Spathiphyllum Bingo Cupido

Class

Monocotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Araceae

Order

Alismatales

Genus

Spathiphyllum

Species

wallisii

Description

Spathiphyllum wallisii is one of the best-selling indoor plants. Also regarded as a green plant, it is very decorative due to its deep green foliage and snow-white spathes. There is a wide range of varieties, from pot 10 up to pot 22/24, with monochrome or variegated creamy white leaves.

Curiosities and special features

The name of the botanical genus, Spathiphyllum, derives from the Greek terms spatha i.e. spathe and phyllon i.e. leaf, referring to the spathe of the leaf-like inflorescence; while the specific epithet was given in honour of the German botanist and explorer Gustav Wallis who first discovered it in the late 1800s.

It has a panicle-like inflorescence called a long lasting spadix and is surrounded by a spathe with a pointed apex that is often identified as a flower despite being a modified leaf (bract).

Origin and distribution

A native species of the range extending from Colombia to Venezuela, it was discovered in 1876 by the botanist and plant researcher Gustav Wallis from whom the specific epithet wallisii is derived. Continuous hybridisation work, which is still intense today, has led to a wide assortment of varieties that differ mainly in height and flower size.

Leaf

The evergreen, 15 to 25 cm long leaves have an elongated lamina with a wavy margin and evident veins.

Leaf colour

A Solid colour and glossy.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.5 to 1 m, depending on cultivation conditions.

Lifespan

Evergreen Perennial Species.

Where to plant

Due to its climatic requirements it is suitable as a plant for indoor ponds.

Stem

Herbaceous rhizomatous plant; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

It flowers all year round, with a flowering period of between 120 and 150 days. It has sweet notes and is lightly scented, with a delicate aroma. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Variety with medium to vigorous growth.

Plant habit

It develops an Erect habit of growth visually reinforced by the elongated shape of the Leaf and the Inflorescence.

PH

It requires a medium with a pH between 5.8 and 6.0.

Sun exposure

Requires exposure in half-shade, shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can damage the leaves.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 20 and 25 °C. It does not tolerate abrupt temperature changes and low humidity environments.

Use

It is one of the most widespread species in
the indoor ornamental sphere

Present with a wide assortment of hybrids and varieties that differ in the height they reach, the colour shade of the foliage and the size and colour of the inflorescence.

Hardiness

Providing the right growing conditions, it is ahighly rustic plant.

Soil

It requires a substrate with adequate water retention capacity and rich in organic matter; a good quality potting soil for green pot plants containing blond peat and brown peat is recommended.

Difficulty

The level of effort required for maintenance is low, giving the plant additional value in use.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation indications
Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Always keep the substrate moist Prefers slightly calcareous water Requires abundant regular fertilisation

Combinations with other plants

Ideal either as a single specimen or in composition with other indoor species with the same cultivation requirements. It can be combined with various green plants in tubs also in hydroponics.

Propagation

Propagation is mainly from seed, but vegetative or agamic (from meristem) propagation is also widespread.

Watering

Apply water directly to the substrate frequently enough to keep it moist but prevent waterlogging which can lead to rot. Never allow the substrate to dry out to avoid dehydration of the roots. It is a plant that does not tolerate dry environments, in the case of high temperatures and low humidity it is advisable to intervene by means of foliar nebulisation with temperate, non-calcareous water so as not to cause the appearance of unsightly spots on the leaves. Do not keep the plant saturated with water at temperatures below 15/16 °C to prevent yellowing of the vegetation or root rot. Spathiphyllum does not tolerate chlorides and boron in water.

Fertilising

Fertilise regularly during the spring-summer period by adding a specific liquid fertiliser for green plants to the substrate, diluted in the irrigation water. Do not fertilise on dry substrate. During the winter period reduce or stop fertilising.

Pet safety

Toxic

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Toxic if swallowed. Gloves should be worn when handling as contact irritation may occur.

Tip

Flowering is linked to the changes in light and temperature that the plant has to undergo in order to flourish again. Usually as the days get shorter this is favoured and flowering then takes place in spring. Avoid keeping plants too wet or with water on the underside of the pot at temperatures below 15-16 degrees, which causes the vegetation to yellow or the roots to rot.