Question
Hi Will,

I recently went on a vacation - keeping my peace lily in a shaded area receiving filtered low light with a watering globe in the pot. When I came back (a week ago) - the poor plant was all droopy. A good watering restored it the next morning to its former self. But now I have the foll problems:
1. The tips of the leaves have this burnt off black look
2. The sole flower turned brown and withered off (I guess the lack of water did this)
3. Since yesterday the plant has been throwing up yellow leaves - I trimmed off 7-8 already.

I have put the plant back in its former place - where it receives indirect light (not too bright - but not low either- about 6 feet away from a North facing window).
Could it be coz I opened up the windows today - it was a good 20C - and I thot we all could use the fresh air?


Please help me

Thanks
Farah

Answer
Hi Farah,

You report that after your vacation your Peace Lily had drooped (wilted) and then came back after a good watering. The only conclusion is that your plant got too dried out. As a result it wilted, the flowers turned brown, leaf tips discolored and some leaves yellowed. Those are all symptoms of severe water deficiency.

The damaged plant tissue will not recover, but the plant should be fine as long as you keep it watered properly, meaning that you water just BEFORE it starts to wilt. Trim off the yellow leaves and the discolored tips and the flower to make the plant look nicer. As long as you provide good light (within a few feet of the north window) and proper watering, your Peace Lily will recover nicely.

Don't forget to make better watering arrangements the next time you go on vacation!

BTW, 20 degrees C. is fine.

I have written an article on Peace Lily care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com