Q: I have two peace lilies that were given to me by a relative. One has struggled from the beginning. It wouldn't get any taller, only got new growth and bushed out. I transplanted it about 3 months ago and it started growing well. It is 3 times larger than before. My problem is that it is pale looking. Its leaves aren't as dark as the other one I have and it still hasn't bloomed. I have tried plant food. Neither one of them are in direct sunlight. They both get about 5 hours of sun in the afternoon. What else can I do?
Hardiness Zone: 8b
Krys from Milton, Florida
A: Krys,
The pale color of your peace lily may be a symptom of one the following:
Exposure to high temperatures (over 95°F) for a prolonged period
Over watering (soil should be kept evenly moist)
Soil kept too dry between watering
A mineral deficiency caused by a build up of fertilizers salts. (Magnesium-Mg, Iron-Fe, Sulfur, or Manganese-Mn) Use a 3:1:2 fertilizer.
Too much light. Afternoon sun (even when not direct) may be too bright. Try areas having 75%-80% shade in Florida.
Even with a healthy plant, transplanting can cause a temporary lack of flowers while the plant focuses its energy on growing new roots. Plants younger than a year old also usually lack flowers.
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This is really strange for a peace lilly.From the sounds of things, I do everything wrong with mine and they bloom like crazy. I have them in an east window, lots of morning sun, I usually forget to water them until they droop and only fertilize them (with whatever I grab first) when I think of it (maybe once a year). Sometimes when we ignore plants, they do much better. I work at an assisted living facility and the residents will get Christmas cactus at holiday time. They never get watered unless I decided to water them, they are always left in a drafty window-year round (sometimes they look like they should be thrown out) but they bloom beautifully every year!
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