Why Are the Flowers on My Peace Lily Green?

Peace lily blossoms start out green.

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are members of the Aroid family of plants. These tropical plants require year-round warm temperatures. With proper care, peace lilies perform admirably as potted houseplants. Although white flowers are the norm for peace lilies, green blossoms are not a reason for alarm.

Characteristics

Also called white flag, white sails and spath flower, peace lilies are perennial plants that grow for several years in tropical and indoor climates. Mature plants can grow as tall as 5 feet high and as wide as 4 feet across. The dark-green leaves grow about 12 inches long and display a gently arching characteristic. Peace lilies periodically produce blossoms on the ends of tall, straight stems.

Blossoms

All peace lilies have white blossoms, although they may vary slightly between bright white and creamy white, depending on the individual specimen. Common houseplant cultivars include Sensation, Lynise, Flower Power and Starlight. Green blossoms are not a sign of disease or disorder. Due to the presence of chlorophyll in the buds, the blossoms naturally start out pale green and gradually turn white as they open fully. This is the nature of peace lily plants and a sign of good health.

Requirements

Peace lilies require good drainage and even moisture. Excessive drying can interfere with optimal blossom development, while too much dampness can result in fungal disorders in the roots and lower stems. Unlike some flowering houseplants, peace lilies need slightly shaded locations and suffer in full sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause burn the delicate foliage and wilt entire plants. Peace lilies cannot tolerate freezing temperatures, and thrive in areas with daytime temperatures between 68 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and nighttime temperatures between 58 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Considerations

Although early green blossoms provide minimal interest against the deeper green leaves, the blossoms eventually turn white and create a vibrant contrast. Providing light doses of flowering houseplant food during the active growing season will encourage healthy blossom development. With proper care, the blossoms on a peace lily can last for several weeks.

References

• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Peace Lily; Marjan Kluepfel and Bob Polomski; September 1999
• House Plants for You: Peace Lily
• "Botanica's Gardening Encyclopedia", Susan Page 2001

Resources

• Spaths: Spathiphyllum