Do Peace Lilies Smell Good? Quick Answer
Last Updated on July 25, 2024
Yes, Peace Lilies are known for their pleasant fragrance. They produce white, elegant flowers with a subtle, sweet scent, making them a popular choice for indoor spaces.
Are Peace Lilies Fragrant?
Generally, Peace Lily leaves are not known for having a scent. However, when the plant blooms, the white spathes it produces do have a mild and pleasant fragrance. This fragrance is most pronounced when the flowers are freshly bloomed and tends to fade over time.
Taking good care of your plant encourages blooming and enhances the chances of experiencing this subtle scent.
If you struggle with detecting scents, it might be challenging to determine if your peace lily has a fragrance. However, if your preference is for plants with a subtle and present scent, peace lilies are a great choice.
Peace Lily plants are known for their mild fragrance, and the added benefit is that they require minimal maintenance. This makes them a suitable option for those who prefer not to deal with strict watering schedules, reducing the likelihood of frustration.
How Peace Lily Smells Like?
The smell of a Peace Lily is often described as mild, subtle, and pleasant. The fragrance is most prominent when the plant is in bloom, emanating from the white spathes it produces.
The scent is generally not overpowering, making Peace Lilies a popular choice for indoor spaces. However, individual perceptions of smell can vary, and some people may find the fragrance stronger or more subtle than others.
Overall, the gentle and soothing aroma of a blooming Peace Lily adds to its appeal as a houseplant.
Factors Affecting Fragrance in Peace Lily Flowers
The fragrance of Peace Lily flowers is influenced by their colours. Light-colored varieties tend to be the most fragrant. When choosing a peace lily, consider the lighting conditions of the room.
Darker colours, like pink, may be less fragrant as they absorb light, whereas lighter colours such as yellow and white reflect more light and, consequently, have a more pronounced fragrance.
Additionally, lighter-coloured peace lilies require less frequent watering since they use up less water from the soil and have smaller oil production for scent. Placing them in well-ventilated areas enhances their scent, while low airflow may limit the fragrance’s spread.
Beyond their fragrance, peace lilies are valued as houseplants for their ability to purify the air by removing toxins and releasing oxygen at night. To fully enjoy their soothing aroma, it’s recommended to place them in areas where people spend considerable time.
Why Does My Peace Lily Smells Bad?
A Peace Lily may emit a bad smell due to overwatering leading to root rot, poor drainage, accumulation of soil salts, decaying organic matter, inadequate air circulation, or the presence of disease or pests.
To address this issue, ensure proper watering practices, improve drainage, flush the soil, remove decaying plant material, enhance air circulation, and inspect for pests or diseases.
Identifying and remedying the specific cause will help eliminate the unpleasant odour and promote the plant’s overall health.
Tips to Enhance the Smell of Peace Lily
1. Proper Care: Ensure your peace lily is thriving in its environment. This means providing it with bright, indirect sunlight, consistent watering (avoid overwatering!), and well-draining soil. A healthy plant is more likely to put energy into blooming and potentially producing a faint fragrance.
2. Choose the Right Variety: If fragrance is a top priority, consider getting a “Mauna Loa” or “Sensation” peace lily variety, known for having a slightly stronger scent. However, keep in mind that even these varieties might not have a noticeable aroma unless conditions are perfect.
3. Temperature and Humidity: Peace lilies prefer warm temperatures (around 65-80°F) and moderate humidity (50-60%). Maintaining these conditions might slightly nudge the plant towards producing a stronger scent, but the effect is likely minimal.
4. Patience: Flowering takes energy, so a healthy peace lily might only bloom and potentially emit a faint scent once or twice a year. Be patient and avoid stressing the plant by trying to force blooms.
