Drooping leaves on my Peace Lily plant

[Sunnysouth]

My Peace Lily plant has drooping leaves, and some leaves are brown. It is 15 years old, and I have tried everything to save it. What's wrong?
Thanks for any advice!

 

[Chuck]

It looks like a watering issue. Have you removed it from the pot to check to see if it is rootbound? A rootbound plant is difficult to water correctly.

 

[Sunnysouth]

No, I haven't removed it from the pot. It's been in the same large pot for 15 years. I thought it was a watering problem and gave it more water, but that didn't help. I also gave it some indoor plant food, and that seemed to make things worse. Yesterday, I gave it some Epsom salt mixed with water and didn't have any results. It's located in our primary bathroom, which is very large with lots of natural light. I hate to lose this plant, but I'm out of ideas.
Thank you!

 

[Chuck]

No, I haven't removed it from the pot. It's been in the same large pot for 15 years. I thought it was a watering problem and gave it more water, but that didn't help. I also gave it some indoor plant food, and that seemed to make things worse. Yesterday, I gave it some Epsom salt mixed with water and didn't have any results. It's located in our primary bathroom, which is very large with lots of natural light. I hate to lose this plant, but I'm out of ideas.
Thank you!

If its been in that pot for 15 years it is no wonder it is drooping. A severely rootbound plant actually stops water from getting to the roots. They are in a tight ball and the water cannot reach the roots. Take it out of the pot and gently squeeze it, loosening up the roots. Put it into a slightly larger pot after having placed enough soil in the bottom to have the plant at the origional depth and then fill in the sides of the pot with fresh soil. It will take a little time for the roots to loosen up enough for proper watering so take the plant outside in the shade, get your water hose and turn it on to a small stream barely more than a drip and water it for at least an hour, preferably two or three hours. Or if you like you can put it in the bathtub and do the same thing with the shower. It will be its old self the next day

 

[Sunnysouth]

Okay, I'll do it! Thank you, Chuck!!!!

 

[Sunnysouth]

Help, Chuck!! I followed your instructions. I put the plant in a larger pot. It wasn't pot-bound, but I switched pots anyway.
The root ball fell apart when I removed it from the old pot, and the plant wasn't dry or soaking wet. I watered it per your instructions. Anyway, this morning it looks worse and has completely collapsed. It's been a couple of days, and I don't know what else to do about it. Any ideas are appreciated.

 

[Chuck]

What color were the roots? If the plant had been in that same container for 15 years you should have had a VERY SUBSTANTIAL root system. You said the root ball fell apart. Into clumps or just small pieces?

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Mine did the same and I was advised to water it from the top until it came out the bottom, that only helped slightly, and it was a bit yellow, so I put a tiny bit of tomato food in the water and did it again, but until the saucer filled, then left it to stand in it. The saucer emptied a bit quicker than I would have thought, and it's not 100%, but it is gradually looking better. I had it in an East window, but have been taking it out in the mornings as they say too much sunlight can do it, and it has been bright lately. Also too little light, low humidity and temperature stress can cause drooping according to some, and the weather has been hot lately and dry for some time. Seems they can be quite sensitive one way and another. Try changing a few things, but give it time and don't expect any instant results, seems they like constancy.

 

[Sunnysouth]

What color were the roots? If the plant had been in that same container for 15 years you should have had a VERY SUBSTANTIAL root system. You said the root ball fell apart. Into clumps or just small pieces?

Chuck, the roots are a light brown or tan color, and yes, the root system is substantial, although they weren't compacted at all, and they look healthy. The root ball split in half, leaving a big clump that fell from the roots. The soil was moist but not wet. I did inspect the roots and loosened them a bit, but they really were not tight.

 

[Sunnysouth]

Mine did the same and I was advised to water it from the top until it came out the bottom, that only helped slightly, and it was a bit yellow, so I put a tiny bit of tomato food in the water and did it again, but until the saucer filled, then left it to stand in it. The saucer emptied a bit quicker than I would have thought, and it's not 100%, but it is gradually looking better. I had it in an East window, but have been taking it out in the mornings as they say too much sunlight can do it, and it has been bright lately. Also too little light, low humidity and temperature stress can cause drooping according to some, and the weather has been hot lately and dry for some time. Seems they can be quite sensitive one way and another. Try changing a few things, but give it time and don't expect any instant results, seems they like constancy.

Hi Oliver, I had this plant in our primary bathroom, which has a lot of natural light but not too bright. It was sitting next to a north-facing window. I think it gets plenty of humidity in that bathroom. This plant has always been so pretty, so it's upsetting to see it in this condition. I'll give it some time and see if it gets better. Thanks for responding!

 

[Chuck]

Chuck, the roots are a light brown or tan color, and yes, the root system is substantial, although they weren't compacted at all, and they look healthy. The root ball split in half, leaving a big clump that fell from the roots. The soil was moist but not wet. I did inspect the roots and loosened them a bit, but they really were not tight.

The color of the roots should be almost white, not brownish at all. Did you know that the average lifespan is 3 - 5 years, with 20+ years in perfect conditions? I hate to say this but from what you have described, there is a good chance that the plant is just slowly dying from old age. The root ball should never have split in half nor should the soil have just halved itself. That leads me to believe that the roots have been dying for quite some time. I hope Im wrong.

 

[Sunnysouth]

Hi Chuck.
I'm sorry to be so late in replying.
I did some checking, and the roots can be white or light brown. Right now, the plant is in way worse condition than it was. I didn't take a picture of it because I can't stand to look at it dying. The leaves are still green, but the plant has just collapsed. I have done everything I know to do, so I will wait and see what happens.
Thank you so much for your help! It is greatly appreciated.

 

[Chuck]

Hi Chuck.
I'm sorry to be so late in replying.
I did some checking, and the roots can be white or light brown. Right now, the plant is in way worse condition than it was. I didn't take a picture of it because I can't stand to look at it dying. The leaves are still green, but the plant has just collapsed. I have done everything I know to do, so I will wait and see what happens.
Thank you so much for your help! It is greatly appreciated.

When all else fails take it out of the pot and wash away the soil and repot into fresh soil. Get some stuff called Super Thrive and use as directed

 

[Sunnysouth]

When all else fails take it out of the pot and wash away the soil and repot into fresh soil. Get some stuff called Super Thrive and use as directed

 

[Sunnysouth]

Okay, the plant is already in fresh soil (Miracle Grow). I just ordered the Super Thrive, and it will be delivered this afternoon. I'll try it and let you know.
Thanks again!!!!