Very Sad Indoor Plants Need Help!

[Doulachef]

Hi Gardeners!

I'm a beginning gardener. I've been pretty successful with herbs and veggies in pots on my fire escape (city livin), but I have problems with my indoor tropical plants. I have a palm that is simply unhappy and a peace lily whose leaves have been turning brown lately. I water them, keep them out of direct sunlight, and spray them with water. I've tried full sun, less water, more water, no spraying, plant food! What's up? Are they not meant to be? Any ideas would be appreciated.

[delta9]

Spathiphyllums (your Peace Lily) let you know they are thirsty by drooping their leaves. They can be over-watered and die, so it is best to wait for a bit of droopage before watering, as the browning COULD be due to over watering. Check out this (http://www.plant-care.com/peace-lily-brown-tips.html) article for more information about Spathiphyllums and browning.

And... What kind of Palm is it?

[Doulachef]

Not sure the type of palm--long skinny fronds, many small "trunks" that connect near the soil. Anyway, thanks for the link. I don't think I'm overwatering either--it's kind of cold and really dry in my apartment so, I'll try to keep it alive until warm air returns! Maybe that's it.

[RockyJay]

Not sure the type of palm--long skinny fronds, many small "trunks" that connect near the soil. Anyway, thanks for the link. I don't think I'm overwatering either--it's kind of cold and really dry in my apartment so, I'll try to keep it alive until warm air returns! Maybe that's it.

Maybe a picture so we can identify what type of palm it is? :)

[RockyJay]

Sorry for the double post.

To ensure your palms reach their full potential...

Never let it dry out.* A shallow saucer kept filled or a water-well container is very good
Never use an oil-based product or emulsion to shine the leaves. This causes the tiny perforations in the leaf to become blocked, later causing brown spots or lesions to form.
Fertiliser must be used sparingly. Although the roots appear to be tough and wiry, they are very sensitive. Fertiliser burn cannot be repaired. A small amount every 3-4 months is usually enough.
BUGS. Although Kentias seem to resist most insect pest, even they can be invaded by mealy bugs. These cottony coated bugs breed in the root zone of most palm varieties, but as a general rule, palms are less palatable to insects. Use a recommended spray if scale is present. Do not use an oil-based spray.

*Note: There are exceptions such as Chamadoreas.

Chamadoreas
http://www.viveroalvarez.com.ar/imagen/plantas/chamadoreas.jpg


Remember this, Palm trees grow about twice as fast as kids for the first 10 years but with a lot less attention. :D

And an Article on Interior Plant Care (http://www.msnla.org/tranning/interior%20plnats.htm)