Spathiphyllum, Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum species complex and hybrids

spayth-ah-PHYLL-um

Araceae

Explanation of name: The generic name indicates that the spathe (white bract associated with the flowering spike) resembles a leaf.

Natural range: American Tropics (BR1)

Recognition: Clumping aroids with bleached-white spathes and white spadixes.  There are numerous cultivars, with new selections appearing regularly through tissue culture, these often patented.

Landscape uses: Flowering bedding plants for shaded (with right dappled or indirect light), protected places with adequate moisture (not wet). Often used indoors too. Generally a 1:1:1 ratio of peat, perlite, bark is a common potting mix for the southern United States (http://www.oglesbytc.com/culture-spathiphyllum.html).

There are numerous cultivars ranging from dwarfs to selections as tall as a person (‘Sensation’).

Internet sources:  http://mgonline.com/spathiphyllum.html

http://www.spaths.com/

http://www.oglesbytc.com/culture-spathiphyllum.html