Growing Things: How to deal with browning peace lilies

Q: Thanks so much for your help with my deer/cedar problem from a few weeks back. I am now wondering if you might have a solution for the browning on the edges of the leaves of my peace lilies.  I got them as a birthday gift in August of 2023, and they were doing well at first.  However, some time ago they started to develop browning on the tips and edges of the leaves.  Also, they have not bloomed for some time.  I recently added LED grow lamps as they were probably not getting enough sunlight.  I thought this might help with the blooming, but no results yet.

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A: There are a few common reasons why the edges of your peace lily leaves might be turning brown:

• Underwatering or Overwatering: Both can stress the plant. If the plant is underwatered, the leaves may dry out and turn brown, especially at the edges. If overwatered, the roots might not get enough oxygen, leading to root rot and symptoms like browning edges.

• Low Humidity: Peace lilies thrive in a humid environment. If the air in your home is too dry, the edges of the leaves can start to turn brown. You can improve humidity by misting the plant, using a humidity tray, or placing it in a more humid room.

• Fluoride Sensitivity: Peace lilies are sensitive to fluoride, which is often found in tap water. Fluoride can cause leaf tip burn, leading to browning edges. Using filtered or distilled water may help resolve this issue.

• Nutrient Deficiency: A lack of essential nutrients, particularly potassium, can cause the edges of the leaves to turn brown. Regularly fertilizing your peace lily with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can help prevent deficiencies.

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Q: Gerald, I have over 30 large planters, and with the cost of potting soil going up, I have decided to do my own mix (as you do). In one of your articles (which I always read), you listed the ratio of soil, to compost, to fertilizer, etc. Would you share that formula with me please?

A: Wow! I thought I was bad with 52 pots but 30 large planters beats me! You can make your own potting soil by mixing one part of sphagnum peat moss with one part perlite or vermiculite. My personal favourite mix is one part coir fibre or peat moss, one part perlite and 2 parts compost.

Every week, Growing Things Outdoors runs online at edmontonjournal.com or, if you prefer an epaper format, epaper.edmontonjournal.com

Learn more by emailing your questions to filipskigerald@gmail.com, reading past columns or my book Just Ask Jerry. You can also follow me on X (Twitter) @justaskjerry01.

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