The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular houseplant known for its lush green leaves and beautiful white blooms. However, getting it to flower can sometimes be a challenge. Fortunately, you only need two key ingredients to help your Peace Lily bloom abundantly: bone meal and charcoal. Here’s a simple guide to make your Peace Lily truly exuberant.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
- Bone Meal: A great source of phosphorus, essential for flower development.
- Activated Charcoal: Helps improve soil aeration, drainage, and reduces toxins.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
- Choose the Right Pot: Ensure your Peace Lily is in a pot with adequate drainage.
- Mix the Soil: Combine high-quality potting soil with bone meal and activated charcoal.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons of bone meal per gallon of soil.
- Add a handful of activated charcoal to the soil mix.
Step 3: Repotting Your Peace Lily
- Remove the Plant: Carefully remove the Peace Lily from its current pot.
- Inspect the Roots: Check for any damaged or rotting roots and trim them.
- Fill the New Pot: Place a layer of the prepared soil mix at the bottom of the new pot.
- Position the Plant: Set the Peace Lily in the pot, ensuring the roots are spread out.
- Fill Around the Plant: Add more soil mix around the roots, firming it gently to eliminate air pockets.
Step 4: Watering
- Initial Watering: After repotting, water the plant thoroughly to help settle the soil.
- Regular Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Peace Lilies prefer slightly damp soil.
Step 5: Light and Placement
- Indirect Light: Place your Peace Lily in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- Consistent Environment: Maintain a stable temperature between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and avoid drafts or sudden temperature changes.
Step 6: Feeding Schedule
- Bone Meal Application: Reapply bone meal every 2-3 months by sprinkling a tablespoon on top of the soil and watering it in.
- Activated Charcoal: Replace the top inch of soil with a fresh mix of soil and charcoal every 6 months to keep the soil fresh and toxin-free.
Step 7: General Care Tips
- Humidity: Peace Lilies thrive in high humidity. Mist the leaves regularly or use a humidifier.
- Cleaning Leaves: Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and allow better light absorption.
- Pruning: Remove any yellow or brown leaves to keep the plant healthy and encourage new growth.
Step 8: Monitoring for Blooms
- Watch for Signs: With proper care and feeding, you should see blooms emerging within a few months.
- Patience: If blooms don’t appear immediately, be patient. Consistent care and the right nutrients will eventually encourage flowering.
By incorporating bone meal and activated charcoal into your Peace Lily’s care routine, you provide essential nutrients and create an optimal growing environment. With these two simple ingredients, your Peace Lily can achieve exuberant blooms and become a stunning focal point in your home.