The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is one of the most loved houseplants for a reason. It’s elegant, easy to care for, and known for its beautiful white blooms that rise gracefully above glossy green leaves.
But many plant owners are disappointed when their peace lily stops blooming after the first few flowers fade.
Even with proper care, new flowers can be few and far between.
If your peace lily is healthy but not blooming, there’s a surprisingly simple trick that could turn things around. You don’t need special fertilizer or expensive plant food—just one piece of a common household item might be enough to trigger blooming that lasts all year round.
The Secret: Garlic Clove in the Soil
Yes, it sounds unusual—but many gardeners have found that placing one clove of garlic in the soil can make a remarkable difference. This natural method is easy to apply, safe for the plant, and incredibly cost-effective. The garlic clove acts as a gentle stimulant, helping to improve soil quality, deter harmful microbes, and possibly even encourage flowering.
Why Garlic Works
Garlic contains natural compounds such as allicin, which have antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. When buried in the soil, garlic can help suppress harmful soil-borne pathogens that may be silently affecting the plant’s ability to thrive.
But garlic doesn’t just fight off pests—it may also enrich the root environment, promoting stronger root systems and healthier overall growth. Healthier roots mean better nutrient uptake, which in turn supports more vigorous flowering.
In many cases, peace lilies that hadn’t flowered in months began to produce buds within a few weeks of trying this method. While it may not work for every single plant, the results have impressed enough home gardeners to make it worth trying.