Single leaf: plant, maintain & multiply

The single leaf is not a classic among houseplants for nothing. We'll tell you how to plant and care for the decorative and at the same time easy-care peace lily.

Due to its elegant and timeless appearance, the peace lily (Spathiphyllum) in every room. The single sheet is ideal even for inexperienced hobby gardeners. But did you know that different varieties differ in terms of height and leaf color? We reveal how to do it Spathiphyllum, also called sheath leaf or leaf flag, properly cares for and where the single leaf feels comfortable.

Single leaf: flowering and characteristics

The single leaf grows in the form of a clump with a height of 30 to 150 centimeters, depending on the variety. The houseplant has decorative flowers and leaves. The leaves show themselves in a rich dark green, a beautiful sheen on the upper side and an elliptical shape. The varietal, bright white to cream-colored flowers stand out on the dark green leaves. The white leaf is a bract that surrounds the actual, piston-shaped inflorescence. This flower shape is typical of the arum family (Araceae) like the single leaf. Flowers can usually be expected between June and September. Depending on the variety and timing, the flowers can exude a pleasantly light and sweet scent.

The most beautiful Spathiphyllum species and varieties

The types and varieties of the vaginal leaf differ both in their height, as well as in the shape and color of the flowers. To the genus Spathiphyllum belong to over 50 different types. The most popular are the single sheet types Spathiphyllum floribundum and Spathiphyllum wallisii.
The varieties of the species Spathiphyllum floribundum are characterized by particularly large flowers and a height of over 50 centimeters.
If you are looking for a much more compact plant, you will find varieties of the species Spathiphyllum wallisii correct. The varieties of this species have much smaller flowers and reach a height of 30 centimeters. Most of the mono-leaf plants sold are hybrids, i.e. crosses of different species.

Spathiphyllum floribundum ‘Chopin’

Spathiphyllum floribundum ‘Chopin’ is exactly the right variety for those who are looking for a simple and elegant peace lily. This variety 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 specialty among the leaf flags: The leaves are provided with 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 around 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. Its leaves are, however, even more streaked with white areas. The height is around 30 cm.

Spathiphyllum wallisii ‘Sensation’

This strain lives up to its name. Spathiphyllum wallisii ‘Sensation’ is one of the largest types of sheath leaf. With a stature height of over 150 cm, it can be grown excellently on the ground or on a small pedestal.

Spathiphyllum ‘Pearl Cupid’ (hybrid)

The hybrid ‘Pearl Cupid’ is characterized by particularly dark green, lanceolate leaves. These can reach a length of up to 90 cm, which means that ‘Pearl Cupid’ can be described as a high-growing variety.

Spathiphyllum ‘Sweet Paco’ (hybrid)

The extraordinary thing about the ‘Sweet Paco’ variety is its intense and pleasantly sweet fragrance. This scent is emitted from each of the brilliant white flowers for about half a day after they have opened. This makes this variety a specialty among the vaginal leaves.

Planting single leaf: location and substrate

Would you like 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-friendly. Even so, you should try to give the plant as much light as possible. Because the more light the single leaf receives, the stronger it grows. On the other hand, the single leaf does not tolerate direct sunlight well, which is why a window facing north, for example, is very suitable.

If your single leaf grows very slowly and the leaves are getting darker and greener, you should place the single leaf in a lighter location and see whether the plant feels more comfortable there. If, on the other hand, the single leaf has brown tips, this is an indication that the plant is temporarily exposed to direct sunlight. The single sheet 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.

If a suitable location has been found, the single leaf can best be planted in a pot in spring. When choosing a planter, use a container with a hole to drain excess water. Spathiphyllum is frugal with regard to the soil used. A high humus content and good ventilation of the root area are advantageous here. Our peat-free one, for example, offers these properties Plantura organic universal soil based on compost.

It is also suitable Spathiphyllum very good for cultivation in a hydroponic culture with expanded clay.

Single-leaf care: This is to be observed with the peace lily

In general, the single leaf is the ideal plant for beginners or for all those who don't really have a green thumb. Since the Spathiphyllum is at home in rainforests, she appreciates high humidity. Even if it tolerates dry air temporarily, it is advisable, especially in winter, to spray the single leaf two to three times a week with water that is low in lime. To prevent the beautiful, shiny green leaves from getting dusty and hindered photosynthesis, they can occasionally be wiped off with a damp cloth.

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 planter should be removed as soon as possible. Rainwater is ideal for watering. If you don't have it at hand, you can also use mineral water.

Who at Spathiphyllum pays attention to a good supply of nutrients, can count on healthy growth and lots of flowers. To support flower formation, we recommend that you fertilize your single leaf regularly between spring and late summer. A biological liquid fertilizer such as ours is particularly suitable for this Plantura organic indoor & green plant fertilizer. This not only optimally supplies your single leaf with nutrients, but also contains microorganisms that promote root growth.

The application of our Organic indoor & green plant fertilizer is very simple: After vigorously shaking the bottle, 15 to 25 ml of the fertilizer are poured into 5 L irrigation 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 safe for pets and garden animals and can therefore also be used in the living room with peace of mind.

Repot one leaf

Depending on how fast your single leaf grows, you should repot it every two to three years. A suitable time for this is spring or early summer to June. A pot with a hole for draining off excess water is ideal as a new planter. The pot should be about four inches 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 abundant flowering. Our primarily organic one 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 that big. If the leaf tips lie on the substrate, this could lead to brown leaf tips.

Cut single leaf

A step backwards is not necessary with the single leaf and is not well tolerated by the plant. Older leaves will die over time and can be removed regularly. You can use sharp scissors to remove the dying leaf from the base of the stem.

Diseases and pests of the peace lily

The single leaf is less susceptible to diseases and pests. In rare cases an infestation occurs Aphids. The pests multiply particularly in warm rooms. You should therefore regularly check your peace lily for pests, especially in winter.

Why is my single leaf getting yellow leaves?

If the leaves of your single leaf turn yellow, there are several reasons:

• Nitrogen deficiency: Even lightening of the leaves and yellow discolored, older leaves
  solution: Weekly use of a biological liquid fertilizer that is specially tailored to indoor plants, like ours Plantura organic indoor & green plant fertilizer.
• Waterlogging: Even lightening of the leaves and yellow tips
  solution: Pour less and remove excess water.
• Too dry air: Yellow or brown leaf tips
  solution: Spray the plant with water.
• Iron or Magnesium Deficiency: Young leaves lighten, leaf veins or center remain green
  solution: Repot the single leaf, absolutely water the plant with acidic water (no tap water).

Tip: For efficient nutrient absorption, the single leaf needs a slightly acidic subsurface with a pH value of 5 - 6, which is why it needs to be watered with acidic rainwater (approx. pH 5.5) benefits.

Why isn't my leaf blooming?

If a single leaf no longer blooms, this can have different reasons:

• Too bright or too dark a location.
• Insufficient or incorrectly weighted nutrient supply: Pure nitrogen fertilizers can inhibit flower formation. Even when there is insufficient supply, the single leaf grows and blooms only sparsely.

Propagate peace lily

The single leaf can be easily increased by dividing the stick. The best time to do this is to repot. To do this, proceed as follows:

• Put on gloves: the sap of the single leaf can be irritating.
• Remove soil from the roots and rhizomes (thickened storage sprouts).
• Select a rhizome with 3 - 4 leaves and roots and cut off with a sharp knife.
• Plant the rhizome in another pot and water.
• 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 mucous membrane irritants and oxalic acids, which can cause skin irritation if they come into contact with sap. For this reason, you should prevent children or pets from swallowing parts of plants.

Another easy-care and very decorative houseplant is the Monstera Monkey Leaf. This tropical plant can also be cultivated in slightly darker rooms.