Question
WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE PROPER CARE FOR A PEACE LILLY

Answer
Amy,

Most instructions say this is a low light plant but it needs very bright light, just no sun. Try to keep it within 5 to 8 feet of a window for best results. Do not place your plant in direct sun. Direct sunlight can burn the Peace Lily's foliage. If the leaves begin to yellow, it may mean it is receiving too much sunlight. Move it to a less lighted area.

Peace lilies are a tropical plant and prefer a warm environment ?don抰 the let room temperatures fall below 40 degrees F or the plant may not survive. Daytime temperatures between 68 ?85 degrees F and night temperatures around 58 ?75 degrees F are ideal. Also, be sure and keep your plant out of cold drafts.

The main care requirement for your Peace Lily is water. When it comes to water, the soil should be moist but never soggy. It needs to be in a pot with a drainage hole and a drain tray under it. When you water it give it enough water that all the soil is moist and some water goes in the drain tray. An hour later empty the drain tray, if it is too large to pick it up use a turkey baster to empty it. Then do not water it again until it is very dry. The soil should feel dry to the touch but you should also either pick the plant up or tilt the plant and it should feel very light weight. If it feels heavy DO NOT WATER it! If in doubt let it go another day or two. More plants are killed by too much water than by too little. This plant hates being too wet all the time and needs dry periods between waterings or the roots will quickly rot and the plant will be severely damaged or die. If you forget to check it for water this houseplant will let you know when it needs water. The leaves will begin to droop. Allowing the foliage to droop slightly in-between watering will not kill it, however, do not let it droop severely. Once the plant is watered the foliage will spring back up. If you allowed it to dry out too much, some of the lower leaves may yellow and need to be removed. It is also advisable that the water be at room temperature to prevent shock to the roots.

This plant also loves higher humidity levels, so providing it with a nice misting a couple times a week will help the plant remain beautifully healthy.

If it stops blooming you can give it a teaspoon of Epsom salts per every 4 inches of pot diameter. Sprinkle it on top of the soil before watering. Epsom salts is magnesium sulfate and it will trigger blooming in blooming plants. Works on other blooming plants also. A telltale sign of over fertilizing is brown leaves. Feed your peace lily every 1-2 months from March through November. Use liquid fertilizer for blooming plants that has been diluted to half strength.

Please keep pets and children away from this plant. It is one of many poisonous houseplants.

Repot your peace lily every 2 ?3 years. Spring is the best time to do this. Use a quality commercial soil blend to ensure good drainage.

One last tip is clean the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to help the plant breathe. Wipe both the upper and lower sides of the leaves to remove dust and pests such as spider mites, mealy bugs and scale.

If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.

Darlene