Question
I have had my Peace Lily for two years, and it had always been so hardy.  Recently, it developed root rot and went totally downhill.  In order to salvage it, I cleaned it, removed rot, and replanted.  The only remaining undamaged plant is now starting to go too. I am seeing yellowing of some of the leaves.  I am only watering once a week, from the bottom up.  But, I have noticed little tiny insects on the plant? Could that be it?  Should I buy and insecticide? What kind of insecticide should I buy for this plant? This plant is special to me.

Thanks, A

Answer
Ann,

No, it is not the insects causing the root rot, it is the root rot that is attracting the fungus gnats. They are like fruit flies being attracted to overripe bananas on your kitchen counter. If you planted it back in the same pot after removing the root rot that is part of the problem. This plant likes and needs to be in a small tight pot. People start having problems with it when they repot it into too large a pot. When you cut off part of the roots it needed to go into a smaller pot. Also you should not water this plant by schedule. You should only water it when it has been dry for 3 days. You should water it from the top and an hour later you should always empty the drain tray so it is not sitting in a drain tray full of water. It is not a swamp plant and the roots need a few days to breathe between waterings while the soil is dry. Do not be in a hurr to water it. It nearly needs the same watering schedule as a cactus especially when it is recuperating from root rot. Good luck.

Darlene