Question
My spathyllum lilly plant sits on my bedroom windowsill, above the AC.  It receives plenty of bright sunshine, even though I keep the shades closed; and blooms twice, sometimes even three times, a year. Lately, however, the leaves turn yellow and/or the tips brown, and I cannot figure out why. I water it once a week and try to keep the soil moist, not soggy. Is it possible the cold air from the AC beneath where it sits is the culprit? or can it be a combination of AC, lack of sufficient water, and perhaps too much sun?  I thought it was dying and was getting ready to throw it away, when it began to bloom again. It usually gives a minimum of three flowers when it blooms. What am I doing wrong? What should I do to make the leaves turn dark green again? Can it be that it needs more space than a 9" in diameter pot? What is best way to trim the plant? Should I use fertilizer to restore/revive its leaves?  Your advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

Sara

Answer
Hi Sara,

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) do best in bright indirect light. If the light is too strong, it will cause the leaves to develop a lighter shade of green. Fertilizer will not change that color.

Peace lilies wilt pathetically if allowed to get just a bit too dry. Although they perk up within several hours after watering, it is not a good idea to let them wilt regularly. Each time they wilt, they also develop a few yellow leaves several days later.

Peace lilies are best watered just as or just before they start to wilt. As they age, they often need water less frequently. So yours may not need to be watered quite as often as it did before. Let it reach the wilt-point to find out just how long it can go between waterings.

Both under and over watering can cause yellow leaves and brown tips. Brown tips can also be caused by hard water or too much fertilizer.

It is unlikely that your AC is the cause of the problem. I think that if you water properly, that will correct the problem. In the interim, trim off any discolored leaves or leaf tips as their green color will never return. Leaves that are mostly discolored should be cut off at the base of the leaf stem. Those with discolored tips should be trimmed with sharp scissors so that you maintain the original contour of the leaf.

As long as there is enough soil for the plant to go at least several days before needing water, then the pot is plenty big enough.

If the pot does not have drainage holes to release excess water, then you will have to move your peace lily to another pot that is the same size, but one with drainage holes.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please take the time to give me a rating and nomination.

   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my web site at www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.