Popular among houseplant aficionados for their low-maintenance character, peace lilies—known for their exquisite blossoms and calm presence—are a delight.
They can, however, be somewhat erratic; one moment they thrive and the next they wither without notice. These plants need appropriate nutrients if we are to keep them vibrant and blossoming.
From March to October specifically, Rob Clarke, technical manager at Westland Horticulture, stresses the need of consistent feeding.
"We advise giving the peace lily a feed every two weeks; it must be fed routinely, especially in the peak growing season of March to October," Clarke says.
For rich foliage, he advises applying a balanced houseplant fertilizer with nitrogen; for help the plant blossom and hold its flowers longer, use potash.
One should always dilute the fertilizer to half-strength since peace lilies are sensitive to over-fertilization.
Water your peace lily gently before applying fertiliser to avoid root burn. This guarantees slow absorption of the nutrients without scaring the plant.
Avoid the foliage and straight pour the diluted fertiliser straight into the ground at the base of the plant. This facilitates good absorption of nutrients by the roots.
Over time, fertilizer can accumulate in the soil and cause dark leaf tips. Water your plant thoroughly every few months to flush the soil, therefore eliminating any salt accumulation by means of excess water draining away.
Feed your peace lily, vigorously developing in spring and summer, every four to six weeks. Steer clear of autumn and winter fertilising when growth slows.