Spathiphyllum

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Spathiphyllum (Latin Spathiphyllum) - a small genus belonging to the Aroid family. Most of the representatives belong to the category of indoor plants, now they are actively cultivated in premises to decorate the interior. In nature, representatives of the genus grow in South and Central America, as well as in the Moluccas and New Guinea. Typical habitats are forest zones with wet, and sometimes marshy soils, and river banks. Another name is spathiphyllum.

Characteristics of culture

Spathiphyllum is represented by perennial evergreens equipped with a short rhizome and basal oval or lanceolate leaves endowed with pronounced veins. The leaves, in turn, have elongated petioles. The inflorescence of the culture in question is unusual, remarkable, presented in the form of an ear with an elliptical green or white veil, which forms at the very base.

Spathiphyllum refers to heat-loving plants, it has a negative attitude towards wind and drafts. The optimum temperature for active growth and development varies from 18 to 23C. Demanding culture and lighting in question. She will not tolerate fellowship with direct sunlight and shade. Spathiphyllum can be safely called a whimsical plant, it needs regular, and most importantly, careful care.

An annual transplant is recommended. The soil should be composed of sod, leaf, humus soil, peat and sand. Today, a substrate for growing crops can be purchased without problems in specialized stores. It is important to remember that growing a crop is impossible without good drainage, which can be pebbles or brick chips.

Features of growing in indoor conditions

It is recommended to contain spathiphyllum on the windowsill of the western or eastern direction, the northeast and northwest are also not prohibited. Watering plays one of the main roles in leaving. In the spring and summer, the plant should be watered intensively, in the fall and winter, the frequency of watering is reduced, but the earthen coma is not allowed to dry out, this will negatively affect the health of the crop. It is advisable to use clean, filtered water for irrigation. Plumbing is not welcome, because it contains chlorine and other chemical compounds that this exotic flower does not accept.

In addition to watering, for the normal development of the culture, spraying is required, preferably 2-3 times a day, especially when it comes to the cold period, because heating devices work in the premises, which greatly dry up the air. Therefore, you should get a special device called an air humidifier. As a last resort, you can use the "grandmother's" method by throwing a wet towel over the radiator or placing a clothes dryer in the room.

Feeding is no less important for spathiphyllum, thanks to which the plant will bloom more actively. Top dressing is recommended throughout the year, which cannot be said about other indoor crops that do not need fertilizers in winter. Top dressing should be carried out at least 1 time in 2 weeks in spring and summer, and 1 per month in autumn and winter. Rotted organic matter and special biological fertilizers can be used as fertilizers.

Lack of feeding or watering will immediately affect the plant, its foliage, or rather, the tips will begin to dry out. If the air in the room is too dry, the spathiphyllum will react with a lack of flowering, but if the humidity is normalized, it will start to grow. Low temperatures threaten a similar situation. Spathiphyllum is susceptible to attack by spider mites, therefore it is very important to regularly wash the foliage with water at room temperature.