Just over a month ago, I bought a peace lily, and its white flowers and glossy green leaves have been looking abundantly healthy. However, when I looked at it a few mornings ago, I noticed the white flowers were turning brown, and the central bracts were following suit.
I’d been treating my peace lily just right; it was placed in bright, indirect light, away from any drafts. I’d also been using a plant moisture meter to ensure it wasn’t being overwatered or left too long to dry out. I really couldn’t think what I’d been doing wrong, so I called on the help of Matt Aulton, head grower at Plant Proper, to reveal the truth.
Why do peace lily flowers turn brown?
Having had such a healthy plant, I was surprised to see the blooms turning brown, but there was no need to panic. "Peace lily flowers browning can be concerning, but it is either a natural occurrence or an easy fix for future flowers,” Aulton said.
“The flowers on peace lilies are not a forever flower. They will naturally brown and fall within 4-6 weeks.”
So, rather than me thinking it was a problem with my plant care, it was all to do with the plant’s natural cycle. But should the flowers be left alone, deadheaded or pruned right back?
“If the flower expires, simply prune it back at the bottom of the stem, as close to the base of the plant as possible. Use clean shears and make a clean cut. This will help the plant focus on new, happy, healthy growth and new flowers,” Aulton told me.
I’ve followed Aulton’s tip and have cut back the flowers, and at the same time, I repotted my peace lily as it was outgrowing its pot. It now looks back to full health.
What if the flowers turn brown before the 4-week mark?
It turns out I didn’t need to worry about my peace lily flowers turning brown, but if they had, there are several possible reasons. Aulton said it could be a watering or lighting issue, salt buildup in the soil, or a lack of humidity.
Water
To avoid watering issues, he advised: “Be sure to keep the peace lily soil moist but not soggy. This plant will tell you when it is thirsty with droopy leaves. As soon as it is watered thoroughly, it bounces back and is ready to party!”
Salt
He also notes that peace lilies are prone to salt buildup in the soil, which can cause the flowers to brown. “Flush the soil if needed and move forward with using only filtered water when watering the plant. Top-water the plant and try not to bottom-water it.”
Light
Placing your plant in the correct light will also protect the leaves from browning. “Bright indirect light is best. Direct sunlight can scorch the flower, causing it to brown, while too little light can lead to a bit of a water issue, eventually causing a browning flower.”
Humidity
Peace lilies also benefit from a humid environment, which is why they are often recommended for bathrooms. Here, Aulton suggests placing your peace lily on a tray of pebbles or grouping it with other plants to help maintain the plant’s humidity levels.
