Question
QUESTION: My Dad has had Peace Lilly for about 7 years.  It had blooms when we got it for
him & this is the first time it has bloomed since then.  He waters it every other
day what about a cup of water.  It is about a 9" dia. pot that is full.  Does it need
to be split up?  Shouldn't it bloom every year?

ANSWER: Hi Karin,

Spathiphyllum or peace lily is a sporadic bloomer and it varies widely with the particular variety that you have. Most will bloom once or twice per year, but never as prolifically as their original greenhouse-induced flowers.

Although peace lilies will sometimes flower in low light, they do better in bright indirect light. Right in front of a north or east facing window that is unobstructed throughout the day is best.

Peace lilies flower best when they are quite potbound, so I advise against repotting or dividing.

Watering daily is not a good way to water the peace lily. Peace lilies wilt very quickly as soon as the soil becomes just a bit too dry. The key is to water it thoroughly just before it starts to wilt. In general, this is when the surface of the soil starts to feel barely dry or just barely damp. Even when allowed to wilt, peace lilies will recover within 2 to 4 hours after a good watering. However, wilting stresses the plant, so it is best to avoid letting it wilt.

The addition of plant food at half strength monthly will sometimes help promote flowers, but don't overdo it.

In sum, peace lily flowering depends on varietal genes, lots of bright light, a potbound condition, proper watering, and occasional plant food.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So was cutting everything back a bad or good idea?  I just thought that it
needed a chance to regenerate from its base.. Maybe all those lanky branches
should just be gone'd!    I am watering it very sparingly now.  I think I see some
new baby leaves.  Could it be becoming a whole new plant from the devastation
visited upon it?

Answer
You didn't originally ask about cutting it back, so I am surprised by your question.

Cutting back all of the stems is not a good idea. It may not kill the plant, but it will take a long time to recover and it may never develop large leaves again. I wish you had asked about that before doing it.

~Will Creed