A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The House Plant Forum Peace Lily - I need HELP!

I got a Peace lily from my father's funeral about 4 weeks ago. When we returned home (from another state) my children left it in another vehicle (we took 2 cars) and the weather turned pretty cold. It got taken out and brought inside about a week after being out in the cold. I was NOT a happy camper!
The leaves are brown and kinda shrivelled up. I have watered it a few times since I have it in the house, but I don't know if it will make it. Someone told me if I trimmed all leaves back, maybe it would survive. Don't know.
I would really like to be able to revive this plant seeing as where I got it from. Can anyone help with some advice??
thanks alot.

Hi Redhead65, I ended up with a plant from my dads funeral 14 years ago & still have it. I know how you feel about your peace plant. I guess the only thing you can do is trim the dead stuff back, water it, & hope for the best. I inherited a peace plant from my daughter in law it was given to her by her parents last year when our first grandchild was born. Her mom does not have any patience or time for plant so I have it. I noticed it likes it cool, likes to be watered & is well drained soil, & doesn't like direct sunlight. I have it in a cool place in the basement where there is outdoor light but not direct sunlight. The room temperature is about 40 degrees F. Have you checked the plants roots to see if they are alive? If they are shriveled up or rotten it is a good sign the plant probably won't survive? That would be another way to see if it is worth all the effort. Best of luck to you too & I am sorry to hear about your dad. I still miss my dad & he will always have a special place in my heart.

Depending on temperatures during the week your peace lily was forgotten in the car, your plant's roots may not have frozen. Remove the plant from its pot and examine the roots. If they are still firm, white, and healthy looking, the plant has a chance of recovering. Cutt off any roots that are discolored, mush, shrivelled, or carry an odor. Repot into the smallest pot the rootball will fit into using a good sterile soilless mix. If you haven't already, remove any damaged foliage as damaged leaves will not recover. If the roots are all damaged, the plant has no chance of recovery.

Place directly in front of an unobstructed window that receives bright indirect light - a north window is best, although an east window where it gets a few hours of some sun is okay, too. The room should be of average, comfortable temperature. Peace lilies do not like temperatures below 50F.

Water thoroughly, then let the top 1/4-1/2" dry out before watering again. Peace lilies wilt when they are too dry. Unfortunately, wilting causes unnecessary stress on the plant so for an optimal watering routine, the trick is to learn to water just BEFORE the plant wilts.

Finally, patience is crucial. A plant left out in winter temperatures is going to be damaged and stressed. Give it time before you give up on it!

Hope this helps.

Star Dancer