Question
I recieved a Varigated Arbicola for my Grandfathers Funeral, which was a week ago.  The leaves on the plant are falling off. I have it on a table next to a window.  I have watered it twice, I haven't watered it for a while because the soil is still moist.  Any idea what is going on?  I don't want to loose this plant.  Also I recieved a peace lilly and the white flowers are turning brown.  I put it in the middle of the room because I heard they don't like lots of sun.  Can you please help!

Answer
Chris,

Yes, the blinds can be down as loong as they are open all day. The more light the better the plant will do. Good luck.

Darlene

You didn't say what direction the window faces. This plant needs to be in front of a window facing east, south or west and the drapes need to be open all day so the plant gets as much sun as possible. Watering it twice in a week is way too much. It should not be watered again until it is very dry and light weight. It should be in a pot with a drain hole in the bottom and any foil should be removed. After you water it the drain tray should be emptied 2 hours later so the plant is not sitting with a drain tray full of water. It doesn't like sitting in a swamp.  More sun and less water should help. It will take awhile for it to recuperate.

The peace lily needs bright enough light that your hand will make a good shadow where it is sitting. It also needs to get very dry between waterings and have good drainage.  The flowers turn brown as they age, it may have been blooming for some time before it was sent to your grandfathers funeral. Cut the flowers off and be sure to let it dry out. Fertilize it once a month with a water soluable fertilizer for blooming plants like Miracle Grow or one of the generic versions. Good luck.

Darlene