Spathiphyllum - Spathiphyllum

Spathiphyllum is a very beautiful plant that looks extremely impressive. The flower belongs to the Aroid family. The population of the genus is approximately 45 species. In the wild, the plant is found in the tropics in Brazil, Colombia and other regions. This name, translated from Greek, means two words: "veil" and "leaf".

Spathiphyllum description

Spathiphyllum is a perennial that belongs to stemless crops. The leaves grow directly from the roots and are lanceolate, sometimes oval. With the arrival of spring, this culture blooms and forms very beautiful inflorescences in the form of an ear, which seem to be covered with a veil. After the plant fades, experienced flower growers recommend pruning the peduncles. The plant is very fond of growing in rooms and various premises, both office and other institutions, since the culture is considered unpretentious and does not require much attention. In addition, the bush is an ornamental deciduous plant, therefore it perfectly performs its functions of ennobling the premises. Despite the unpretentiousness of the plant, it is necessary to know some features of the culture and follow certain rules so that the culture looks as effective as possible.

Spathiphyllum growing and care

The plant usually blooms in mid-spring and continues to bloom until mid-summer. Like any houseplant, spathiphyllum needs a good illuminated place. The optimum air temperature for normal growth and development of plants will be 20-22 degrees, in winter the temperature must be reduced to 18 degrees. Water this plant only when the topsoil dries out by about 15 mm. In the winter cold months, the irrigation regime is changed, making it more rare. However, it should be controlled so that the ground near the roots does not dry out.

Spathiphyllum is very fond of high levels of humidity in the room. In order to increase the level of humidity, wet expanded clay should be used. It can be poured into a tray under the plant pot, and it is also permissible to spray the plant with a spray bottle. However, you should not do this while the flowers are forming. It is necessary to spray in such a way that the ovaries do not become wet. The entire period of active growth and development will have to be fed weekly. Mineral complexes with a reduced dosage are well suited as fertilizers. Also, the bush is fed with a mullein solution, and during the winter months it is recommended to carry out the procedure much less often.

From mid-autumn to the new year, the plant goes into a dormant stage. In the spring, it is permissible to transplant the bush into a new container, but only if necessary. The optimal soil will be a mixture of humus with the addition of peat and sand. It will still be good to add sod and leafy soil, taken in equal proportions. This plant is propagated by vegetative methods. Of the common pests, spider mites and mealybugs, as well as aphids, are isolated.

If proper care is not taken, or if moisture stagnates in the pot, the leaves of this plant can cover brown spots. Also, if the humidity level is too low, then the leaves will not be so beautiful, and the flower will not perform decorative functions in the absence of feeding.

Further details about each item.

Light

The best place for growing spathiphyllum will be an open, sunny place. Better if it is on the south side of the apartment. However, it is necessary to control so that direct sunlight does not fall on the leaves. Thus, if the light is diffused, then the flowering period will last a little longer, and the bush itself will look more spectacular. With a lack of light, the leaves will become elongated, and their color will be dark green. In addition, with a deficiency, the plant may not bloom at all.

Temperature

A comfortable air temperature for the plant will be 19 degrees when it comes to the spring and summer seasons. With the onset of the cold season, the temperature should be controlled so that it does not drop below 16 degrees. If the plant is cold, then it will stop growing, and when the room temperature is less than 10 degrees, the bush can get sick with various kinds of rot or even die. In addition, spathiphyllum reacts extremely negatively to drafts.

Watering and moisture

For normal plant growth, regular watering should be organized. Before watering, it is better to stand the water during the day. In spring and summer, this crop should be watered very abundantly, waiting for the top layer to dry. In winter, the plant is watered much mode, however, the earthen coma should not be allowed to dry out. Also, if there is too much moisture, then the bush may rot.

Water deficiency will show up in wilted foliage. If there is stagnant water in the roots, then brown spots will appear on the leaves. In addition, you can additionally moisten the bush from time to time by spraying it. Wet stones or expanded clay, which are poured into a tray under the pot, will perfectly help to increase the humidity in the room. In summer, the plant will be very responsive if you give it a warm shower. During the flowering period, spraying should be done very carefully so that moisture does not get on the buds that are forming. It is best to control the humidity level in the apartment. If all the necessary parameters are met, then the plant can bloom a second time, even during the dormant stage.

Feeding

Like any houseplant, spathiphyllum must be fed during the entire growing season, which occurs in the spring and summer months. You can fertilize using mineral complex preparations. In this case, it is permissible to reduce the concentration indicated in the instructions. Experienced flower growers recommend changing mineral complexes and feeding with a mullein. Any feeding should be done after watering. In winter, only flowering plants are fed. However, you should not do this more often than once a month. An excess of fertilizer will be indicated by the appearance of brown spots on the leaves.

Transfer

Spathiphyllum is transplanted only when the previous pot becomes too tight. It is best to wait for the spring season. Care must be taken as the root system is very fragile and delicate. A suitable soil for the new container will be the composition that was described in the general growing rules. In addition, it is very good to add crushed brick or charcoal to this soil. You should choose a pot with a larger volume for transplanting. First, it is necessary to make a thick layer of drainage in it.

To speed up the adaptation process, it is necessary to spray the transplanted bush as often as possible. You also need to create for him all the necessary conditions for further growth and development. You can organize a small shelter over the flower for a while using a film that must be removed from time to time.

Reproduction

For propagation of spathiphyllum by cuttings, healthy cuttings are chosen, which are immediately placed in wet sand. The container with the handle must be kept indoors, the air temperature of which will be 22 degrees. Further, after the cutting is completely rooted, it is transplanted into a separate pot filled with suitable soil, the composition of which was described above.

It is best to use the division method in the spring. In this case, the root of the plant itself is also divided.Fresh growth points appear at the new shoot, from which future leaves then grow. A healthy adult bush should be divided into the required number of parts. In this case, it is important to ensure that at least two or three leaves remain on each part, as well as one growth point. The division procedure must be carried out in a warm room. Next, each division is planted in a separate container, the diameter of which will not exceed 15 cm. The mixture is the same as indicated above. You can also add chipped brick, coal or bark to it. In addition, a coniferous soil substrate mixed with leafy soil, peat, sand and humus is also suitable. Each grower, thanks to his experience, chooses a certain soil composition.

Adverse events

If spathiphyllum does not bloom, then this can happen for various reasons. The first step is to increase the air temperature or humidity in the room. In addition, the plant does not bloom, if you exclude the procedure for feeding the bush. Also, the absence of flowers may indicate the aging of the plant.

When the leaves of the spathiphyllum turn black, you should think about correcting the watering regime, as this may be a sign of root rot. However, this problem can arise with an excess of moisture, and with its lack. If the plant is deficient in phosphorus and nitrogen, then its leaves can also turn black. In addition, it is impossible to keep and even more to process the bush in a room where the air is cold. If this phenomenon occurs, then it is necessary to carefully dig out the bush, cut off all affected areas of the roots and then transplant it into a pot with new soil.

If the leaves turn yellow, then the plant does not have enough moisture. In this case, it is necessary to carry out a warm shower for the plant once a week. This procedure will help to get rid of not only yellow leaves, but also become a preventive measure against pests. If the plant is very dry, then it can be saved. In this case, you should not immediately pour out a large amount of water, it is necessary to soak the earthen lump gradually. If the air in the room is too dry, then in addition to spraying, it is also necessary to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. You can add expanded clay to the pallet, and also check the bush for pests.

Pests

Among the popular pests, spathiphyllum most often affects spider mites and aphids. To get rid of these parasites, it is necessary to treat the leaves with water and soap diluted in it. During the treatment of plants, it is necessary to cover the soil with a film so that the soapy liquid does not get into the ground. Also, if you periodically wipe the leaves of this culture, then the plant will not be threatened by any pests.

Spathiphyllum: varieties

Spathiphyllum cannoli.

The homeland of this plant is Thailand and the territory of Venezuela. The leaves are deep dark green in color and ovoid. The flowers bloom here in a light green color with a white veil.

Spathiphyllum is spoon-shaped.

This plant is native to Brazil, and is found in the wild there. It can reach over a meter in height. The leaves are lanceolate and have a dark rich green color. Their length can reach 40 cm, while the width is 20 cm. In addition, the leaf plate is characterized by a wavy edge and a rather long petiole, about 70 cm. The flowers of this species are white and have a long oval-shaped veil.

Spathiphyllum is abundantly flowering.

The birthplace of this plant is Colombia. Plant height reaches about 50 centimeters, the leaves are lanceolate and grow up to 12 cm wide, while the length of the leaves is about 25 cm. This species is characterized by snow-white flowers.

Spathiphyllum is adorable.

In the wild, this plant can be seen in America. The leaves have a deep dark green color and a long lanceolate shape. At the tips, the leaves bend back.The flowers here have a light green shade of the bedspread and outwardly resemble a flag. The second name of this plant is "flagolite". This bush can form several inflorescences, and the flowering period itself occurs in mid-spring and early summer.

Wallis Spathiphyllum.

The plant is native to forests in Colombia. Its height does not exceed 30 cm, oblong leaves have a rich dark green color. The petals are white, sometimes a greenish shade of the bedspread can also be found. The plant is very often grown indoors as it blooms very luxuriantly over time.

Spathiphyllum is heliconiferous.

The plant is most often found in the tropics of Brazil and reaches a height of about 1 m. The bright green leaves have a smooth surface. Their length reaches 50 cm, and there is a sheet of 25 cm in the transverse. The shape resembles an ellipse, and there is a slight sharpening at the tips. The length of the petioles here is about 1 m, and the flowers can reach 10 cm. The petals are light in color, which turns to black. The diameter of the bedspread is 10 cm. Plants are also actively grown in apartment conditions.

Conclusion

Spathiphyllum is a very effective plant that does not require special care. Not only the leaves of the plant are of decorative value, but also very beautiful flowers that can be observed from April to July. There are a large number of types of spathiphyllum, so each grower can choose a plant to his liking.