The single leaf is not a classic among indoor plants for nothing. We'll tell you how to plant and care for the decorative and easy-care peace lily.
Thanks to its elegant and timeless appearance, the peace lily (Spathiphyllum) fits into any room. The single sheet is ideal even for inexperienced hobby gardeners. But did you know that different varieties differ in growth height and leaf color? We reveal how to properly care for Spathiphyllum, also called sheath leaf or leaf flag, and where the single leaf feels comfortable.
One Leaf: Flower and Properties
The single leaf grows in the form of a clump with a height of 30 to 150 centimetres, depending on the variety. The houseplant has decorative flowers and leaves. The leaves are a rich dark green, have a beautiful sheen on the upper side and are elliptical in shape. The cultivar-dependent, bright white to cream-colored flowers stand out on the dark green leaves. The white leaf is a bract that surrounds the actual bulbous inflorescence. This flower shape is typical for the aroid family (Araceae) like the single leaf. Flowers are usually to be expected between June and September. Depending on the variety and time, the flowers can give off a pleasantly light and sweet fragrance.
The most beautiful Spathiphyllum species and varieties
The types and varieties of the sheath leaf differ both in their height, as well as in the shape of the flower and colour. The genus Spathiphyllum includes over 50 different species. The most popular are the single leaf species Spathiphyllum floribundum and Spathiphyllum wallisii.
The varieties of the species Spathiphyllum floribundumare characterized by particularly large flowers and a growth height of over 50 centimetres.
Anyone looking for a much more compact plant should look for varieties of the type Spathiphyllum wallisii right. The varieties of this species have significantly smaller flowers and reach a height of 30 centimeters. Most single-leaf plants sold are hybrids, i.e. crosses of different plantsSpecies.
Spathiphyllum floribundum 'Chopin'
Spathiphyllum floribundum 'Chopin' is just the right variety for those looking for a simple and elegant peace lily. This strain has dark green leaves and the flowers are adorned with a brilliant white bract. Overall, the 'Chopin' variety can reach a maximum height of 60 cm.
Spathiphyllum wallisii ‘Gemini’
The variety Spathiphyllum wallisii 'Gemini' is a special feature among the leaf flags: the leaves have irregular white stripes. The variety not only impresses with its white to cream-colored flowers, but also with its decorative leaves. 'Gemini' reaches a height of about 30 cm and is therefore one of the compact varieties.
Spathiphyllum wallisii ‘Variegata’
The variety Spathiphyllum wallisii 'Variegata' is very similar to the 'Gemini' variety. However, their leaves are even more streaked with white areas. The growth height is about 30 cm.
Spathiphyllum wallisii ‘Sensation’
This variety lives up to its name. Spathiphyllum wallisii 'Sensation' is one of the largest sheath leaf varieties. With a growth height of over 150 cm, it can be cultivated excellently on the ground or a small pedestal.
Spathiphyllum 'Pearl Cupido' (Hybrid)
The hybrid 'Pearl Cupido' is characterized by particularly dark green, lanceolate leaves. These can reach a length of up to 90 cm, making 'Pearl Cupido' a tall growing variety.
Spathiphyllum 'Sweet Paco' (Hybrid)
The extraordinary thing about the 'Sweet Paco' variety is its intense and pleasantly sweet scent. This scent is exuded from each of the brilliant white flowers for about half a day after blooming. This makes this variety a speci alty among sheath leaves.
Planting single leaves: location and substrate
You want a plant in a room that is too dark for many plants? Then the single sheet is exactly the right choice. Spathiphyllum is extremely shade tolerant. Nevertheless, you should try to provide the plant with as much light as possible. Because the more light the single leaf gets, the stronger it grows. However, the single leaf does not tolerate direct sunlight well, which is whyFor example, a window facing north is very suitable.
If your single leaf is growing very slowly and the leaves are getting darker green, you should put the single leaf in a lighter spot and see if the plant feels better there. On the other hand, if the single leaf gets brown tips, this is an indication that the plant is temporarily exposed to direct sunlight. The single leaf feels most comfortable at room temperatures of 18 to 25 °C. Increased humidity promotes the development of the plant, which is why the bathroom is often a suitable location.
Once a suitable location has been found, the single leaf can best be planted in a pot in spring. When choosing the planter, a container with a hole to drain excess water should be used. Spathiphyllum is frugal in terms of the soil used. A high humus content and good ventilation of the root area are advantageous here. Our peat-free Plantura organic universal soil based on compost offers these properties, for example.
In addition, Spathiphyllum is very suitable for cultivation in hydroponics with expanded clay.
One-leaf care: This is what you need to know about the peace lily
In general, the Einblatt is the ideal plant for beginners or all those who don't actually have a green thumb. Since the Spathiphyllum is at home in rainforests, it appreciates high humidity. Even if it tolerates dry air temporarily, it is advisable, especially in winter, to spray the single leaf with a little lime-free water two to three times a week. You can occasionally wipe the beautiful, shiny green leaves with a damp cloth to prevent them from getting dusty and preventing photosynthesis.
Water and fertilize Spathiphyllum
Depending on the origin of the single leaf, you should always keep the substrate around the root ball moist. However, it is important to ensure that there is no waterlogging. Therefore, excess water in the cachepot should be removed as soon as possible. Rainwater is ideal for watering. If you don't have this on hand, you can also use mineral water.
Who at Spathiphyllum to a goodnutrient supply, can count on he althy growth and lots of flowers. In order to support flowering, we recommend that you fertilize your monofolia regularly between spring and late summer. A biological liquid fertilizer is particularly suitable for this, such as our Plantura organic room and green plant fertilizer. This not only optimally supplies your single leaf with nutrients, but also contains microorganisms that promote root growth.
Using our organic indoor and green plant fertilizer is very simple: after shaking the bottle vigorously, add 15 to 25 ml of the fertilizer to 5 liters of water. You can then use this enriched water to water your single leaf once a week from March to October. Our organic indoor & green plant fertilizer is harmless to pets and garden animals and can therefore also be used in the living room with peace of mind.
Repot single leaf
Repot every two to three years, depending on how fast your trumpet grows. A suitable time for this is spring or early summer to June. As a new planter, a pot with a hole to drain excess water is suitable. The pot should be about four centimeters larger in diameter than the previous one. For a long-lasting supply of nutrients, we recommend adding a granular fertilizer with a long-term effect to the plant substrate. Phosphorus in particular is important for rich flowering. Our primarily organic Plantura organic flower fertilizer provides the single leaf with long-term nutrients that are slowly released.
Tip: When choosing a pot, make sure that it is not too big. If the leaf tips are on the substrate, this could lead to brown leaf tips.
Cut single sheet
Stepping back is not necessary with single leaves and is not well tolerated by the plant. Older leaves die off over time and can be removed regularly. Sharp scissors are suitable for this, with which you can remove the dying leaf at the base of the stem.
Pests and diseases of the peace lily
The single leaf is not very susceptible to diseases and pests. In rare cases, an infestation by aphids occurs. The pests multiply rapidly, especially in warm rooms. You should therefore regularly check your peace lily for pest infestation, especially in winter.
Why is my single leaf getting yellow leaves?
When the leaves of yourThere are a number of reasons why single leaves turn yellow:
- Nitrogen deficiency: Even lightening of the leaves and yellowing of older leaves
Solution: Weekly use of an organic liquid fertilizer that is specially tailored to indoor plants, such as our Plantura Organic room & green plant fertilizer. - Waterlogging: Uniform lightening of leaves and yellow tips
Solution: Water less and remove excess water. - Air too dry: Yellow or brown leaf tips
Solution: Spray the plant with water. - Iron or magnesium deficiency: Young leaves lighten up, leaf veins or center remain green
Solution: repot one leaf, water the plant with acidic water ( no tap water).
Tip: For efficient nutrient uptake, the single leaf needs a slightly acidic substrate with a pH value of 5 - 6, which is why it needs to be watered with acidic rainwater (approx. pH 5 ,5) benefited.
Why isn't my single leaf blooming?
If a single leaf no longer flowers, this can have different reasons:
- A location that is too bright or much too dark.
- Insufficient or incorrectly weighted nutrient supply: Pure nitrogen fertilizers can inhibit flowering. Even when there is a shortage, the single leaf only grows and blooms sparsely.
Propagating Peace Lily
The single leaf can be easily propagated by dividing the stick. The best time for this is repotting. Proceed as follows:
- Put on gloves: the sap of the unicorn can be irritating.
- Remove the soil from the roots and rhizomes (thickened storage shoots).
- Select a rhizome with 3 - 4 leaves and roots and cut off with a sharp knife.
- Plant the rhizome in another pot and water it.
- Care for offshoots in the same way as the mother plant.
- After a few weeks the new peace lily will grow.
Is the single leaf poisonous?
Yes, Spathiphyllum is slightly poisonous. All parts of the plant contain substances that irritate the mucous membranes and oxalic acids, which, among other things, can lead to skin irritation if they come into contact with plant sap. For this reason, you should prevent children or pets from swallowing parts of the plant.
Another easy-care and very decorative houseplant is the Monstera Monkey Leaf. This tropical plant can also be grown in slightly darker roomsbe cultivated.