peace lily drooping

Discussion in 'Houseplants' started by zgillenwater, Nov 1, 2011.

  1. zgillenwater

    zgillenwater New Seed

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    I have a peace lily that is completely drooped over. All the stems are hanging over the side of the pot. In the past when this has happened, it's been because it's too dry, and not soon after I water it, it's back up. But it's been drooped like this for weeks now. I probably have been watering it less than usual lately--is that the most likely cause?

    Here's the history on this peace lily:
    The plant is about 7-8 years old. It's not big--probably only 10 inches tall when not drooped over. I repotted it this spring, as well as cut off a number of leaves that had brown spots (my cats have chewed it in the past) and it's in a pretty big pot for the size of its roots. Too big, actually. This summer, we moved to a new house. About 2 months ago, I moved it to a new spot in the new house where it gets a lot more sun than it used to. Not long after that it started drooping (but that's also when I slacked off a bit on watering it).

    So what's most likely making it so unhappy?
    1. not enough water
    2. pot too big
    3. too much sun
    4. leaf damage
    5. it's just old and dying

    Thanks for your ideas!
     
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  3. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    You said it now gets a lot more sun, that's when it started drooping. I would move it to a much less sunny place and watch it for a few days to see if it perks up. Mine did that last spring, it had been on a high shelf where it got filtered afternoon light. The sun moved north on it's yearly path and soon that spot was much to sunny for it's liking and it started drooping.

    Also, the soil should not dry out so stick you finger down into the soil, if it is dry down to the 3rd knuckle then it is probably too dry.
    They like humidity, if the air is dry where it is then mist it frequently.
    They don't like drafts or temps below 55. Check it's new location to see if the AC, heat or a fan has been blowing on it or even a breeze from an open door.
     
  4. cherylad

    cherylad Countess of Cute-ification Plants Contributor

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    I was going to say too much sun.
    Mine gets droopy too when it's dry. But now that you mention it... it has only bloomed a couple of times this year. I wonder if mine isn't getting enough sun. It sits in a window facing west, so only gets filtered afternoon light.
     
  5. Carol Blue-Garcia

    Carol Blue-Garcia Seedling

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    Is this a plant that goes dormant during the year? It is possible that it is trying to do just that and will make an appearance again next year.
     
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  6. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    I haven't heard about it going dormant. A couple of pieces of information I have read said it can be forced to bloom in fall and winter instead of only in Spring though.

    Spathiphyllum 'Domino' (Peace Lily)
     
  7. Bluewing0

    Bluewing0 Seedling

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    zgillenwater,

    I have had a peace lily for about 21 yrs or so, not many flowers now, but I still like the looks:eek:) These plants can be a balancing act with the watering :rolleyes:

    I would suggest moving your peace lily into a smaller pot or the roots will continue to keep drying out or eventually rot.
    You'll want a pot size that will give the root-ball only an inch of wiggle room between the roots and the inside of the pot, keeping it on the pot-bound side.
    Make sure the soil is very well draining. Water well until it comes out the bottom drain hole (don't let water sit in saucer) You want semi moist soil at all times, not sopping wet, or dried out. I'll water mine when the top inch of the soil starts to feel "almost" dry.

    Put it where it will receive bright indirect light, direct hot sun can burn the leaves.
    Brown tips can be caused by a number of reasons, over or under watering, too much fertilizer, wrong light, chlorine and fluoride in your tap water.
    Filling a jug a couple days before watering "without the top" will let the choline escape, but not the fluoride. Using rain or bottled bottle will also help :D
     
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