'I'm a house plant expert - breeders use one product on peace lilies to keep them flowering all year'

peace lily flower

Plant breeders use gibberellin to keep peace lilies in bloom all year round

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Solen Le Net

By Solen Le Net


Published: 06/08/2024

- 11:31

Updated: 06/08/2024

- 11:41

A plant enthusiast claims one hormone is guaranteed to make indoor plants flower

Growing peace lilies at home is challenging for several reasons, but it's not impossible to multiply their spathes.

Gardening enthusiast Jane Perronne claims the plants are always in flower when bought from a plant nursery thanks to one hormone; gibberellin.



According to Science Direct, Giberrellic acid is a stress-relieving molecule based on its role in promoting plant growth and enhancing seed germination.

Low concentrations can be used to increase germination speed and stimulate cell elongation so plants grow taller.

peace lilies stock image Peace lilies that have not bloomed in years can still produce flowersGETTY

The compounds are also used to promote flowering and more attractive blooms and specimens.

Jane explained: “If you’re wondering why peace lilies are always in flower when you buy them, no matter the time of year, it’s down to a plant hormone called gibberellin.

“So nurseries who grow these plants by the millions, treat peace lilies with a spray called gibberellin, which is a plant hormone that prompts the flowers to come whatever the time of year.

“That’s why when you bring your peace lily home it may stop flowering and not flower for a while because it is no longer being supplied.

“In the wild where these plants grow, in South America, they will generally be flowering around July, but they are not going to flower all year round for you unless you happen to have a supply of gibberellin on supply."

To enjoy long-term flowering at home, the plants must receive the right amount of light.

“If your plant stops flowering, keep treating it well, giving it a decent amount of light," noted Jane.

“Yes these plants are from quite low light conditions but that doesn’t mean you need to stick them in your darkest corner.

Jane stressed that another essential component for keeping the plant happy is moisture.

“Make sure that you keep it moist," she noted. “This is a plant that grows on wet banks of rivers and things like that.

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peace liliesWaterlogging is a major cause of houseplant deathsGETTY

“This is a houseplant that likes to stay moist. Just make sure that it’s not waterlogged.

“Your plant will come back into flower when it wants to come back into flower. When you haven’t added that hormone there isn’t that trigger.

“What that hormone has it has really ramped up breeding in the last few years, which is why you’re seeing all these different cultivars coming through."

For extra foliage, experts recommend placing peace lilies near an east-facing window.

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