The spoon plant, officially called Spathiphyllum, has gained considerable popularity in recent years. This plant was recently found to be above-average air purifiers in NASA’s Clean Air Study, which investigated clean air in space stations.
The spoon plant is native to the tropical rain forests of Colombia and Venezuela and likes a warm, moist environment in the shade. It belongs to the plant family Araceae. It is an easy houseplant that also produces flowers, a nice extra. The plant benefits from a position with less light, so direct sunlight is not essential.
Appearance of the spoon plant
The spoon plant was introduced to Europe at the end of the 19th century and since then it has gone through a somewhat stormy development. The number of growers has grown more and more over the years, and today the plant is a popular addition to contemporary interiors.
The spoon plant is also sometimes called pennant plant, but should not, however, be confused with Hygrophila difformis, an aquarium plant that happens to bear the same name.
The spoon plant is a graceful well-stocked plant, with many dark green leaves on sturdy stems. The plant also blooms in the living room or office for at least several months, revealing beautiful spoon-white flowers. These little flowers look a bit like spoons, to which the plant owes its name.
The spoon plant can grow about a meter and a half tall, although of course this depends on the quality and sub-species of the plant purchased.
The spoon plant also filters polluting particles from the air such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, acetone and various types of alcohols using small openings in the leaves.
Maintenance of the spoon plant
The spoon plant is easy and friendly to maintain. It consumes a fair amount of water, but it is not difficult to overlook this because the it signals a deficiency by drooping. When this shortage is replenished, the spoon plant quickly returns to its proud upright position. Watering about twice a week is sufficient.
Furthermore, the plant is at its best in a room with relatively high humidity. If there is a shortage of this, for example in winter when there is more heating, this can easily be remedied by spraying the plant. Be careful not to spray the flowers (too much) as this can cause brown spots.
The spoon plant does not need direct sunlight. Best is a spot by the window facing north, or else a little further away from windows. The ideal temperature ranges between 16-24°C. At least make sure the temperature at night does not go below 13 degrees.
The Spathiphyllum is best fertilized every 6 to 8 weeks. A liquid fertilizer for flowering houseplants can be used for this purpose.
The spoon plant as an office plant
Because of its diversity, the spoon plant is very suitable as an ornamental addition to your office. The plant does not need direct sunlight and also does not require complicated care. Also, the fact that the plant blooms several months a year is a nice bonus. Furthermore, this plant is available in very different sizes, from a few dozen centimeters to over a meter high. Something for everyone!
Are you curious about the possibilities of an Areca palm at your office? Please feel free to contact AnyGreen to discuss your specific (office) requirements.
