Peace lilies (spathiphyllum wallisii) are among the most beloved houseplants, prized for their resilience and striking white spathes. However, when a peace lily refuses to flower, a simple 'stress reset' technique may encourage it to bloom again.
Why Peace Lilies Stop Flowering
Several factors can prevent a peace lily from flowering, including over- or under-watering, excessive feeding, inadequate light, cold temperatures, being root-bound, age, or pests and disease.
Professional gardener Chad Massura told Real Simple: "If your plant is happy but just not blooming, it might need a little extra push to get there."
The Stress Reset Method
Massura recommends slightly cutting back on watering for a few weeks, then returning to the usual care routine. This 'stress reset' should only be tried after other alternatives have been exhausted.
Other steps include maintaining a consistent watering schedule, positioning the plant in an appropriately-sized pot with at least 10-12 hours of light daily, keeping it at standard household temperatures with average or above average humidity, and applying a modest amount of fertiliser once or twice a year.
Proper Watering Routine
According to Gardeners' World, watering is the most important aspect of peace lily care. They advised: "Only rehydrate the soil once the top third has dried out — check if the soil is dry by feeling the compost on top, and if small soil flakes stick to your finger there's no need to water just yet."
The frequency of watering shouldn't change throughout the year as peace lilies generally don't go into dormancy.
Avoiding Overwatering and Underwatering
Plant specialist Lee Miller told Martha Stewart magazine: "Check the soil moisture level with a moisture meter and water only when the top layer of soil is dry." Overwatering can sometimes be remedied by adjusting the watering schedule, but if the plant is past recovery, repotting in fresh, suitably-sized container with new potting soil is recommended.
Underwatering can also harm the plant, though it's intentional during the 'stress reset'. Warning signs include brown leaves that feel crisp or stiff, or dry soil. When watering, allow surplus water to drain through the hole into the saucer and discard any pooled water.
