Plant Description

Spathiphyllum species

Spathiphyllum growing with Calathea species in the garden of Sue and John Dailey in Sydney

Sometimes called the peace lily, Spathiphyllum belong to the broad plant family known as the Araceae, the members of which are sometimes known as aroids. Many of these plants come from tropical climates and were traditionally used as houseplants. However, in Sydney we can grow many of them outdoors as permanent plantings, or in pots.

On the whole, Spathiphyllum are best suited to dappled or heavy shade in the garden, with sufficient moisture: many can actually grow well in ponds. For this reason, they survive overwatering when grown indoors! They can introduce an element of bold contrast with their distinctive leaves and dramatic sculptural flowers, which are fragrant, and they and mix in well with other warm-climate plants that grow well in our climate, creating the ambience of a tropical rain forest. I have one growing beneath Mussaenda frondosa, to echo its large, white bracts.

Growing to a height of 30 cm, Spathiphyllum has lovely white spathes (turning green with age) almost all year round, which are very pretty in a shaded garden bed with silvery-leaved plants - I find it easier to grow than the similar-looking Anthurium, which are probably at the edge of their comfort zone in some Sydney suburbs. The basic species is Spathiphyllum wallisii. One of the commonest cultivars is 'Mauna Loa', although often they are sold without an identifying name. There is a giant form of Spathiphyllum, called 'Sensation' (height to 1.5 m), which is very effective.

Contact with the sap may irritate the skin and all parts of the plant may cause stomach upsets if ingested, so keep out of reach of children and pets.

 

Spathiphyllum species
Out now in my Sydney garden.
Flowers from December to April.
Plant Family: Araceae

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