Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum) are popular indoor plants, valued for their elegant foliage and distinctive white “flowers.” Discovering that these typically pristine white blooms have developed a green hue can be confusing for owners expecting a consistent white appearance. This phenomenon, while sometimes a sign of an issue, can also be a normal part of the plant’s life cycle. This article will explore the various reasons why Peace Lily blooms might turn green and offer practical guidance for maintaining their optimal health and appearance.
Understanding Peace Lily Flower Characteristics
What many people refer to as a Peace Lily “flower” is actually a modified leaf structure known as a spathe. This white, hood-like leaf envelops a central spike called a spadix, which contains the plant’s actual, tiny flowers. The spathe’s primary function is to attract pollinators to the spadix. In a healthy, mature Peace Lily, the spathe displays a bright, pure white coloration. Peace Lily blooms are not permanent and have a natural lifespan, usually lasting several weeks to a few months under optimal conditions. During this period, the spathe is expected to maintain its characteristic white color. As the bloom ages, its appearance can gradually change, signaling the end of its life cycle.
Primary Reasons for Green Peace Lily Flowers
Natural Maturation Process
One common reason for a Peace Lily’s spathe to turn green is its natural aging process. As the bloom matures and nears the end of its life cycle, the plant reabsorbs nutrients from the spathe. This reabsorption can cause the white spathe to revert to a green color, similar to how leaves on deciduous trees change color before falling in autumn. This greening indicates a healthy, aging bloom and is not a cause for concern.
Suboptimal Light Conditions
The amount of light a Peace Lily receives significantly influences the color of its spathes. Insufficient light can prevent the spathe from developing and maintaining its characteristic white pigment. In dim conditions, the plant may produce more chlorophyll in the spathe, leading it to appear green as it tries to maximize photosynthesis. Conversely, too much direct sunlight can also stress the plant, causing the spathe to green as a protective response or to become discolored.
Nutritional Imbalances
Nutrient availability plays a role in spathe coloration. An excess of nitrogen, a nutrient primarily responsible for promoting lush, green foliage growth, can contribute to the spathe retaining or developing a green hue instead of turning white. If the plant receives too much nitrogen relative to other nutrients like phosphorus or potassium, it may prioritize vegetative growth over flower development and color. Deficiencies in other micronutrients might also indirectly impact the spathe’s ability to achieve its pure white color.
Temperature and Humidity Stress
Environmental conditions such as temperature extremes or very low humidity can stress Peace Lilies, which may manifest in changes to bloom color. Peace Lilies thrive in consistent, moderate temperatures, between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Exposure to temperatures outside this range, especially prolonged cold drafts or excessive heat, can disrupt the plant’s metabolic processes. Similarly, Peace Lilies prefer high humidity, and very dry air can lead to overall plant stress, impacting the health and coloration of the spathes.
Environmental Factors
Several other environmental factors can contribute to greening spathes. Sudden changes in the plant’s environment, such as moving it to a new location with different light or temperature conditions, can cause stress. Poor air circulation around the plant can contribute to stress, potentially affecting bloom health. Certain types of pest infestations, such as spider mites or mealybugs, can weaken the plant, diverting its energy and potentially impacting the quality and color of its blooms.
Corrective Actions for Green Blooms
Adjusting Light
Adjusting the plant’s placement is often the first step to address greening spathes. Peace Lilies thrive in bright, indirect light, so moving the plant away from direct sun exposure or closer to a window if light is too dim can help. Observing how the plant responds over a few weeks will indicate if the light adjustment is effective.
Managing Fertilizer
Careful management of fertilizer is important for promoting white blooms. During active growth and flowering, use a balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for flowering plants, often with a lower nitrogen content. If over-fertilization is suspected, particularly with high-nitrogen products, flushing the soil with plain water can help remove excess nutrients. This allows the plant to reset its nutrient balance.
Maintaining Environmental Conditions
Maintaining stable environmental conditions supports healthy bloom development. Keep room temperatures consistent, avoiding cold drafts or proximity to heat sources that can cause fluctuations. Increasing humidity, especially in dry indoor environments, can be beneficial; options include using a pebble tray filled with water beneath the pot or placing a humidifier nearby.
Pruning Spent Spathes
Pruning spent or greening spathes is a beneficial practice. Once a spathe has fully greened or withered, it can be cut back at the base of the stem near the soil line. This encourages the plant to put energy into producing new, fresh white blooms rather than maintaining older, fading ones. Regular pruning also improves the plant’s overall appearance and vigor.
Promoting Overall Peace Lily Bloom Health
Consistent Moisture
Consistent moisture is important for Peace Lilies, as they prefer evenly moist soil but dislike being waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root issues, which can impact bloom quality. Adequate drainage is also important, so ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Repotting
Repotting is necessary periodically to provide fresh nutrients and space for root growth. Peace Lilies benefit from repotting every one to two years, or when they become root-bound. Choosing a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one helps prevent the soil from remaining too wet, which can lead to root problems.
Pest Management and Cleaning
Regularly inspecting the plant for common pests helps prevent infestations from weakening the plant. If pests are detected, prompt and appropriate treatment, such as wiping leaves with a damp cloth or using insecticidal soap, can mitigate stress. Keeping leaves clean by gently wiping them with a damp cloth also helps improve photosynthesis and overall plant vitality.