You brought home a gorgeous houseplant or received one as a gift. You admire it for a week or so while it bloomed gloriously. Soon after, the flowers fell away and the houseplant isn’t blooming anymore or doesn’t look as radiant as it once did.
Are you struggling to get that plant bloom again? Maybe you’ve never even seen the blooms you’ve been promised at all. Here are a few reasons why a houseplant isn’t blooming.
The plant is too young
If you’ve never seen flowers on a plant that’s supposed to bloom, it may be that the plant is far too young. Certain plants don’t bloom until they’ve been around for a few years. Some species only bloom once or twice in a lifetime.
It’s too dark or bright
Lighting is an essential factor in bloom production. Some plants, for instance, require a hibernation period before they can put out flowers. Others won’t bloom unless they receive adequate sunlight hours. Most plants need at least 6 hours of sun in order to produce flowers. You’ll have to plunge certain plants in darkness (e.g., poinsettias) to force them to flower.
It’s too hot or cold
If you’ve set your houseplant near a chilly windowsill, the low temperatures may be hindering bloom production. Some plants, however, require a period of vernalization (exposure to chilled temperatures) to produce flowers eventually. Extreme shifts in temperature can also affect blooming.
Feeding issues
If you’re not feeding your plant correctly, it may not have the required nutrients to produce flowers. High-nitrogen fertilizers will produce lush green foliage, but you’ll be hard-pressed to spot blooms. Likewise, if your plant is not receiving enough water, it may refuse to reward you with flowers.
You’ve disturbed the plant
Some houseplants may not bloom during a season in which they’re transplanted. It can take some time before the plant is settled back in again and ready to flower.
Steph Coelho is a freelance writer gardening in zone 5b. She is a certified Square Foot Gardener and has taught various garden-related workshops. When she’s not digging in the dirt or writing, she’s cooking up fresh produce, running, or listening to her favorite podcasts.
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