What to Do When a Peace Lily's Flowers Turn Green? Causes and Solutions
The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Spathiphyllum in the Araceae family, and it is a common houseplant. Because the peace lily has both beautiful flowers and foliage, is graceful and light, upright and elegant, fresh and pleasing to the eye, it is deeply loved by people. However, when growing a peace lily, many friends find that the flowers have turned green. What is going on here? Let us take a look together below!
What to Do When a Peace Lily's Flowers Turn Green
Many flower lovers find that their peace lily's flowers have turned green, and many of them do not know what is going on. In fact, this is because the peace lily has reached the late stage of its flowering period and has produced more chlorophyll. At this point, the flowers can be cut off so they do not continue to consume unnecessary nutrients. In addition, if the peace lily's flowers turn green just a few days after opening, this is not a natural phenomenon. This is mainly caused by light that is too weak. Any white-colored flower will show a greenish tint under weak light conditions. At this time, simply increasing the light intensity slightly will turn them back to white.
A Peace Lily That Only Grows Leaves and Does Not Bloom
1. Unsuitable light: If a peace lily is kept in too dark a place for a long time, its growth will weaken and it will be difficult for it to bloom. If the sunlight is too strong and direct, the leaves may turn yellow.
2. No repotting: The peace lily grows relatively quickly. Generally, after 1-2 years its plant will fill the pot, the leaves will be crowded, and it will be difficult for it to bloom. Therefore, it needs to be repotted in time. Usually, after repotting, placing it in partial shade is more suitable.
3. Insufficient humidity: The peace lily requires high humidity. When the air is too dry, it is unfavorable for blooming. Each watering should be thorough to keep the potting soil moist.
4. Lack of fertilization: Not fertilizing for a long time is not conducive to the healthy growth of the plant. During the growing period from May to September, apply some granular compound fertilizer each month. In this way, it will both grow leaves and bloom.
5. Compacted soil: The peace lily requires loose, well-drained sandy loam rich in humus, which is favorable for drainage and aeration.
How to Grow a Peace Lily
1. Watering: The peace lily has a relatively high demand for water. The potting soil must be kept moist at all times, but overwatering must also be avoided. Once overwatered, a large amount of water accumulates in the pot, which can easily cause root rot and yellowing and withering of the plant. In addition, note that in summer and during drought, water should often be sprayed on the leaves and the ground to increase air humidity, which is favorable for its growth.
2. Light: The peace lily is relatively shade-tolerant, so it is suitable for growing in a semi-shaded environment. Direct sunlight must be avoided. According to experiments, about 60% scattered light can meet the growth needs of the peace lily. Therefore, it can be kept year-round indoors in a place with bright scattered light. If it is placed under strong light, the leaf surface will turn yellow, and it may even be directly sunburned.
3. Temperature: The peace lily likes high temperatures and is especially afraid of cold. Its most suitable growth temperature is 20-28°C. Once winter comes, it must be brought indoors. The lowest temperature it can withstand is 10 degrees, so attention must be paid in winter. Relatively speaking, growing conditions in the north are too poor. If the peace lily is kept at low temperatures for a long time, it will cause root rot, leaf drop or scorched yellow leaves, and in severe cases may even lead to death.
4. Potting soil: Potting soil is the foundation of cultivation. During the growth period, the peace lily should be kept with moist potting soil at all times, but water accumulation in the pot must be avoided. Long-term water accumulation in the potting soil will cause root rot and yellowing and withering of the plant. If this happens, take the plant out of the pot, then dry it, and put it back again.
5. Diseases and pests: Diseases and pests are a common problem for home-grown plants, and they can be avoided as long as care is proper.