The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a favorite among houseplant lovers, prized for its elegant white flowers and deep green leaves. It’s low-maintenance, air-purifying, and can thrive in indoor environments with moderate light. However, one common frustration among plant owners is that their peace lilies stop blooming after the initial flowering phase.

If your peace lily is healthy but hasn’t flowered in a long time, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to encourage this plant to bloom consistently. But there’s a simple and inexpensive trick that might just transform your plant: placing a common item under the plant can stimulate it to produce flowers again—and keep blooming throughout the year.

The Secret: A Simple Tablet in the Soil

Gardeners have recently discovered that placing a ferrous sulfate tablet, commonly found in iron supplements for humans, under the soil of a peace lily pot can make a significant difference. Iron is an essential micronutrient for plant health. While most potting mixes contain some iron, it often becomes unavailable to plants over time, especially in older or compacted soil.

Ferrous sulfate tablets slowly release iron into the root zone, helping improve chlorophyll production and overall vigor. More surprisingly, many plant owners have reported a noticeable increase in flowering within a few weeks after placing the tablet under the soil.

Why Iron Boosts Blooms

Iron plays a crucial role in photosynthesis and overall plant metabolism. A deficiency typically shows as yellowing leaves (chlorosis), but even if your plant appears healthy, a mild iron deficiency might be holding back its flowering potential.

By enriching the soil with additional iron in a slow-release form, you’re giving your peace lily a boost where it counts—helping it produce more energy through improved photosynthesis, which translates to stronger growth and more blooms.

How to Apply the Iron Tablet Method

Here’s how to safely and effectively use this method on your peace lily:

  1. Choose the Right Tablet
    Use a ferrous sulfate or iron supplement tablet. These are widely available in pharmacies or online. Look for uncoated tablets without added sugars or flavoring, as these are safer for plant use.

  2. Lift the Top Layer of Soil
    Using your fingers or a small tool, gently loosen the top 2–3 centimeters (about 1 inch) of soil near the base of the plant. Take care not to disturb the roots.

  3. Place the Tablet
    Bury one tablet just below the surface, a few centimeters from the main stem. You don’t want it to be in direct contact with the base of the plant.

  4. Cover and Water
    Replace the soil over the tablet and water the plant lightly. Watering helps the iron start to dissolve and become available to the roots.

  5. Repeat Occasionally
    This isn’t a daily or weekly task. One tablet can last 2 to 3 months, depending on soil conditions and watering frequency. Avoid overuse, as too much iron can harm the plant.

Results to Expect

Within 2 to 4 weeks, you may begin to see a difference. The leaves may take on a deeper green tone, and new flower stalks may emerge. Some users report their peace lilies continuing to bloom nearly year-round after consistent iron supplementation.

It’s important to note that while this trick enhances flowering, it should not replace good overall plant care. Proper light, watering, and humidity levels are still essential for success.

Additional Peace Lily Care Tips

If you want your peace lily to stay in top shape and bloom consistently, combine the iron tablet method with these care fundamentals:

  • Light: Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves, while too little light will reduce blooming.

  • Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch.

  • Humidity: Native to tropical forests, peace lilies appreciate high humidity. Mist the leaves or place the pot on a tray with water and pebbles.

  • Cleaning Leaves: Wipe the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and allow better photosynthesis.

  • Repotting: If roots are tightly packed or growing out of the drainage holes, repot the plant to refresh the soil and allow more room for growth.

Final Thoughts

Peace lilies are rewarding plants that respond well to thoughtful care. If your plant hasn’t bloomed in a while, try this surprisingly simple method of placing an iron tablet under the soil. It’s a low-cost, low-effort way to potentially boost flowering and enhance the plant’s overall health.

With the right environment and just a little help from this trick, your peace lily could thrive and bloom beautifully all year long.

jardin