The Sword it is one of the most favorite flowering perennials indoors because of its beautiful white flower that contrasts beautifully with its dark green foliage. Its name comes from the sword-like shape of its leaves and flowers. It comes mainly from Venezuela and Colombia and belongs to the same family as the anthurium.
Plant description
It is a perennial plant that can reach a height of 90 cm. It has large, dark green leaves, which rest on a slender stem and resemble swords. Its flowers also grow from the base of the stem. They are white, characteristic, with also a characteristic white stamen in the center. Its flowers resemble those of the calla and the lily. Sword leaf is mildly toxic to humans and animals when swallowed.
Care
- The ideal spot for the sword leaf is near a window to have enough light but not directly visible to the sun because it will damage its leaves.
- It can grow in low light conditions only, which may reduce their flowering.
- Do not place it next to radiators or other appliances that emit heat or cold as it will adversely affect your plant.
- It can adapt to any soil acidity as long as it drains well.
- It grows between 12-25 ° C. Low temperatures can be catastrophic. There is no problem with the heat.
- In its watering it needs water whenever the soil around our plant dries and it is like dry powder at a depth of 2-3 cm. Indoors we water it about 1-2 times a week. Be careful not to stagnate water in the pot. If we add too much water to it, the first symptom is that its leaves turn slightly yellow.
- It does not need pruning, but its leaves and flowers must be removed from the base when they dry.
- Regarding fertilization, it does not have special needs for fertilizer, but you can fertilize it with a light preparation for flowering, in half the dose from the one mentioned in the instructions of the preparation and only once a month, from Spring to the first cold of autumn. . Too much fertilizer can damage the plant and cause it to spoil.
- When the roots of our plant begin to appear in the pot that we have or it grows slowly, then we must transplant it.
- It is resistant to diseases and insects plant and the most common cause of its destruction is root rot.
- Finally, it is good to clean the leaves often with a damp cloth to clean the dust and keep them always shiny!
"Magic" property of the plant
Spathiphyllum belongs to the plants with the property of cleaning the atmosphere of the house from certain environmental pollutants, such as benzene and formaldehyde.
Purifies air toxins and produces oxygen. NASA states in its research that 15-18 such plants are needed in an area of 500 sq.m. to clean completely. In an area of 80 sq.m. you will need 3-4 of these plants that are suitable even for a bedroom.
