Find Your Ask the Expert: I have a peace lily that was given to us for my mother-in-law when she passed. The leaves are turning brown and have a hole is coming in on some of the leaves. I am trying not to over water so what could be my problem? It is in my living room away from windows, I never been to good at caring for indoor plants. Needless to say I don’t have a green thumb. I would appreciate any input on what I may or may not be doing. Linda
Linda,
I assume you peace lily came from a florist shop and arrived in beautiful foil with a bow. The foil and bow are used as a way to decorated the plant. However, for the long term health of the plant the foil should be removed so that the plant can drain properly. With proper drainage the peace lily soil should be kept moist to the touch. You want the soil to have complete saturation, so when you water make sure you use enough water that a little drains out of the bottom. Sometimes it is necessary to water the lily from the bottom up. If the soil has pulled away from the pot, it has become too dry at some point. The best way to water in this case is to place the peace lily pot in sink or tub with water. The water level should be 2 to 3 inches deep. Place the peace lily in the water until the top soil is moist and then remove. After you have done this you can go back to a regular top watering schedule.
If the holes in the leaves look like burn spots, correct watering will keep that from occurring. However if the holes have a chewed appearance, you could have an insect problem. Examine the leaves for insects. If you have an insect problem use a houseplant insecticide.
You can stop the problem of brown leaves and holes, but the damage that appears on the leaves won’t go away. Trim off any damaged leaves. Reading our Caring for Peace Lilies page will help you take care of your peace lily and give you the green thumb you deserve.
Thanks so much for the helpful advise.Yes,it did come from a florist and has the foil and pretty bow.
Thanks so very much and God bless you,
Linda.
I e-mailed you a couples of ago and told the problem I am having with a Peace Lily of mine.It had black and yellow spots on the leaves and you said to cut the bad ones off.I sat it in bathtub with about 2 inches of water,when I took it out of the container it came from the florist the container it came in had bursted open on the sides.I think it is root bound.I’m going to repot it .Is there any special thing I need to do when I do?I “m thinking of mixing potting soil and some compost when I repot.I have my own compost pail,will that be o.k.?I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks,Linda
Linda,
You do need to re-pot your peace lily. Use a humus rich and you can mix in a little of your compost (if it is aged compost – not fresh). This Peace Lily Plant Care article will give you a little more information.