Do I need to deadhead the flowers?

Fan Flowers are generally self cleaning, meaning they drop their old flowers on their own. You do not need to spend time deadheading them.

Can I put my Fan Flower in full sun?

Yes, they thrive in full sun to partial shade. If your area gets very hot, some afternoon shade will help keep the plant from drying out too fast.

Why is my Fan Flower not producing blooms? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Move the plant to a brighter location.
Check if the plant is root bound in its pot.
Start a regular fertilizing schedule.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks stretched out and has very few or no flower buds.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with more bright, indirect light. It needs plenty of sun to fuel its continuous blooming habit.
Lack of Nutrients
Possible
How to tell: The plant is green and healthy but just refuses to set new buds.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season. Follow the package instructions for the correct dilution.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your fairy fan-flower

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 blooming to slow down during the heat of midsummer or as temperatures drop in autumn. If the plant is healthy otherwise, it will likely bloom again with better conditions.

Stopping it coming back

Provide at least 6 hours of bright light and feed the plant regularly throughout the spring and summer.

Fairy Fan-flower: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your fairy fan-flower 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

Do I need to deadhead the flowers?: Fan Flowers are generally self cleaning, meaning they drop their old flowers on their own. You do not need to spend time deadheading them.
Can I put my Fan Flower in full sun?: Yes, they thrive in full sun to partial shade. If your area gets very hot, some afternoon shade will help keep the plant from drying out too fast.

Why is my Fan Flower not producing blooms?