Peace Lily - Why Doesn't my Spathiphyllum Flower?

Springtime is the time of year the Peace Lily naturally flowers but the plant cleans indoor air to help produce a healthier home all year around. Walk into just any Home Improvement garden center and you'll see white flowers hovering over the dark green foliage.

I can't tell you how many times I've had the question asked...

Let's cover a little about the plant and the production of it.

Twenty years ago Peace lily was grown primarily as a foliage plant, and was started from seeds. The main variety was  Spathiphyllum "Mauna Loa" and flowers were an added benefit.

Today, most of the Spathiphyllum grown are produced from tissue culture or cloning - remember "Dolly" the sheep. Breeders look for specific traits during the selection process, such as flowering habits, leaf texture, toughness, cold tolerant or handles low light well. 

Once they have found or developed a plant that meets specific traits or market needs, it is then produced in the lab by the thousands. This process "guarantees" the plants being "all the same" and will all grow the same... same height, same fullness, same flowering, same care, etc. This also helps growers to get a consistent supply of plant material.

There are many varieties of Spathiphyllum on the market today.  Some of the varieties grown in 4-6 inch pots have been selected for their flowering traits or ability to force lots of flowers on a small plant. These plants are treated with chemicals to induce this quantity of flowers. They carry names like "petite" or "starlite". 

Some of the larger varieties 10" and up such as "Supreme" and "Lynise" have been selected for their interior qualities. Another variety used indoors is "Sensation" and you may never see a flower on it. But, the plant is, as the name says 'Sensation'al, it can reach heights of 5-6 feet. 

What About My Plant?

Many times when plants are purchased they are thought or expected to live forever, I'm here to tell you don't believe it. But, let me give you a word of encouragement. You are not doing anything wrong if your plant isn't flowering. 

In fact, you have probably been growing the plant longer then the nursery did. You have taken a plant that may have traveled thousands of miles, acclimated it to a new environment, and grown it successfully. You should be congratulated.

A Little Light on the Subject

Flowering is usually a matter of light and/or temperature... long days, short days, cold snaps followed by warm weather and light levels. Do your plants have a nice dark green color? Are they healthy? They may look good but may not receive enough light to flower. Plants grown in the nursery are probably receiving 3000 foot candles or more of light. Most northern interiors if they receive 10% of that amount would be considered a lot of light.

Look around and you'll notice plants flowering in the landscape. If the plants don't get enough light they will have few flowers. Your spath is no different. Many people just pour on the fertilizer and think that it will force the plant to flower... you may, in fact, be causing more problems. Plants in the landscape haven't been getting fertilizer have they?

I hate to say it but the best thing to do with your plant that doesn't flower.... enjoy it as a foliage plant. If you need to add some color, visit your favorite garden center or nursery and add a new plant to your interior.

Why is it possible that your Spathiphyllum doesn't flower?

You may have a variety that you'll rarely see flowers on, which is the case with Sensation OR you may just not be giving the plant enough light. For those with lots of flowers removing the flowers is their question.