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Lizard's tail · Saururus cernuus

Why is my Lizard's tail not blooming?

It is less common for a Lizard's tail to fail to bloom if it is healthy, as this plant typically flowers in summer. This symptom is usually caused by insufficient light exposure.

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Check these first

  1. Measure the amount of direct light the plant gets.
  2. Check if the plant is crowded by other taller plants.
  3. Ensure the plant is mature enough to flower.

Likely causes

  1. Low light

    Most likely

    How to tell: The plant looks leggy and has not produced any flower spikes during the summer months.

    What to do: Move the plant to a spot with full sun or bright indirect light. It needs at least 6 hours of light daily to bloom.

  2. Nutrient deficiency

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is growing slowly and lacks the energy to produce flowers.

    What to do: Add a small amount of aquatic plant fertilizer to the water once in the spring. Follow the package instructions for your specific pot size.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your lizard's tail

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.

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When to worry

Worry if the plant is mature and healthy but still refuses to bloom after a full summer. It is normal for young plants to skip flowering for their first year.

Stopping it coming back

Provide plenty of bright light and ensure the plant stays consistently wet throughout the growing season.

Lizard's tail: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lizard's tail 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.

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Questions people ask

Does this plant need special soil to flower?
It prefers rich, heavy soil that stays wet. If your soil is very sandy, it might struggle to get the nutrients needed for blooms.
When should I expect flowers?
You will typically see the white, tail like flower spikes appear from late spring through mid summer.

More problems with Lizard's tail

Back to the Lizard's tail guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.