Find Your Ask the Expert: Peace lily flower turning black
I’m not sure what the technical name is for this part of the peace lily – it could be called a stamen (?).
It’s NOT the white leaf part of the flower, but comes out from the stem at the point where the flower part comes out of the stem.
The very tips of these white parts are turning black.
Why? Is the plant being over-watered? Or is something else wrong?
Thanks for your help.
Kate
Plant Expert Reply:
The protrusion from the peace lily (Spathiphyllum) “bloom” is called a spadix which is a spike with minute flowers enclosed by the spathe (the white leaf).
The answer to the black coloring depends on the age of the bloom. If the bloom is a couple of weeks old, the black color is a signal that the bloom is spent and in decline especially if the leaves are green and healthy. This is a normal process that occurs with every bloom. Simply remove the spent bloom by following the stem to the base of the plant and cut it off.
However if these are newly formed blooms, the plant is under stress. If the leaves are showing the same symptoms, you are probably over-watering them. Make sure your pot is allowing excess water to drain away from the roots. Once you correct the water issue the plant should recover.
As long as your peace lily looks healthy, I would continue to care for it as you have been.
Good luck and keep me posted.
