The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular indoor plant prized for its glossy green foliage and its striking, long-lasting white “flowers.” What is commonly called the flower is actually a modified leaf, known as a spathe, which surrounds the central flower spike, called the spadix. When the plant completes its reproductive cycle, the bloom naturally fades, often transitioning from white to green before eventually turning brown and wilting. This change signals that the bloom is spent, and its removal is beneficial for the plant.
Identifying the Spent Bloom
Recognizing when a bloom is spent is the first step in maintaining the plant’s appearance and health. The initial signal is the change in the spathe’s color, which starts to develop a green hue. This color shift occurs because the plant begins to produce chlorophyll in the spathe, transitioning its function to contributing to photosynthesis.
The next stage involves the central spadix. The spadix may begin to turn black or dark brown as it declines. Finally, the entire structure—both the spadix and the spathe—will start to wilt, dry out, and turn fully brown, indicating that the plant is no longer directing energy toward maintaining the structure. Removing the spent bloom at this stage, or even when it is mostly green, redirects the plant’s resources toward new growth.
The Proper Technique for Removal
The correct technique for removing a spent peace lily bloom, often called deadheading, saves the plant’s energy and prevents potential issues. This process requires a clean, sharp tool, such as pruning shears or a sharp knife, to ensure a sterile and precise cut. Using a clean tool minimizes the risk of introducing pathogens into the plant’s tissue.
To remove the bloom, trace the flower stem, known as the peduncle, all the way down to the base of the plant. The cut should be made as close to the soil line or the rhizome as possible, near where the flower stem emerges from the foliage. Cutting the stem low removes the entire structure, eliminating a potential entry point for disease and improving the plant’s aesthetic.
Avoid the common mistake of cutting only the flower head or midway down the stem, which leaves a bare stump. This remaining portion of the stem will not produce new growth and can become susceptible to rot, which could spread to the rest of the plant. Making the cut at a slight angle, around 45 degrees, is recommended to prevent water from pooling on the fresh wound.
Post-Removal Care and Encouraging New Blooms
Removing the spent bloom shifts the plant’s resources toward producing new leaves and initiating the next flowering cycle. To support this process and encourage reblooming, the peace lily needs consistent, bright, indirect light.
While peace lilies tolerate lower light, they will produce fewer blooms in dim conditions, so placing the plant where it receives ample filtered light is beneficial. Watering consistency is also important; the plant prefers the soil to remain consistently moist, but never waterlogged, which requires allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Good drainage is necessary to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing plays a role in encouraging a subsequent bloom period, as flowering takes a significant amount of energy. During the growing season, a balanced or “bloom” formula fertilizer, which is often higher in phosphorus, can be applied to fuel the development of new flowers. Applying a diluted, low-salt fertilizer every few weeks during watering provides a steady supply of nutrients without overwhelming the plant.