About the Brassai (umbrella tree) I would stake it and see if it straightened sufficiently before going to the extreme.

The Peace Lily (spathiphyllum) I must ask if you simply removed the plant from the its former pot and shook the soil...was that sufficient to bare the roots.
The smell, I think, should have told you something was amiss...possibly some rotting was going on and baring the roots might have shown that.
Often plants are given too large a pot thinking the owner then doesn't have to water so much....the extra soil will hang on to moisture and feed the plant longer.
And that gets the plant into trouble.....the roots are forced to go further out, drawing in more moisture and food that it cant use.
Indeed, the roots are surrounded by more water and unless the drainage is extra good, such water can sit at the roots and begin the process of rotting.

When that happens, the roots stop taking up moisture---even when the water surrounds them. The first sign should be the lower leaves dry out...they're the ones that first feel the loss.

If the roots show any sign of blackening, maybe a smell comes from them, some roots can be removed---better to stop the carnage before going too far. A few drops of
a fungicide such as "Damp Off" will fight any bacteria that may be present.
Washing the roots off with a stream of water is called for.
The fresh potting soil or a potting mix (soiless) then will help correct any health problem.

Having something between the drainage holes and the soil will prevent any gathering of soil there which, if the holes are ever blocked, it can lead to overwatering.

Speaking for my own attempts at bringing a spath to flower -- I own two of them...presents from a neighbor, and for at least 8 years now, I have not been able to bring this to flower. The neighbour is very kind, very understanding and cant explain why hers is always with flower....and we sulk.
The plants are in excellent health---they just wont create a bud. So you'll pardon me for attempting to help yours in its soil needs, but that's as far as I should go.

That was very good advice you gave Jeannie. You spath may need good lighting to bloom. Even though they are considered low-light plants, they can take a bit more light than people usually give them.

Annie, you can remove any rot you may find by cutting it off with clean sharp scissors. The umbrella tree looks like its been starving for brighter light. A nice sunny window should help improve the condition. Until them, try to enjoy the bonsai shape and know things will get better with a bit of TLC.Good Luck!

How bright is the light the spath is in? What kind of soil did you use? did it have fertilizer in it? have you fertilized?

Scheffs are able to grow straight and support themselves, given adequate light .... there's a clue in what I just said. The picture is small, so it's hard to get a sense of what the trunks actually look like and what they are 'doing' as far as their shape. Is it possible to provide a larger picture?

Staking is a non-fix - you still end up with a floppy plant that can't support itself. You can air-layer if you want, but it is rather time consuming and unnecessary for a plant that comes so easily from cuttings. I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to cut the plant back severely to whatever height you want - even to the degree that you remove all of the plant parts that support foliage. It's no problem for this plant and it will recover very quickly from what you probably will initially view as an immense indignity heaped on it. ;o) I would move the plant outdoors to do this - into shade for a week or so, and then to full sun.

If you're willing to expend a little effort on rejuvenating this plant, I'll help you (it's not that difficult), but you'll need to let me know. If not - good luck anyway. ;o)

9 years old - in my office in front of east windows that are tinted (that means the light isn't the best where they are sited):
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Al

That is one impressive sheff Al! How do you keep it so healthy and bushy?

I would give almost all the credit to what I've learned about what makes plants and trees tic, which came largely from my studying plant physiology and soil science that it might enhance the personal rewards/satisfaction that come(s) from my pursuit of bonsai. Knowing how the plant will react to various ministrations based on where it is in its growth cycle and its level of vitality is a huge help in deciding what to do and when to do it.

There is 1 main trunk, thicker than my wrist, on the plant pictured above. ;o)

Another: this one variegated, but losing much of the variegation due to poor light
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Al

Those plants look great. I have a sheff too. I keep in really bright light in a south window with no covering. I dont water too much and its growing really well but yours is fuller with lower light. I didnt think it possible but im am still in the learning stages of gardening and love reading the advice i get here.