Spathiphyllum - types of flower, description of what they look like

Spathiphyllum is a houseplant that has pronounced decorative qualities. Beautiful leaves, a long flowering period and unpretentious care have made this flower popular among gardeners.

History of appearance

The flower was first seen by the German botanist Gustav Wallis in Colombia in the 19th century. In the middle of the twentieth century, this plant was introduced to Europe and has since been grown as an indoor plant.

Spathiphyllum in the interior

Spathiphyllum the birthplace of the plant is South America, East Asia, Polynesia.

What spathiphyllums look like

The plant does not have a stem, root leaves grow in a bunch directly from the ground. Depending on the species, the height of the flower ranges from 30 cm to 1.5 m. The leaves are lanceolate or oval, with a clearly distinguishable vein in the middle. The color, depending on the variety, is both dark green and variegated and speckled. During the flowering period, beautiful peduncles with snow-white bracts rise above the leaves, which surround a yellow or white ear.

Spathiphyllum blooms for 6-8 weeks. Depending on the variety, the flowering period occurs at different times: from March to September. The flower resembles an ear of corn, around which there is a white blanket with pale green veins, exudes a delicate aroma.

What family does it belong to

The decorative flower spathiphyllum (can also be called female happiness) belongs to the Aroid family.

Lush bush in a flowerpot

The genus Spathiphyllum includes more than 40 species of perennial evergreens.

Description of common species and varieties

There are such decorative types of spathiphyllum:

• High;
• Medium-sized;
• Miniature.

All of them differ in the shape and color of the leaves and inflorescences. All species and varieties have one common feature - the color of the flower, which always remains white.

Spathiphyllum species and varieties that are considered the most popular among flower growers are described below.

Spathiphyllum Alana

The alana variety belongs to the medium-sized species, it grows up to 50 centimeters in height. Leaves are dense with a glossy surface. It differs from other varieties in the color of the bract, which has a convex vein on the inside.

Alan's variety

During the period of growth and blooming of the flower, it turns green. When the flower fades, the greenery spreads over the entire bracts. Leaves, unlike other varieties, are directed strictly vertically.

Wallis Regel Spathiphyllum

It grows no more than 30-40 centimeters in height. The leaves are tilted downward. At the stage of flower opening, the ear has a white color, as it develops, it becomes light green.

Spathiphyllum Cupido

A hybrid derived from the Wallis spathiphyllum variety. This pearl has a low (up to 50 cm), lush bush. The leaves are thin, elongated. The color is dark green with a glossy surface. Spathiphyllum Silver Cupido has a white, pointed bracts with a cream-colored ear.

Variety Cupido

Spathiphyllum Vivaldi

It has a shortened rhizome. Leaves are thin, drooping, wide at the base and gradually tapering towards the top. The color is dark green. A well-drawn vein is visible in the middle of the leaf. The bract is light green on the outside and white on the inside. The ear is light cream.

Spathiphyllum Angel baby

It has a very unusual silvery-white leaf color. Plant height is about 50 centimeters.

Spathiphyllum giant

A hybrid with high (up to 1.5 m) bushes. The leaves are dark green, glossy. The inflorescences are large (up to 50 cm), at first white, as the flower blooms, they acquire a light green hue.

Spathiphyllum Lauretta

A variety characterized by low growth, no more than 30 centimeters. Leaves are light green, wavy at the edges. Veins are pronounced. The bract is white with a creamy cob.

Lauretta variety

At the end of flowering, both the ear and the bract acquire a light green hue.

Spathiphyllum New One (New Wan)

It has bright green leaves with distinct white segments.

Spathiphyllum Domino

It is distinguished by dark green leaves with white long stripes, which are located in a chaotic manner throughout the leaf plate. Leaves are elliptical and pointed at the tips. This spathiphyllum species grows up to 50 cm in height. The bract is oval, snow-white in color.

Domino variety

Gemini variety

He is often confused with Domino, believing that they are one and the same. Spathiphyllum Gemini and Domino The difference between these flowers is that Gemini has dark green leaves with gray or cream spots along the side veins.

Spathiphyllum royal

It is considered a real giant among all plant varieties. Grows up to 70 cm in height. Differs in large leaves and bracts. Leaves are thin, bright green, glossy. The bract has a concave shape.

Spathiphyllum wallisia Spathiphyllum wallisii and Hedera helix (decorative ivy)

They belong to the few plants that are able to clean the room from formaldehyde vapors.

Home care

Home care for a flower is simple. All that is needed is to provide the plant with enough light, maintain a suitable temperature in the room, water it correctly and replant it on time.

The flower must be provided with a large amount of diffused light with the least amount of direct sunlight. Spathiphyllum can also grow in the shade, but the quality of flowering will deteriorate and the decorative characteristics of the leaves will decrease. Spathiphyllum varieties Alfetta and Bellini thrive when placed in the shade.

In summer, when the plant blooms, the optimum temperature is -22-24 ° C °. In winter, when it is in a dormant period, the air temperature should not exceed + 17 ° C.

In summer, the flower is watered every 2-3 days, in winter - no more than once a week. It is also worth ensuring the humidity in the room is at least 40%, spraying the leaves and carrying out preventive sponges with warm water.

Planting requires special soil, which can be purchased at a flower shop. You can also prepare the soil yourself. The usual composition for a flower should include peat, leafy earth, humus, sand, crushed tree bark and charcoal.

When planting spathiphyllum in open ground, it is necessary to provide the plant with shelter from direct sunlight and timely watering.If there is a risk of morning frost, the plant must be returned to room conditions.

Flowering Spathiphyllum

Pruning is carried out after flowering has ended. All peduncles that have already wilted are cut off. Pruning is also done as needed if there are dull or dry leaves.

Reproduction

This decorative flower can be grown from seed, propagated by rooting cuttings or dividing a bush.

Possible growing problems

Although the flower is considered quite unpretentious to care for, it can be attacked by pests, or if not properly cared for, it can get sick.

Diseases of flowers of the genus Spathiphyllum

• From the draft, the plant gets sick and begins to shed its leaves.
• It often happens that the flowers on the plant become smaller, the leaves turn pale and slow down growth. In this case, it is necessary to provide the flower with the timely introduction of mineral dressings.
• Due to too dry air, the tips of the leaves begin to dry out, so it is very important to constantly spray.
• When watering with hard or cold water, as well as with insufficient soil moisture on the flower, the leaves begin to turn yellow.
• If the watering regime, lighting or the rules for applying fertilizing are not followed, the plant will stop growing and stop blooming.

Frequent pests of spathiphyllum

• Spider mite. In case of severe damage, insecticides are used.
• Shield. The leaves are washed with soapy water and treated with tobacco crumbs.
• Aphid. Treat with special chemicals.
• Mealybug. The leaves should be treated with alcohol.

Spathiphyllum will decorate any home. Care for him is minimal, he is rarely exposed to diseases, compliance with all growing conditions will allow you to admire him for a long time.