Question
Hi!

I recently replanted 2 peace lillies that I have had for almost 7 years...I replanted them in larger pots that did not have drainage holes...fertilized them with diluted plant food and put them in their normal spots near a window with blinds.  I thought they were just in shock from the replanting but now I noticed mildew around them so I looked up information about the plants and it said they need drainage holes and I have caused mildew on them...CAN I SAVE THEM?  They are from my Dad's funeral, so they have TONS of sentimental value....HELP!!!!

Answer
HI Jackie,

Contrary to popular belief, 7 year old plants do not need to be repotted. Larger pots and added soil invariably keep the soil and roots from drying out frequently enough and will cause roots to slowly rot. Using pots without drainage holes only compounds the problem. The soil you added was most likely contaminated with fungus spores that thrived in the constantly wet conditions.

I cannot guarantee positive results at this point, but I recommend that you undo the repotting by removing all of the soil that you added and putting the plants back into their original pots where they apparently were doing okay. If the roots have not already rotted or traumatized by the repotting, then the mildew should go away and the plants will gradually recover.

I have written articles on Peace Lily care and repotting 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