A stinking
plant could be an indicator of root rot - or perhaps your boss's chewing tobacco.
Bottom watering makes it difficult to accurately determine soil moisture. It could be that the top of rootball is drying out but the bottom roots are always wet which could lead to root rot. Better to water peace lilies from the top, thoroughly and evenly covering the entire soil surface until a little water begins to emerge through the pot's drainage holes. Then let the soil dry about 1/4 down before watering again. The optimum time to water a peace
lily is just BEFORE the leaves begin to wilt which does take a little practice to get the hang of it. Wilted peace lilies will perk up again within an hour or two of thorough watering but wilting is stressful to the
plant so better to avoid letting it wilt as much as possible. Through careful observation you will soon gain confidence in knowing when to water, especially if you are the only person caring for the
plant at the office.
You didn't mention it but if the
plant was recently repotted, that could also be a cause of root rot. Peace lilies prefer to be potbound which will also help them bloom more prolifically.
I would be concerned about the root conditions so my suggestion is to remove the
plant from its pot to inspect the roots. Healthy roots appear firm, plump and white. Roots that are brown, yellow, mushy, or shrivelled are dead or dying and should be trimmed off.
This isn't the clearest image (I'll see if I can come up with a better photo soon) but it gives you an idea of what healthy peace
lily roots look like:
After trimming any dead and dying roots from the rootball, repot the
plant into the smallest pot the rootball will fit into and, if possible, place the
plant in a window that receives bright indirect light or, if your office only has florescent lighting, in a bright part of the office away from drafts.
Of course, it goes without saying that nobody, including your boss, should be introducing any foreign substances to the soil!
Discolored leaves occur for a number of reasons. If the confined only the older leaves and the
plant is quickly replacing them with new growht, nothing to worry about. If would be helpful if you can post a photo of your peace
lily.
Cricket