identify plant that popped up out of nowhere

I've had this peace lily for years , it's sick unlike my 3 other peace lilies that are blooming. Last month a strange twig popped up in the pot. I don't remember putting new soil in this pot, so I don't know where it came from but I would like to know what it is, please help.

 

Quercus (Oak).

HTH
Chris

 

Thank you so much! I had an acorn last year that I stuck in one of my pots and I had forgotten which one!

 

Chris,
My little oak tree has developed about a 1/4 brown at the tips.What can I do to help it?

 

I'd guess the tender young roots are drying out between waterings. That's okay for houseplants, but this is a tiny forest tree with an immature root system, and should be kept moist (though not waterlogged).

Is it still in the pot with the other plant? If so, start by gently untangling the roots and giving the baby oak its own pot. A basic, moisture-retentive potting mixture will be fine.

Now I think the best thing to do -- until it's safe to plant the tree in the ground outdoors -- is to take it to the coolest windowsill in the house. A window in an unheated basement would be excellent. Some sunlight is good, ideally morning sun, but the little tree doesn't really want to bake in it. (In nature, remember, it would probably have sprouted deep in a woodland with taller trees providing shade.) The basic goal here is to make the tree feel as though it has sprouted in very early spring -- too early to embark on a program of vigorous growth -- so that it stays compact and slowly builds up its strength. Don't give it any fertilizer containing nitrogen right now.

Cool temperatures, steady moisture, and bright window light, should keep the plant fairly content until you can take it outdoors.

 

That makes perfect sense, I probably underwater my plants and we live in a dry climate. Upon your advice I've moved it to it's own pot and will watch the soil moisture. Thank you so much.

 

I would also bring it out of doors as soon as you can temper it to the sun and over night minimum temperatures.... as indoor humidity levels are too low for this sapling.

 

I agree -- though I'm guessing that in Alberta, where the poster lives, it might be a while yet before it's safe to leave the little seedling outdoors overnight.

 

No one here would ever dare plant anything till after Victoria day weekend. It seems happy enough right now in it's pot and it's getting a new bud.