What is what to do when peace lily flowers turn brown?

When your Peace Lily flowers turn brown, it's usually a sign of a problem, but it's often easily fixable. Here's what to do:

• Determine the Cause:

  • Natural Aging: If the flower is old and has been around for a while, browning is simply a part of the natural life cycle.
  • Watering Issues: Both underwatering and overwatering can cause browning. Check the soil moisture. If it's bone dry, you're underwatering. If it's constantly soggy, you're overwatering. Let the top inch or two of soil dry out between waterings.
  • Too Much Light: Peace Lilies prefer indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and flowers.
  • Low Humidity: Peace Lilies thrive in humid environments. Dry air can cause the flower tips to brown.
  • Fertilizer Issues: Over-fertilizing can cause brown tips. Reduce the frequency or dilute your fertilizer.
  • Water Quality: Tap water with high levels of salts, chlorine, or fluoride can cause browning. Use filtered or distilled water.

• What to Do:

  • Remove the Brown Flower: Once the Peace Lily flower has turned brown, it won't revert back to white. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the flower stem near the base of the plant. This directs the plant's energy to new growth.

  • Adjust Watering: Correct your watering habits based on your diagnosis. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

  • Move the Plant: If the plant is in direct sunlight, move it to a spot with indirect light.

  • Increase Humidity: Increase humidity by:

    • Misting the plant regularly.
    • Using a humidifier.
    • Placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot isn't sitting directly in the water).

  • Reduce Fertilizer: Cut back on fertilizer frequency. Fertilize only during the growing season (spring and summer) and use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

  • Use Filtered Water: Switch to filtered, distilled, or rainwater.