Question
I may have overwatered the calla lily when I first got it. Since then, the flowers have been drooping(the leaves are still straight)and there are still a few flowers (although some are brown). I don't think it needs to be repotted yet but some of the leaves at the base have turned brown. It doesn't look healthy. What am I doing wrong? It sits on the window will facing south.

I have a peace lily which has not bloomed in a long time. Does it need to be re-potted? I don't see the roots yet but the pot looks a bit crowded with many new leaves.

Many thanks for your help!

Answer
Hi Fay,

The flowers may have simply run their natural course and are now starting to fade. Callas are hard to overwater if they are kept in their original pots, unless you leave them sitting in water. I suspect that your concern for over watering may be causing you to under water. Water it thoroughly as soon as the surface of the soil feels nearly dry.

Peace lilies are sporadic bloomers. This is because they are hybrids that growers have manipulated genetically to produce a large flourish of flowers at point-of-sale. These hybrids often never flower all that well again. There is not much you can do about that. However, keeping it potbound, providing lots of bright indirect light, and fertilizing monthly at half strength will all help increase flowering within your plants genetic limitations. So, no, do not repot your peace lily.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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