Sandra, Spathiphyllum
Description
Sandra is a Spathiphyllum with a very free flowering habit. Spathiphyllums come from the jungles of South America where they grow in fairly deep shade but areas where reasonable light comes in from the edge of the jungle or where a tree has blown down. Flowers on most varieties are white in colour but some have a touch of green on them. They are ideal house plants. Sandra comes into flower several times a year when grown under well lit conditions. Sandra was selected from a batch of seedlings raised by a Spathiphyllum breeder in Florida, Mr. Norman Hickerso, who is well-known in the foliage industry in the USA.
Plant Useage
Spathiphyllums are one of the most widely grown houseplants in the world. They are easily grown from seed or tissue culture which makes them cost-effective for most home gardeners. Plants are used for interior decoration and can stand darker conditions than most plants as long as the moisture is regulated. In subtropical and tropical areas Spathiphyllum SandraTcan be used as groundcover planting under the shade of large trees. In commercial plantings very large areas are often planted out with good results.
Growing Conditions
Spathiphyllums like warmth. Constant moisture is certainly beneficial. Drying out will cause foliage collapse. Thorough watering at this stage will mean an almost complete recovery but flowering suffers.
Plant Care
Sandra needs to be watered well a couple of times a week during the warm weather. In winter time once a week is sufficient. As the plants have so many leaves they do use a lot of water in most interior situations where the atmosphere is quite dry. Some people stand them in pot saucers which collect excess water when you give the plant its weekly drink. It is important however that the plants are not allowed to sit in excess water for long periods of time. Fertilising with a well-balanced liquid fertiliser in Spring, Summer and early Autumn is beneficial. This is when the plants are in full growth. Flowering will not occur unless the light levels for the plants are right. In most cases plants grown inside the home will not flower there. This is not always the case, it depends entirely on the amount of light the plant receives.
