Question

Peace Lily   QUESTION: Hi,

 My Peace Lily, of which I've grown for about 6 months  is experiencing yellowing & browning of leaves. I'm aware that yellowing could be caused by excess watering and over-fertilization. Hence, I've not fertilize the plant for months and only water when the leaves appear slightly droppy. I also kept it from direct sunlight. However, the problem still persist. I've attached some pictures for your examination. Thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Alfredo,

There is only one photo that I can see and it doesn't reveal very much beyond a portion of a single leaf. A photo of the entire plant would be more helpful.

Yellow-brown tips have many causes, not just over watering and fertilizing. To some extent, it is normal for older leaves to discolor and die as new leaves are added on top. If you are not losing more than you are gaining, then there is no problem.

It is best to water just BEFORE the leaves start to wilt so you may be under watering a bit. In the photo, it appears that the pot is very small and roots are exposed at the surface. That could be part of the problem.

It is good that you protect your Peace Lily form direct sun, however, it still requires lots of bright indirect sunlight to do well. It is possible yours is not getting enough light.

Temps above 80 degrees F. can cause leaf discoloration,

In the photo, the green portion of the leaves looks pale. That may be just the quality of the photo. But if the leaves are not a rich dark green, then there may be a soil pH problem. If your local tap water is on the hard side (high mineral content), then you should use filtered or distilled water.

Trim off the discolored leaves as they occur, make any changes that are appropriate and look for gradual improvement.

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



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for great advice! Yes, the leaves of my peace lily is pale green, hence it could be soil pH problem as suggested by you. How should I correct the pH then?

Answer
I don't know what products are available to you where you are. Ask your local supplier for a soil additive that will help acidify the soil. Sulfur products or sulfates are generally effective. If your tap water is the primary problem, then simply flushing filtered or distilled water through the soil may solve the problem.

BTW, already formed leaves will not regain a deep green color, but new leaf growth will be greener after the pH problem is resolved.

~Will