Question
I have had aPeace Lily in my NYC apartment for about 6 weeks or more. Gets northern light-not in window-on floor; foilage very green abundant; many blooms; gets very dry and have been watering it about every 3 days; I transplanted to clay pot from plastic pot (same size) when I bought it.

The blooms used to be white now they're pale green. Anything I should know? Thank you for your time. Al

Answer -
here's how to water.

it's not as simple as "water everyday or once a week". each type plant has its own watering requirements. watering frequency depends on many factors(sun exposure, type of plant, wind, day temps,indoors VS outdoor location, etc.). nature doesn't water once a day or once a week. watering is usually the #1 reason for killing plants in pots and in the ground. for your potted indoor plants water by weight. put a saucer under the pot. water and let the plant sit in the excess water for 5-10 minutes. after that time pour off any excess water in the saucer. pick up or lean the pot. it should feel heavy. don't water again until it feels considerably lighter in weight. you don't want the plants to wilt either. outdoors check the potted plants everyday(some types may only need watering every 2nd or 3rd day). indoor plants can go 3-14 days between waterings.

cut the old blooms off at the base. it will flower again.
peace lilies(spathiphyliums) are one of the easier plants to take care of . that's why you see them a lot in malls and other places.
good luck.
rick
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Follow-up: I'm pretty much watering as you 've suggested, I do go by the weight of the plant-dryness of soil and I have a humidity meter-so they pretty much jive when I water the plant. What is the color change on the blooms from (white to green) from? Also when do you cut off old blooms-when they start to turn brown? Thanks again Albert

Answer
Hi Albert,

I don't know if you forwarded this to me by accident. I am Will Creed, not Rick. I will answer it, nonetheless

Watering by weight is very subjective (Just how much lighter does it need to feel before watering and can you really remember the weight from several days before?) and not a good way to go.

Peace lilies should be watered just as they start to wilt or just before that if you know when they are about to wilt. This usually occurs when the surface soil is nearly dry.

If you are using a moisture meter, you should be aware that they are notorious inaccurate and can easily lead you astray. I suggest that you not rely on a moisture meter. Use your fingers and you head instead!

I don't know why Rick completely ignored your original question.

Many Spathiphyllum (correct spelling!) flowers turn green as they age. Eventually they start to turn brown and that is when they should be removed. Some peace lily varieties produce green flowers from the start. This is a result of genetic hybridizing. There is nothing you can do about it as it is in the genes.

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

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

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