The single leaf, correctly Spathiphyllum, came to Europe towards the end of the 19th century. At first, the frugal plant from overseas could only be admired in the tropical houses of the botanical gardens, but it became established as a houseplant in the second half of the 20th century. Today the arum plant is one of the most popular ornamental plants for the living room at home.
What is special about the single-leaf houseplant?
The single leaf (Spathiphyllum) is a tropical houseplant with large, shiny, intense green leaves and white, cream or greenish bracts. It prefers light shade, high humidity and improves indoor air by absorbing carbon dioxide and toxins.
Good looks combined with practical use
Spathiphyllum has intensely green, usually very large and shiny leaves. The actual flowers consist only of a piston - typical for arum plants - which is surrounded by a white, cream-colored or greenish bract. The size and scope of the leaflet can vary greatly depending on the variety. Almost all monoleaves have white bracts, while other colors (with the exception of cream and green) are usually colored. However, Spathiphyllum is not only popular as a houseplant because of its decorative appearance, the plant is also one of the plants that significantly improve the indoor air by absorbing carbon dioxide and other toxins.
The single leaf is at home in tropical rainforests
The single leaf is at home in the tropical and always humid rainforests of South America, especially Venezuela and Colombia. Here, Spathiphyllum thrives in the moist and warm shade of the imposing jungle giants, which is why the plant does not tolerate direct sunlight, even in your living room. Instead, the single sheet prefers a light shade - i.e. H. the location should be bright, but not directly sunny. High humidity is also an advantage, which is why Spathiphyllum feels particularly comfortable in the bathroom - as long as it is a daylight bathroom.
The varieties of the single leaf and its relatives
There are three different types of leaf, but they are very similar in terms of their appearance and needs. Most of the approximately 50 different varieties come from Spathiphyllum wallisii, although they differ primarily in their size and width as well as in the size of their leaves and flowers. The bract of Spathiphyllum wallisii, for example, turns green very quickly, while the pure white bracts of Spathiphyllum floribundum can become particularly large. The single leaf is closely related to the anthurium (flamingo flower), the indoor calla (Zantedeschia), the Dieffenbachia and the Zamioculcas (lucky feather).
Tip
Like all arum plants, the single leaf is slightly poisonous.