Does pruning help it flower?

Yes, pruning back the stems in late winter can encourage more branching and more flower spikes in the summer.

Can I force it to bloom?

You cannot force it, but providing optimal light and a dry period in late winter often triggers the natural blooming cycle.

Why is my Lion's Ear not blooming? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Measure the hours of direct sun your plant receives.
Check if the plant is being shaded by nearby trees or structures.
Review your recent fertilizing schedule.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks healthy but produces only leaves and no flower stalks. It may also start to stretch toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. If you are growing indoors, you may need to supplement with a strong grow light.
Excessive Fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: The plant is very green and bushy but refuses to set buds. Too much nitrogen encourages foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
What to do: Stop fertilizing for the rest of the season. Switch to a bloom booster fertilizer with higher phosphorus content next spring if needed.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your lion's ear

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

It is normal for young plants to skip flowering in their first year. If your mature plant has not bloomed for two seasons, it definitely needs more light.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure the plant is in full sun throughout the growing season. Avoid overfeeding with nitrogen heavy fertilizers.

Lion's Ear: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lion's ear 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 pruning help it flower?: Yes, pruning back the stems in late winter can encourage more branching and more flower spikes in the summer.
Can I force it to bloom?: You cannot force it, but providing optimal light and a dry period in late winter often triggers the natural blooming cycle.

Why is my Lion's Ear not blooming?