**Caring for Peace Lilies: Tips for Thriving Blooms All Year Round**
Peace lilies, renowned for their elegant white flowers, are a favorite among houseplant lovers, thanks to their relatively easy care and ability to bloom throughout the year. However, as the seasons change, so must your watering habits to ensure these beautiful plants thrive.
### Adjusting Watering Habits
According to gardening expert Matt Slaymaker from Lively Root, overwatering during the winter months can hinder growth and prevent blooming. During summer, peace lilies typically require more frequent watering as their soil dries out quickly. In contrast, winter brings higher humidity levels, causing the soil to retain moisture longer.
### Watering Guidelines
Instead of following a strict watering schedule, check your peace lily’s soil moisture weekly. If the soil feels moist, wait a day or two before watering again. However, if the soil is dry, it’s time to hydrate your plant.
Matt highlights the importance of balance:
– **Overwatered plants** will show yellowing, wilting leaves and soggy soil.
– **Underwatered plants** will exhibit droopy leaves and dry soil.
### Humidity Needs
Peace lilies thrive in humid environments, so consider misting them every few days with a spray bottle or placing them in steamy areas like bathrooms or kitchens. As autumn approaches, be cautious to keep your plants away from hot radiators and drafty windows, which can dry them out and affect blooming.
### Boosting Flower Production
To encourage flowering in peace lilies, consider using banana peels as a natural fertilizer. Banana peels are rich in potassium, which aids in flower development, strengthens roots, and enhances disease resistance.
#### Simple Fertilizer Hack:
1. Place a banana peel in a jar of water and let it steep for a couple of days.
2. Strain out the peel, and you’ll have a potassium-rich solution.
3. Pour this banana brew into the soil once a month—just one peel per plant is sufficient to avoid overfertilization and potential mold issues.
With these tips, your peace lilies will flourish, bringing beauty and vibrancy to your home all year long!
