Find Your Ask The Expert: I have a plant that was my moms. This year something happened and most of the leaves have died. I has like bamboo type stalks the leaves are solid dark green kinda shaped like the peace lily. In fact in better days it would grow flowers that are exactly like the peace lily. I have recently repotted it in hopes it will come back to life. Would you have any idea of what kind of plant this is. My mother used to call it a prayer plant but I have looked these up and they look nothing like this plant. The stalks have bumps where leaves should grow from. My mom has passed away and I can not ask her what I should do. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I’m sending you a couple of pictures. I did cut one of the canes down, and have since replanted that one It looks like it might have possible new growth on it. I’m wondering if this is what I may have to do with the rest. I know this plant is very touchy to placing it in direct sunlight. The window is further away then it looks so no light hits the plant. Its a very old plant as my mom gave it to me some 25 years ago. I hope this helps. Thank you so much for any help you can give me. Sue Spike
Sue,
From the looks of the photos, you have a peace lily (Spathiphyllum). Take a look at our Caring for Peace Lilies article, it has a lot of helpful information. Although propagation is normally done by division, I would try taking cuttings. Take one of the stalks and cut about three inches of the stem from the tip down. Then dip in rooting hormone and place the cut end in moist soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, in a couple of weeks it should form new roots. If you are successful you will have a new plant. As for the plant that you re-potted, follow the care instructions in the Caring for Peace Lilies. Your plant should come out of it’s stress and begin to produce new leaves. You could place the potted peace lily in a shady area of your yard during the spring and summer. The peace lily will enjoy the outside air circulation.
I found out what kind of plant you have. Its not a peace lily by any means, I also have a smiliar plant and it took me a while to finally figure out what it was but you were on the right path. Its a type of bamboo plant known as Chinese Evergreen Aglaonema Modestum! here is a website with more info on how to REALLY care for it! good luck! =)
http://gardening.wikia.com/wiki/Aglaonema_modestum
You are correct it is a type of Aglaonema. I must have being having a off day. Instead of looking at the leaf, I should have paid attention to the stems which are a clear indication that it is not a peace lily. I stand corrected. Thank you.