- Which location does the single sheet prefer?
- In which substrate does the single leaf feel particularly comfortable?
- How should you water the single leaf?
- When and how often should you fertilize the single leaf?
- How often should you repot the single leaf and how big is the ideal pot?
- Can I multiply the single leaf myself?
- Do you have to cut the leaflet?
- Which pests and diseases can occur with the single leaf?
- What to do with brown leaf tips?
- What is the reason if the single leaf does not bloom?
- What else should you pay attention to when caring for the single sheet?
The single leaf, botanically correctly called Spathiphyllum, is a very popular houseplant for both your home and office. The plant scores with large, shiny, dark green leaves and white, yellow or greenish flowers. The plant, which originates from tropical South America, is considered to be extremely easy to care for and is ideal for hydroponics - this significantly reduces the already low maintenance effort.
The single sheet likes it nice and moist
Which location does the single sheet prefer?
From its tropical home, the single leaf is used to high humidity with consistently high temperatures all year round and a light to partially shaded, but not directly sunny location. The plant thrives under all the other tropical vegetation, so it doesn't get much of the sun's rays. Nevertheless, it needs a light place - just not in direct sunlight, because its rays can damage the leaves. The room temperature should never drop below 13 °C, constant temperatures above 18 °C are better. The single leaf also does not like rather dry air, which is why you should spray it with a nebuliser from time to time.
In which substrate does the single leaf feel particularly comfortable?
You should use loose and nutrient-rich potting soil as a substrate: a mixture of compost soil and sand is ideal, but you can also simply buy commercial soil for flowering plants. Ideally, the substrate should also be slightly acidic with a pH between 5 and 6.
How should you water the single leaf?
The single leaf has a very high water requirement and should therefore be watered regularly and evenly. do the finger test before watering: if the substrate has dried on the surface, it's time to water again. In winter, the single leaf needs a winter break lasting several weeks, during which the room temperature is noticeably lower and you also water less and do not fertilize. This phase ends with vigorous watering and initial fertilization. The plant will then sprout and flower again.
When and how often should you fertilize the single leaf?
Since the single leaf also has a fairly high nutrient requirement, you should provide it with a (liquid) complete fertilizer about every two weeks. In contrast to the fertilization of other plants, however, the fertilization should only take place after watering, so that the single leaf, which is sensitive to salt, is not overwhelmed by the sudden inundation with saline fertilizers.
How often should you repot the single leaf and how big is the ideal pot?
Until the single leaf has reached its maximum size, you should repot it about once a year - if possible always after the "winter break" in spring. The largest possible pot has a diameter of about 20 centimetres, even the largest single leaf does not need more. When repotting, make sure there is a good drainage layer of broken clay or expanded clay,(19.73€) because even this moisture-loving plant does not like too wet feet.
Can I multiply the single leaf myself?
The single leaf can be propagated quite easily by division. It is best to do this together with the annual repotting in spring. Carefully remove the plant from its container, remove excess soil from the root ball and then carefully divide the existing rhizomes, leaving at least one shoot (preferably more) on each section. The individual pieces are planted as normal in separate pots.
Do you have to cut the leaflet?
A pruning is neither useful nor necessary.
Which pests and diseases can occur with the single leaf?
Due to the frequent watering and the resulting constantly damp root ball, you should check the potting soil more often for mold infestation. If this is the case, the substrate must be replaced. Pests such as spider mites or the red spider appear particularly when the room air is too dry. Therefore, regular spraying of the plant helps to prevent the annoying animals from appearing in the first place.
What to do with brown leaf tips?
If the single leaf develops brown leaf tips, this is also an indication that the air is too dry. On the other hand, if the leaves have spots or dots, you have fertilized the plant too much. Transplant the affected specimen into a new pot with fresh substrate and fertilize less in the future.
What is the reason if the single leaf does not bloom?
If the single leaf does not bloom and/or gets brown flowers instead, this is often due to a lack of light. Although the plants also thrive in shady rooms, they do not develop flowers. In this case, place the plant in a lighter location.
What else should you pay attention to when caring for the single sheet?
During the summer months, the plant also feels comfortable in a bright spot on the balcony or similar, as long as the temperature does not drop below 18 °C and it is not exposed to direct sunlight.
tips
The single leaf is not only so popular because of its uncomplicated care, but also because of its air-purifying properties. The plant extracts toxic substances from the room air and instead enriches the air with oxygen.