Question
I recently received a house plant that had been left in an abandoned office building.  At first, I didn't know what kind of plant it was but, after some daunting research on the internet, I now know that it is indeed a peace lily.  When it came to me it had 2 small spaths that were pretty much hidden under the foliage and the whole plant was seriously "droopy". Several leaves  had tips that were browning and yellowing as were some leaves in the center of the leaves.  I went about clipping off the damaged leaves hoping that will help the plant conserve it's engery for sprouting new foliage and blooms and, assuming it needed watering,  I began to water it every other day.  This did perk up the drooping but the good leaves left began to turn yellow/brown again.  Does this plant need direct sunlight or something? or does it have a bug/fungus, etc?  What do I do to bring it back?  I am not terribly "plant literate" but would like to save this one if I can.  Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Cynthia F.

Answer
Cynthia,

It desperately needs to dry out. Watering once a week is plenty. Remove the drain tray under the pot and set it in the sink to drain. The roots have rotted so they can't take up water. You need to dry the plant out and it will slowly grow new roots.

The curent leaves may all yellow, you can cut the yellow ones off, they will not turn green again. The plant will slowly grow new leaves as ti grows new roots.  When you water it just give it enough to make the soil moist and an hour later empty the drain tray, it cannot stand to sit in a drain tray of water. After you water it do not water again until it is bone dry and feels light weight when you pick it up. As long as the leaf trips turn brown you are watering it too much.

Move it to a bright location but no sun actually shining on it. I doubt that it has bugs, it is just being kept too wet. Dry it out and it will slowly regrow. Be patient.
Good luck.

Darlene