Question
My beloved little Peace Lily seems to be wilting away with a SERIOUS case of browing leaves; even on the new growth.  In your advice to J., you mentioned the word "rootbound" and I want to know what is meant by that because I wish to repot my plant but don't know how or when it should be done.
The plant is in a pot which is 8 1/2 inches deep and about 10 inches in diam.  I have no north view window but do have south and west.  It was doing O.K. until I went away for 3 months and left it in the care of my son.  When I returned, it was looking quite poor and seems to have grown increasingly worse.  I added some Schultz 10-15-10 plant food to its water about 3 months ago but the leaves are still browning badly.  I don't think I over-fertilized but not sure. What is the best type fert. for me to use?  There are lots of dead yellow stems in the pot.  What's best way to remove them?  I have had this plant for almost 2 years.

I can't thank you enough for any help you can give me to save my "baby". (:-}

Sincerely,   Sandra G.


Answer
Hi Sandra,

When new growth on a peace lily develops brown spots that is a sure sign of serious root damage and that is almost always due to root rot, although severe drought could also cause the leaves to die back and create these symptoms.

A rootbound condition occurs with very healthy plants that are growing vigorously and their root systems get so large compared to the soil in the pot that the soil dries out and needs water every couple of days. Then, and only then, should a plant be moved to a larger pot.

Your peace lily's roots have been severely compromised and the last thing it needs right now is a larger pot.

Likewise, plant food is not medicine and should be used only with healthy, vigorously growing plants. Again, your peace lily will not benefit from fertilizer at the present time.

The yellow stems and leaves will not recover. Cut them off where they emerge from the rest of the plant near the base.

I have to tell you that I have seen these symptoms many times with peace lilies. They may hang in there for quite a while, but they almost never recover permanently once root rot has set in. All you can do is to allow the soil to become quite dry in between waterings. It will try your patience, but if it becomes too much, discard it.

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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