I just got this Peace Lily from my mom. She said the leaves have been doing this for a while even though the watering schedule hasn’t changed. It’s been outside for a couple of days but it’s a new type of plant for me so I am having trouble deciphering what’s wrong with it. It was in a kitchen that got plenty of morning light but indirect light for the rest of the day. Thanks for any help!
by Temporary-Crazy8838
2 Comments
Hi! Peace lily owner for 30 years. I’ll preface that I think this is overwatering and/or chemical burn.
Does the plastic pot it’s in have drainage?
Did your mom ever fertilize the plant with liquid fertilizer?
How long did your mom own the plant?
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Fun facts about these plants:
They require proper drainage! ANY roots sitting in water will kill them… Unless they’re planted in shade outside where their dirt is constantly draining
Potted peace lily plants like to almost damn near dry out between watering (overwatering can cause burns/yellow and browning leaves)
The like their dirt slightly acidic (this prevents burnt tips – not to be confused with the aforementioned browning leaves)
The do okay in low light they just grow slower
They like to be slightly root bound to produce flowers. Too root bound and they stop.
They need fresh dirt every couple of years *and* depending on their growth rate a bigger pot just as often.
They’re also generally pest resistant, minus a fungus gnat issue which is also a sign of overwatering!
We (my family) have divided and gifted the same large variety peace lily over 30 years. Message with any questions!
First cut off all the browned leaves from the base as close to soil as possible. You need to use distilled water to water this plant to avoid mineral build up, and keep it out of direct sun. The crisp leaves are from too much sun, underwatering, dry air… It should not be out in direct sunlight, the leaves will get scorched… Plants do not need a watering schedule. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, water deeply until it drains out the bottom. Keep it inside near an open window. They like indirect light. They love humidity so a humidifier would be a good idea.
Most importantly, it needs repotting as well, what’s going on inside that basket. Soil is probably compacted.Likely it’s rootbound and needs a bigger pot with new soil, Miracle Gro Tropical Mix is what I’m using in mine. Def needs a soil refresh… It’s concerning this plant has no blooms in summer and has been showing signs of stress for awhile. Unfortunately it’s been neglected, stressed, and putting it outside caused some environmental shock that has pushed it over the edge, it needs lots of love and help quick to bounce back.
So:
10″-12″ pot with drainage holes
A good tropical potting mix
Cut all browned leaves at the base
Remove plant from the basket and likely nursing pot inside that basket to see the root ball
If rootbound untangle as many roots as possible so they hang down, do this gently, you will loose some thin feeder roots, that’s ok
Knock off any compacted soil (ok leave looser soil on)
Repot into the new pot with the fresh soil (do not compact the soil, fill gently)
Water soil with distilled water until water comes out of all the drainage holes
Put near window that gets some sun during the day.
**Optional but good idea, humidifier or mist plant daily