Saturday, February 8, 2003

Peace Lily Won't Bloom

We are having a problem with our peace lilies budding, but they do not bloom. They turn brown and dry up. Can you tell me what we should do? Thanks for your help!
Peace Lily

'Bud blast' is the term used when flower buds on any flowering plant fail to open, and drop off the plant. There can be one, or a combination of factors which leads to this plant problem. Hopefully you will be able to diagnose and solve the problem with your peace lily from the following list of conditions which most commonly cause the loss of flower buds on houseplants.

Dry air or too little humidity - increase the humidity levels in the air around your plant by misting the plant, providing a pebble tray under the potted plant, and be sure the plant is not located to close to hot or cold drafts. (Heat registers, open windows or doors, etc.) An occasional tepid shower in the shower is always beneficial to a plant as it removes dust, grime and insects.

Underwatering can cause bud drop - It is critical that peace lilies have a constantly moist soil, especially while they are flowering. Water the plant as soon as the soils surface approaches dryness. Use tepid water and water the plant thoroughly by pouring water unto the soils surface until the excess water runs freely out of the pots drainage holes. Do not let the pot sit in the excess water, however, as too much water (overwatering) can also cause bud drop, as well as other problems.

Too little light - the plant may have to be moved to a brighter location or, supplied with artificial lighting, if necessary. Although peace lilies can survive in rather low light conditions, they must have enough light to produce the energy required by the plant to initiate flower buds and sustain those flowers. If there is only enough light available to keep the plant alive, they will abort the flower buds.

Temperatures are too cold or too hot - most flowering plants fail to flower properly under these conditions. Peace lilies enjoy night temperatures near 65 degrees F and daytime highs of 72 - 75 degrees F.

Insects - check the plant over carefully for those hard to see insects, such as spider mites, which maybe feeding on the flowers buds.

Natural gas which is used for heating or cooking can cause bud blast ( buds brown, dry up and fall off) if the appliances are not properly vented to the outside. Have the air checked in the home for toxic gases, and correct venting problems, if necessary.