Peace Lily Flowers Are Green – Fixing Green Blooms On Peace Lilies

Peace lily is a tropical plant popular as a houseplant in colder climates. It is easy to grow and forgiving of neglect. The foliage is attractive, but the plant also produces gorgeous white flowers. If your peace lily flowers are green, the contrast is not as striking. There are a few possible reasons for this phenomenon. 

Why Do Peace Lily Flowers Turn Green? 

What you may consider a flower on the peace lily is actually a spathe. A spathe is a modified leaf, or bract, that surrounds the small flowers. The natural cycle of the spathe on a peace lily is to develop with a greenish color, turn bright white, and then turn green again as the flowers fade and ultimately turn brown. 

Most likely your green peace lily blooms are simply part of the process. However, another reason that they may be more green than white is over-feeding. Peace lily has low fertilizer needs, so providing too much can cause issues, including less striking flowers. Another growing condition that may contribute to the green color is bright light. 

How to Prevent Green Blooms on Peace Lilies 

Because the green shade is natural during certain phases of the peace lily flower’s lifespan, it’s not possible to avoid green flowers entirely. However, you can take steps to make sure your plant produces more flowers that are healthy and bright white:

• Fertilize only lightly and a couple of times a year. Use a houseplant fertilizer but halve the strength. Apply during active growth and when flowers are blooming. Reducing fertilizer when you see a green flower won’t correct the problem immediately, but it should lead to whiter blooms next time around. 
• Make sure your peace lily doesn’t get too much light. This is a shade-loving tropical plant. Too much sun may trigger photosynthesis in the spathes. A spot in the house with indirect light is best. 
• Water your peace lily regularly, but make sure drainage is adequate. The plant is healthiest with moist but not soggy soil. 
• Your peace lily should not be allowed to get too cold, but also avoid putting it next to a radiator or vent. The dry air from indoor heating or from a cold draft can harm the plant.