Question
Why is my Peace Lily getting brown leaf tips?  I have it potted with another plant (similar to Peace Lily but with lighter green variations in leaves).  I've repotted them and it is growing better but leaf tips are still browning.  It didn't seem rootbound when I repotted them.  Lighting seems efficient because both plants grow well, if not a little slower at certain times of the year.  The plant has bloomed twice in 4 years...one flower each time...about 1 1/2 years apart.  Tried to set this to post but it wouldn't work...please post this and answer...Thanking you in advance.   -J

Answer
Hi Janet,

If anything is a bit wrong with a peace lily, it shows up first as brown leaf tips. Here is a checklist of factors for you to consider as possible causes:

Hard water
Allowing the soil to get too dry
Keeping the soil too moist
Inadequate light
Too much fertilizer

If your local tap water is on the hard side, switch to filtered, distilled or rainwater.

When you water try to wait until just before or just as the leaves begin to wilt just a bit.

Lots of very bright, but indirect light is best. A north windowsill is ideal or directly under fluorescent lights.

If you fertilize, do it at half strength and only when the plant is growing vigorously.

It is generally not a good idea to repot a plant unless it is very rootbound. Too large a pot increases the risk of root rot and discourages flowering. That could be part of the problem.

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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