Question
I've had a peace lilly for about 3 years now. I keep it close to the window but not under direct sun light. I also make sure to water it only when the soil gets dry to the touch. However, the tips of the leaves, even the very new ones, turn brown and dry out (see pics). I don't think i am over-watering it, nor keeping it too dry (in general i water it every twice a week). I also put in miracle grow sticks in the soil about twice a year. Yet this has been happening to the leaves ever since I got the plant. It was also blooming when I first got it but has not bloomed since. Any ideas on what I am doing wrong? How do I prevent the brown tips and how do I get it to bloom again? Thanks a lot!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30754160@N08/2873072448/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30754160@N08/2872242227/


Answer
Naoum,

You are not giving it enough water when you water it. When you water it all the soil in the pot should be moist so it should not need watered for at least a week during the summer and 2 weeks during the winter. Only water it when it is dry and feels light weight when you pick it up or tilt it. You might even want to purchase a water meter at a garden center and only water it when the meter show it in the dry section. Meters are between $5. - $10.00. and are generally accurate.

It would be better to fertilize it once a month wit Miracle Grow for blooming plants or if you can't find that use Miracle Grow for Roses, either will help it bloom better. Also give it 2 tablespooons of Epsom salts sprinkled on top of the soil before you water it. Epsom salts triggers blooming in many blooming plants.

Good luck.

Darlene