Question
Peace lily
Hi Darlene,
I have purchased a peace lily with many blooms two weeks ago. Within days the tips of the blooms began turning brown. I've been watering about once every three days (the leaves normally start to droop a little). I determine when to water by sticking my finger inside the soil and if the top inch feels dry I then water thoroughly and I never leave the plant sitting in a saucer of water. I place my peace lily near the window but not in direct sun. I'd like to know what's causing the browning of the tips, and what the life span of the blooms is. I'm attaching a photo of the plant.
Also, I've been meaning to buy some soil mix because one of the plants I have recently purchased (I don't know its name as it's from a Chinese plant shop) desperately needs to be repotted (the roots are coming out the draining holes and that plant is dehydrated every day). I've done some research and it seems it's common for packaged soil mix to come with either gnats or gnat larvae which can cause a big problem for both plants and humans. I'd like to know whether there is a brand that you can recommend that is bug free and safe for indoor plants.
Thank you for your time and expertise.
AnswerJuliet,
You are watering it way too often. A peace lilly needs to be dry for a week after the top inch of soil feels dry. The roots are rotting from being overwatered so it is not absorbing enough water and that is why it is drooping in a short amount of time.
As for better soil I buy any soil but I also buy extra perlite and mix 2 parts of potting soil with 1 part of perlite for better drainage and my plants stay healthier with less root rot and no fungus gnats. You have to be very careful not to overwater. To much water causes root rot and kills more plants than any other problem. Too much water causes root rot and attracts fungus gnats, it is usually not poor soil it is overwatering that attracts the gnats. Never allow water to sit in the drain trays of your plants and you will have a lot less problems with gnats. Also never have a plant in a pot that does not have a drain hole. Good luck.
Darlene
