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Help! My Peace Lily is dying!! #677206

Asked November 10, 2020, 7:58 PM EST

A couple of months ago my Peace Lily was thriving and beautiful. I hadn't done anything differently in the past year since bringing it home from an office environment except water it less. It doesn't droop like it did in the office signaling the need for watering. Rather than twice per week watering when in the office, it now only appeared to need watering once monthly. Also, it does not bloom like it did in the office probably due to a change in the lighting source. Outside of these differences, the plant was thriving. Then, a couple of months ago, the outer edges of the leaves started turning black and krinkling up. I thought it might be an infection so began spraying Neem Oil on it But it didn't help. I cut so many leaves off to stop the spread to no avail. I then took a couple of leaves to a nursery. They told me I was overwatering it, even though only watering monthly. But this didn't help either. Then I looked online and determined that I wasn't watering it enough. I've fed and watered weekly for last 2 weeks. The photos indicate that the problem is persisting. Then I heard about you. I'm praying that you can accutately diagnose the problem and provide me with a proper remedy. What do the you think? Lillie

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

Although these plants are described as easily grown houseplants they can be sensitive to several issues. This does not look like a disease or insect issue. Do not spray unless you know what you are spraying for. 

Some reasons for the black foliage may be a combination of overwatering, low light, may need repotting, adjusting to new location, etc.  

In general peace lilies have very vigorous root systems and can be rootbound.  Knock it out of the container and make sure the rootball is not in one big ball and the roots are not wrapped in a spiral within the container. Also, make sure the roots are firm and white and not mushy and brown. Remove any dead roots and prune unhealthy foliage. If potbound, using clean, sharp scissors or a knife cut the root ball into sections, and repot. If you break apart all the sections you can go to the next size up container or split and go into a smaller container or containers.  Make sure the containers have holes for good drainage. Use a soilless mixture that contains peatmoss, perlite, and vermiculite for good drainage. https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/pottingrepotting-indoor-plants

 Peace lilies like to be in medium light, so we recommend placing your plant where it can get good strong indirect light. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves. When you water, do so thoroughly until you see water drain out of the bottom of the pot, and then let the top two inches of soil dry out before watering again. The plants need little fertilizer and only when actively growing from spring to fall. Growth slows during the winter. 

These plants can be sensitive to fluoride or chlorine in tap water. If you notice brown tips, you may want to try watering with distilled water. 

Here is more information on peace lily https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/peace-lily/

Marian

Hello Marian,

Thank you so much for your prompt, thoughtful, and comprehensive reply. You not only relieved my mind regarding this potentially being a fungal problem, but also gave me options to consider. I particularly appreciate the additional information you provided about repotting as well as care of peace lilies in general. I feel very hopeful that with a few adjustments, I can restore my plant to its beauty and health. 

With much gratitude and appreciation,

Lillie



On Wed, Nov 11, 2020 at 12:24 PM Ask Extension <personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied November 14, 2020, 1:46 PM EST

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