If you’ve ever owned a peace lily, you know they’re the kind of plant that whispers elegance with their deep green leaves and snowy white blooms. But getting those blooms to show up regularly? That can feel like waiting for a miracle.
Well, not for my Nana.
She always had a peace lily in the corner of her sunny kitchen. It wasn’t just alive—it was thriving. Big, lush, and blooming more often than any of mine ever did. When I finally asked her what her secret was, she gave me a knowing smile and shared a simple, old-school trick that made all the difference.
And guess what? It actually works.
Why Peace Lilies Stop Flowering
Before we dive into Nana’s trick, it helps to understand why peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) might not bloom in the first place.
They’re tropical plants that naturally bloom when conditions mimic their native rainforest environment—warm temps, high humidity, filtered light, and nutrient-rich soil. When one or more of those elements are off, your plant might stay healthy but go flower-free for months.
Here are the most common reasons peace lilies won’t bloom:
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Not enough light
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Overwatering or underwatering
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Lack of nutrients
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Old or compacted soil
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Root crowding
Now, back to Nana’s magic…
Nana’s Old-School Hack: The Water Soak Boost
She called it her “deep soak revival,” and it was as simple as it sounds.
“Every month,” she’d say, “you’ve gotta give it a bath—not just a drink.”
Here’s what she meant:
🌿 Step-by-Step: The Deep Soak Peace Lily Trick
1. Take the plant out of its decorative pot.
Peace lilies are usually in plastic nursery pots with drainage holes. Remove it from any outer pot so water can drain freely.
2. Fill a bucket, basin, or sink with lukewarm water.
Make sure the water is deep enough to reach the top of the soil line—but not overflow onto the leaves.
3. Submerge the entire pot in the water.
Let the plant soak for 10–15 minutes. This allows the soil to fully absorb moisture and rehydrate from the roots up.
4. Let it drain thoroughly.
After soaking, let the pot sit in the sink or on a rack until all excess water drains out. You don’t want soggy roots sitting in a puddle.
5. Return to its usual spot.
Put the peace lily back where it gets bright, indirect light.
Nana swore this once-a-month bath triggered her plants to push out blooms—and in my experience, she wasn’t wrong.
Why It Works
Here’s the science behind the soak:
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Hydration Reset:
Sometimes, regular watering doesn’t fully penetrate dry or compacted soil. A deep soak ensures roots get a thorough drink. -
Nutrient Uptake Boost:
When roots are fully hydrated, they can absorb nutrients more efficiently, which encourages flowering. -
Stress Reduction:
Underwatered or overwatered plants can go into survival mode and stop blooming. The deep soak balances moisture levels.
It’s a small move with big impact—especially when paired with a few other TLC tips.
Pro Tips to Maximize Bloom Power
Want to go the extra mile like Nana did? Try adding these simple habits to your peace lily care routine:
✅ Bright, Indirect Light
Peace lilies don’t need full sun, but they do need light to flower. Near a north or east-facing window is perfect.
✅ Monthly Feeding
Use a balanced, diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month—especially during spring and summer.
✅ Dust Those Leaves
Dust blocks light and clogs leaf pores. Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth every few weeks.
✅ Repot When Rootbound
If roots are bursting from the bottom, it’s time for a bigger home. Peace lilies bloom better when they’re not cramped.
✅ Trim Old Blooms
Once a flower browns, snip it off at the base. This redirects the plant’s energy toward new growth.
When to Expect Results
If you start the deep soak trick and tweak the basics, you could see new blooms in 4 to 6 weeks, especially during the plant’s natural flowering seasons—spring and early fall.
Don’t expect flowers year-round, though. Peace lilies go through natural rest periods, and that’s totally normal.
The Bottom Line
Peace lilies aren’t complicated—they just need the right kind of attention. And sometimes, that attention comes in the form of a tried-and-true, passed-down tip from someone who’s been doing it forever.
Nana didn’t have a greenhouse or fancy grow lights. Just a lot of love, patience, and one monthly soak that kept her peace lily blooming like clockwork.
If yours has been stubborn lately, try this old-school trick. It might just bring your plant—and your home—a whole lot more peace and beauty.