Peace lilies are a popular houseplant in the UK, but getting them to flower can be a tricky task15:22, 25 May 2026With parts of the UK in the midst of a heatwave, gardening fans are busily tackling tasks that will deliver the finest flowers.‌One particular plant which blossoms and flourishes from spring through to autumn is the peace lily, though it's vital to offer it care that's precisely matched to its requirements.‌Numerous keen gardeners will certainly have encountered the scenario where their peace lily plants sit lush and green on their windowsills, yet somehow fail to produce those elegant white flowers.‌So, what steps can you take to encourage your peace lilies to flower this spring? There's one natural household remedy that's been recognised for working miracles on non-flowering peace lilies, reports the Express.Plenty of gardeners choose to steer clear of harsh chemicals on their indoor plants, favouring instead natural tips and methods which aren't overly damaging to the plant or the environment.One such household natural trick that's received widespread acclaim for its effects on non-flowering peace lilies is watering the plant with a cup of uncooked rice water once monthly.‌The explanation for why rice water is regarded as a premium natural fertiliser for peace lilies is that it contains modest amounts of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus - three nutrients that are vital for houseplants to enhance their flower production, boost foliage growth, and support their root development. It's also packed with zinc, iron and sulphur - all powerful plant nutrients when added to the soil in the right quantities.It's vital to make sure the uncooked rice water solution stays free from oil, salt, or any seasoning whatsoever, as this can be damaging and harmful to the peace lily's development.‌Rice water also holds trace amounts of minerals such as magnesium and B vitamins, which aid the plant's energy production, resulting in larger and more impressive blooms, particularly in peace lilies.How to use rice water to encourage peace lilies to flowerSimply add cold tap water to a cup of rice and rinse it thoroughly (using your hands or stirring with a spoon). You'll instantly notice the water turning cloudy, and that's where the real magic lies.Once your rice is washed, pour the remaining solution into a cup or container, and use it to water your peace lilies once a month. Should the solution appear too strong, you can always add fresh water to dilute it. Bear in mind not to store your uncooked rice water for extended periods.‌Tishana, gardener and founder of Coco and Seed, explains: "After you wash your rice, the water that is left back contains starches and minerals. The minerals contain trace macronutrients of NPK, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that help your plants grow." It appears peace lilies have a remarkable affinity for rice, as yet another rice-based trick is said to make "so many flowers explode" on these easy-to-care houseplants.On the widely followed YouTube channel Plant Tips, a houseplant and gardening expert revealed how combining rice flour with water can produce spectacular blooms on peace lilies.‌The specialist shared: "Amazing result, grow peace lily with one cup of rice flour, so many flowers explode."To try this method, one cup of rice flour should be stirred into water until it forms a thin, runny consistency. This solution can then be used to wipe down the leaves of your peace lily, and once complete, the remaining mixture can be poured directly into the plant's soil.As with similar remedies, it's essential to apply this natural treatment no more than once a month, as overuse can prove seriously harmful to your plant's health and development.Article continues belowThe Plant Tips specialist was filmed watering their peace lily with the rice flour solution, even decanting it into a spray bottle to mist the plant's surface. Three months on, the expert unveiled the results, with the peace lily bursting with blossoms and appearing far healthier and more vigorous than in the earlier footage.With both rice-based methods, it's vital to apply the natural fertiliser sparingly — no more than once monthly — and during periods when rice water isn't being used, ordinary tap water or rainwater should be given to your treasured peace lily.