Find Your Ask The Expert: my peace lily has black spots on it i received it after my moms funeral and it already had a few but they are getting larger and my new leaves are all rolled up please help me i don’t want to lose this plant it means alot to me Jennifer
Save My Peace Lily – Its A Memoral Plant
April 28, 2008 by
Jennifer,
Your peace could have Phytophtora leaf spot which is a fungus that can attack Spathipyllum (peace lily). This is usually caused by environmental factor such as crowded situations where the sir can circulate or by over head watering where the foliage stays too damp. Leaf spot is diagnosed by visual confirmation of a black spot (lesion) that is not encircled by a yellow ring. This usually occurs on the top side of the leaf. If you have a case of leaf spot cut off the leaves with black spots and spray the plant with a fungicide. Your local nurdery & garden center will have a fungicide that you can use.
If you black spots are on the bottom side of the leaf, you could have an insect problem. If this is the case you will need an insecticide. You can tell if it is an insect by feeling the spot. If the spot is attached to the leaf instead of part of the leave you have scale (an insect).
You can cure both of these conditions and save the plant. To care for your peace lily read our Peace Lily Plant Care page.
so if i move plant and give it more air and stop watering it over top will it go away or do i need an anti-fungal? and thank you
Jennifer,
Cut off the black leaves and change the watering habit and move it. This should stop the fungus from spreading. However, if you see new black spots appearing you will need to spray it with a fungicide.