Does fertilizer help with blooms?

Yes, but use a balanced fertilizer sparingly. Too much nitrogen will encourage leaves instead of flowers.

Should I divide my plant?

If the clump is extremely dense and has stopped blooming, dividing it in the spring can refresh the plant.

Why is my African lily not flowering? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Measure the hours of direct sun your plant receives daily.
Check if the pot is significantly larger than the root mass.
Inspect the soil for signs of excessive nitrogen fertilizer.

Likely causes

Insufficient Sunlight
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks healthy but produces no flower stalks, or the stalks are weak and flop over.
What to do: Move your pot to a sunnier spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun. If planted in the ground, trim back nearby shrubs that might be casting too much shade.
Too Much Pot Space
Possible
How to tell: The plant is in a very large container and seems to be focusing all its energy on root growth rather than blooms.
What to do: Repot the plant into a smaller container that is just slightly larger than the root ball. African lilies actually prefer to be a bit crowded to trigger flowering.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your african lily

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If your plant has been in the same spot for over two years without a single bloom, it is time to adjust its environment. Young plants grown from seed often take 2 to 3 years before they are mature enough to flower.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your African lily slightly root bound and ensure it gets plenty of direct sun throughout the growing season.

African lily: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your african lily and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Does fertilizer help with blooms?: Yes, but use a balanced fertilizer sparingly. Too much nitrogen will encourage leaves instead of flowers.
Should I divide my plant?: If the clump is extremely dense and has stopped blooming, dividing it in the spring can refresh the plant.

Why is my African lily not flowering?