Spath – a Wonderful Plant Blooming All Year Long

Spath, also known as peace lilies, is a beautiful species which, apart from its aesthetic properties, also cleans the air! Today we have a few hints for you regarding how to cultivate and take care of the plant so that it will stay with you as long as possible.

The natural habitat of the plant is Central and South America, South-East Asia and Oceania. Potted and kept in appropriate conditions, the plant lives on as a perennial.

The plant is capable of purifying the air removing such substances as formaldehyde, ammoniac, toluene, trichloroethylene or BTX, released from carpets and furniture.

Its large leaves grow form the common central point in all directions.

Coming at long stems, they are shiny, dark green and lancet-shaped clumping together.

The flowers are white. They appear on leafless stems. They bloom well above the leaves level and wonderfully contrast with the dark green color of the leaves.

They are wing-shaped with sharp tips. They make you think a little bit of anthurium.

They can bloom for several months. In some cases it can last all year long provided that we ensure sufficient humidity.

Spaths prefer partial shades and dispersed lights. They do not tolerate direct sun exposure which can burn their leaves. The plant does not like drafts or high temperatures. The best temperature range is 18 – 21 degrees C in the summer and 16 – 18 C in the winter.

Spath prefers dump, light and permissible soils. You can choose any universal, fertile or humus-based.

You can prepare such a mixture yourself, using compost, decomposed leaves and sand in 1:1:1 ratio.

The pot needs to have a drainage layer, made of pebbles or similar material to let the excess of water flow down.

The roots must not remain in water.

Spaths love being sprinkled on regular basis, about 2 – 3 times a week, using soft water in room temperature.

In the winter watering should be less frequent, though.

If the drainage level is thick enough, it’s not a big issue if there is some water on the pot saucer.

Each spring spath needs to be repotted. This is crucial for the condition of the plant and its blooming. While doing this, the roots have to be cleared of the old medium. Of course the new pot needs to have the drainage level, too.

The spath can be propagated by splitting the root ball. The roots can be cut with a knife. New seedlings have to be stored in a rather shady spot until first leaves form.

The plant needs moderate fertilization, using any available nutrition for green plants. While it is in bloom, it can be fertilized every two weeks.

Peace lily, to work as an air purifier, has to have its leaves clean at all times. To do it, you need a dump cloth. Never use any rinse aids.

Spaths don’t need to be trimmed. We only remove dry leaves and flowers.

The plant is really pest-resistible. The only species attacking the plant is spider mite. If it is the case, it means the plant is not watered enough. To handle it, just sprinkle it with water on more regular basis.

If the plant is drained properly, the risk of fungus infestation is next to nothing. All problems in fact stem from mistakes in the way we take care of the plant.

Dry leaves mean that the plant doesn’t get enough water.

This is when you need to put the pot non a saucer filled with water. The plant will absorb as much water as it actually needs.

Brown edges of leaves – too low humidity. The plant needs more sprinkling.

Brown spots on the leaves – too much fertilizer. The plants has to be repotted.

No flowers – there is too little fertilizer, too little water or the plant needs to be repotted.

Pale or yellowish leaves – too much sun

Domino – white inflorescence and colorful leaves

Mini and Yess – only up to 12 inches high, with smaller leaves

Mauna Loa – wide leaves and slightly fragrant flowers

Sensation – exceptionally big and wide leaves, growing up to 6 feet.

Sweet Paco – its flowers give off a nice smell in the morning.