Question
QUESTION: Will,
I have two questions that appear to be  pertaining to the same problem. My first is my Lily Peace indoor Plant, it was given to me in Nov/06 and it has been getting yellow leaves with black spots within the past few weeks, yet it is still blossoming and standing erect.  I cut off the yellowish leaves, but then a few more will manifest again.  what's going on with it?  I know its has been noted that it may be a fungus, so what can I use naturally or do to save my Lily plant from these yellowish black spots?  I live in an apartment, so I don't want to spray anything with high fumes. My second question is almost the same thing, my good luck bamboo plant leaves are sagging and the leaves are also turning yellow but no black spots.  Please help me save my babies. Oh one more thing the plants are not in the same room.  The Lily is in my living room and the G.L. Bamboo is within my kitchen.
Genevieve.
ANSWER: Hi Genevieve,

I don't think that the two problems are related.

There are a couple of possible causes of the peace lily leaf discoloration, but fungus is not one of them. If the discolored leaves are new leaves, then that means the roots are rotted. If it is limited to mostly older (lower) leaves, then it may be a problem with water quality or inconsistent watering.

If your water is on the hard side, then switch to filtered or distilled water. If you use fertilizer, apply it at half-strength.

Your peace lily should be watered as soon as the soil surface feels almost dry or just as the leaves start to wilt just a bit, whichever comes first. Try to be as conscientious as possible with your watering.

Is your lucky bamboo potted in soil or growing in water and pebbles? Let me know so I can better answer your question about it. In either case, fungus is not likely to be the problem.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you in reference to the Lily it is in regards to the older leaves.  In regards to the Lucky Bamboo, well its in a large 1/2 Gallon maynaise jar with river stones no soil.  When I noticed some were droppy and turning yellow, I untied them and took the yellow ones out. I then retied the remainders back together.

Answer
Hi Genevieve,

Your peace lily should be okay as it is the older leaves that are affected.

Lucky bamboo are actually Dracaena cuttings that are rooting in water. After a while some of them will die back. After the roots are at least an inch long, it is best to pot them up together in a small pot filled with damp potting mix and treat them as you would any other potted plant. They cannot live forever in just water and stones.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]