With its small, spoon-like flowers, the single leaf is often confused with the mostly red-flowered flamingo flower ("Anthurium"), which are two different species. However, one like the other is an easy-to-care-for houseplant that is very popular in German living rooms. Spathiphyllum, which is the botanical name for the single leaf, has many other names: It is also commercially available as leaf plume, peace lily or sheath leaf.

The single leaf blooms bright white

Table of Contents

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  1. origin and distribution
  2. use
  3. appearance and growth
  4. leaves
  5. flowers and flowering time
  6. fruit
  7. toxicity
  8. Which location is suitable?
  9. substrate
  10. plants and repotting
  11. hydroponics
  12. pour single leaf
  13. Fertilize single leaf properly
  14. Cut one sheet correctly
  15. multiply single leaf
  16. diseases and pests
  17. species and varieties

    18. origin and distribution

    Spathiphyllum is not a single species, but a plant genus with around 50 different species within the aroid family (Araceae). Most of these single-leaf varieties are native to the tropical regions of South America, with many originating from Colombia and not yet scientifically described. In its natural environment, the single leaf thrives in the shade of large jungle trees.

    use

    Various of the approximately 50 species of the single-leaf are cultivated as ornamental or house plants, with the white-flowered Spathiphyllum floribundum and Spathiphyllum patinii and the species Spathiphyllum wallisii with the rapidly greening petals being of particular importance. There are also a number of special hybrids. The plant, which originates from tropical regions, is not suitable for keeping in the garden, but can be placed in a shady spot on the balcony or terrace during the warm summer months.

    appearance and growth

    All Spathiphyllum species are between 30 and 120 centimeters high, herbaceous and clumpy plants. The species is persistent and, with good care, can live for many years or even decades, and at that time it is an impressive size - also in terms of girth! - reach. A strong rootstock develops over the years. The single leaf has a rhizome that develops just below the substrate surface and can sometimes also be seen on the surface. The leaves sprout directly from the rhizome. The species does not produce any milky sap, which is otherwise typical of many arum plants.

    leaves

    The most striking thing about the single leaf is probably its large, glossy green and shimmering metallic leaves. These are about 25 centimeters long and have long stalks. They are elliptical to oblong in shape with a distinct, triangular midrib. Spathiphyllum also owes its name to its attractive foliage: the Greek word "spatha" describes spoon-shaped tools such as a spatula or spade, an oar blade or even a sword, while the second part of the botanical name, the Greek phýllon, simply means " leaf” means. In fact, the genus belongs to the botanical order of the frog-spoon-like (Alismatales).

    However, the large leaves can do more than just look good: the single leaf is considered an excellent room air cleaner and filters out potentially toxic components such as formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia and others. For this reason it is recommended to place Spathiphyllum in bedrooms.

    flowers and flowering time

    Usually between March and September, the single leaf develops long-stalked, yellowish flower spikes, which are surrounded by a white to greenish colored bract. In winter, on the other hand, no new flowers usually develop. Some types and varieties exude a slight scent of vanilla. The flowers remain for several weeks, but change color from bright white to greenish over time.

    Spathiphyllum does not bloom, what to do?

    If the single leaf does not want to bloom, there are various possible causes. It is often due to a location that is too dark and/or incorrect watering or fertilizing behavior. Although the species also thrives in the shade, it needs light to develop flowers - even if it is not exposed to direct sunlight. You should also fertilize the heavily consuming plant regularly and not water it directly from the tap with cold water.

    If the best care does not help - which can often be the case with older specimens - the following measure will help: Put the single sheet in a cool place for a few months during the winter months, for example in an unheated or little heated bedroom, stop fertilizing and only water little. After at least eight weeks, give the plant plenty of water and fertilize with a good flowering plant fertiliser.

    fruit

    Spathiphyllum usually does not produce fruit in room culture due to the lack of pollination. In its natural habitat, green berries develop after flowering, containing up to eight tiny seeds.

    toxicity

    The single sheet is poisonous for both humans and animals and should therefore not be placed in households with small children and/or pets (especially cats, dogs, small rodents and birds) or only placed out of their reach. Possible poisoning with Spathiphyllum manifests itself e.g. through increased salivation and swallowing difficulties to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

    Furthermore, Spathiphyllum is considered to trigger allergies, with the flowers and pollen in particular having corresponding potential.

    Which location is suitable?

    As in its natural location in the tropical rainforest, the single leaf thrives best in a light, partially shaded place without direct sunlight, with high humidity and at temperatures between 18 and 25 °C. Shady places, for example on a north-facing window, are also well suited. However, the plant forms many dark green leaves here, but hardly any flowers. On the other hand, in locations that are too sunny, there is a risk of sunburn, which is primarily expressed through damage to the leaf edges. Spathiphyllum is particularly sensitive to the sun during the flowering period. The plants feel most comfortable in a bright bathroom due to the permanently higher humidity.

    However, it must not get cooler than about 15 °C even in winter.
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    substrate

    As a substrate, use high-quality, normal potting soil - if possible based on compost and without cheap peat - and mix in expanded clay (19.73€) or clay granules for better permeability. Alternatively, you can mix the potting soil yourself as compost soil, leaf soil and sand - each in equal parts. Make sure that the basic materials are free from pathogens such as fungi and do not contain any germinable weed seeds. For this reason, disinfect the mixed substrate in the oven or in the microwave.

    plants and repotting

    The single leaf does not need a very large plant pot, but should be repotted into a larger bucket every year because of its rapid growth. However, since a certain growth height, which varies depending on the species and variety, is the end, the last plant pot should not be larger than about 20 centimeters in diameter. When the plant is fully grown, you only need to replace the used substrate with fresh one about every two to three years. But whether you are planting or repotting, good drainage in the planter is always important. In any case, this needs a drain through which excess irrigation water can drain unhindered. Cover the drain hole at the bottom of the pot with larger shards of pottery, etc., to prevent silting up and clogging.

    hydroponics

    You create perfect conditions for the syllable when you grow it hydroponically. The plant is very well suited for this form of indoor plant cultivation, especially since you don't have to worry about regular watering and fertilizing. Favor special pots with a water level indicator and only use fertilizers suitable for hydroponics. These have to be composed and processed differently than conventional fertilizers for plants cultivated in soil.
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    pour single leaf

    As a typical rainforest plant, the single leaf needs a lot of moisture, but it must not be left permanently wet. Waterlogging inevitably leads to root rot and thus to the death of the houseplant. Although "wet feet" do not harm for a short time, you should always remove excess water from the planter or the saucer as soon as possible. Keep the single leaf evenly moist, always watering again when the substrate surface has already dried slightly. In the winter months, Spathiphyllum usually needs less water, provided it is a little cooler and not necessarily directly next to or above a heater.

    Also, especially during the winter months, you should pay attention to high humidity and regularly spray the single leaf all over with an atomizer. The plant also likes an occasional lukewarm shower.
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    Fertilize single leaf properly

    Since Spathiphyllum, like almost all rainforest plants, is a heavy feeder, you should provide them with a high-quality fertilizer for flowering plants between March and October. According to the instructions on the package, fertilize about every two to four weeks. Small specimens need to be fertilized less often than larger ones, as they naturally have lower nutrient requirements. Make sure that the fertilizer contains little nitrogen, but instead has a phosphorus composition. This promotes the formation of flowers, while nitrogen primarily drives shoot and leaf growth. Always fertilize on moist substrate and watch for signs of over-fertilization.

    Incidentally, the single leaf can also be fertilized very well with simple coffee grounds, although this is not sufficient as a permanent sole fertilizer.
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    Cut one sheet correctly

    A regular pruning is neither necessary nor appropriate for the single leaf. You can only cut off faded and dried-up shoots directly above the substrate.
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    multiply single leaf

    You also do not need to cut back a single leaf that has become too large to reduce the size of the plant. Instead, you can easily share such a specimen and get one or even more offshoots at the same time. And that's how it works:

    • Pot out one leaf, remove soil from roots
    • Select separation points
    • prefer to cut off offshoots
    • each individual root part should have at least one shoot
    • Cut the rhizome at the designated points using a sharp knife
    • plant the individual plants in their own pots

    While dividing works quite reliably, propagation by cuttings is almost impossible with a single leaf. However, you can still use seeds - which are occasionally available in stores - to grow new plants. However, it is difficult for the layman to get Spathiphyllum to germinate and then to grow - this project requires a lot of patience and good botanical knowledge.
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    diseases and pests

    The single leaf is very robust and rarely gets sick. Signs of illness such as brown or yellow discolored leaves are mostly due to incorrect care and should be treated accordingly. As far as pests are concerned, mealybugs or aphids can occasionally be found on Spathiphyllum, as can spider mites (“red spider”) if it is kept too dry. You can easily tackle these little creatures with an occasional warm shower or the more frequent use of an atomizer.

    Yellow leaves

    Yellow leaves on the single sheet can have various causes:

    • pest infestation
    • nutrient deficiency
    • waterlogging

    Especially if the leaves are not only turning yellow, but are still drooping, you are most likely keeping the plant way too wet and its roots have already started to rot. Pot up the affected single leaf immediately, cut away the diseased parts of the plant (including the rotten roots) and place it in a new planter and in fresh substrate. Water the plant less in the future and only after finger testing.

    If, on the other hand, the yellow leaves appear for no apparent reason, spider mites, which cannot be seen with the naked eye, are often behind them. Since these pests like dry and warm weather, they are easily repelled by increasing the humidity.

    Brown leaves and leaf spots

    The single sheet usually also reacts to care errors with brown discolouring leaves or leaf spots:

    • brown leaf tips: a clear indication that the air is too dry, increase humidity
    • brown, drying leaves: overwatering (waterlogging) or lack of water, repot or water one leaf in fresh substrate
    • brown leaf spots or dots: over-fertilization, repot one leaf in fresh substrate
    • dark brown, ring-shaped leaf spots: leaf spot disease, cut off affected leaves

    green flowers

    Some variants of the monoleaf naturally have green-white or green bracts, so this is normal and nothing to worry about. If, on the other hand, the bracts of your variety are actually bright white instead of green, the plant is most likely too dark. In this case, moving to a brighter place will help, although you should of course avoid direct sunlight. Incidentally, the white flowers, which last for weeks, turn green after a while as they fade. This phenomenon is also completely normal and no reason to take countermeasures.

    tips

    As a rule, the single leaf stays healthier and thrives better if you keep the substrate relatively dry and spray the large leaves with water more often. In this way, not only do the frequently occurring, unsightly looking brown leaf tips have no chance, but also the spider mites, which love warmth and moisture.

    species and varieties

    The most commonly cultivated species of the single leaf are:

    • Spathiphyllum floribundum: pearly white bract, yellow spadix, leaves up to 20 centimeters long
    • Spathiphyllum patinii: similar to S. floribundum but with narrower and longer leaves
    • Spathiphyllum wallisii: green-white bract, short spadix, very tall species

    In addition to the species mentioned, there are some interesting hybrid forms in culture:

    • 'Gemini': variegated foliage
    • 'Chopin': stocky growth
    • 'Sweet Paco': delicate vanilla fragrance
    • 'Pearl Cupido': dark green, lanceolate leaves

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Care tips