Howdy Folks! Hope everyone's plants are well. Our dilemma: I've got a friend (as the title suggests) with this plant we're unable to identify. Not only that, it's not doing well as you can see from the sole shot I've attached. The plant itself is situated in a north-west facing room with residual sunlight only, nothing even moderately bright. So, besides the id, I'm hoping one of the members here can guide me in the right direction... I'd like to see this thing turned around if possible. Thanks, thanks for reading. Steven
It looks like a Spathyphyllum (Peace Lily), and the poor thing is drowning! The first step to helping this plant recover is to repot it into completely new soil. When you take it out of that pot, check the roots carefully and if anything is squishy or smells rotted, cut it out of the plant using a sharp, sterile knife. The new mix should be something in the range of 50% peat or coir, 25% soil, and 25% mixed orchid bark, with a handful of charcoal - this will have wicked fast drainage, which should help the plant a) recover and b) go on to a healthy and long life. Make sure your pot has drainage holes, as well - they'll be necessary with this mix. Then give it bright, indirect light (a North window is ideal) and water it when the soil mix is dry to the depth of your second knuckle (when you stick a finger in the pot). Also, you can remove the fully yellowed leaves. They're dead, they're not coming back.
WOW, Lorax.. what a fabulously detailed response! Hats off my friend! I was so grateful I hustled out this morning and gathered the two items I was short. Though she'll have to wait till later today, I plan on "guilting" her owner into taking action tonight. After all, they should be as ecstatic as me for the informed answer. I'm also gonna make certain the owner takes a peek here too. Depending on the length of time threads are left open, I hope to post a recovery shot somewhere down the line. Thanks again Lorax, thanks for your time and interest.
This thread will be open indefinitely, so please do come back and post recovery shots! I'm glad that I could be of help - Spathies are among my favourite plants, and they're native to my neck of the woods so I do happen to know a thing or two about them.
Deed done! The roots were in good shape but the soil.. yeah, too wet. I had to carefully de-clump the damp center area before fanning the root system in with the fresh mix. Boy was she thrilled. I think she'll be OK with an informed owner and continuing care. Thanks again buddy.
