaf growth and accelerates the greening process.