As the UK basks in the warm embrace of spring, gardening enthusiasts are busily tackling tasks which will reward them with the finest blooms come summer. One particularly popular plant that flowers and flourishes between spring and autumn is the much-loved peace lily, though it requires very specific care tailored precisely to its needs.
Many keen gardeners will no doubt have encountered the frustrating situation where their peace lily sits lush and green on the windowsill, yet stubbornly refuses to produce those sought-after, delicate white spathes. So what's the secret to getting your cherished peace lilies to bloom this spring? There's one natural household remedy that has proven remarkably effective on non-flowering peace lilies.
Most gardeners would rather steer clear of harsh chemicals on their houseplants, preferring instead natural tricks and techniques that are kinder to both the plant and the environment. One widely celebrated natural remedy that has earned considerable praise for its impressive results on flowerless peace lilies involves watering the plant with a cup of raw rice water once a month.
Rice water is regarded as an outstanding natural fertiliser for peace lilies because it contains modest amounts of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus — three nutrients that are absolutely vital for houseplants, helping to boost flower production, encourage foliage growth and support healthy root development. It's also packed with zinc, iron and sulphur - all beneficial nutrients for plants when applied to the soil in appropriate quantities.
It's crucial to make sure the raw rice water solution stays completely free from oil, salt, or any form of seasoning, as these can be damaging and detrimental to the peace lily's development. There's more. Rice water also holds modest quantities of minerals such as magnesium and B vitamins, which aid the plant's energy production, leading to larger and superior blooms, particularly in peace lilies.
The process is simple: add cold tap water to a cup of rice and rinse your rice with it (you can use your hands or stir the rice with a spoon). You'll instantly notice the water becoming cloudy, and that's where the benefits lie. After your rice has been cleaned, transfer the remaining kitchen staple solution into a cup or container, and use it to water your peace lilies once monthly. If the solution appears too concentrated, you can always introduce some fresh water to weaken the mixture. Be careful not to keep your raw rice water stored for extended periods.
