Spathiphyllum wallisii

Scientific name: Spathiphyllum wallisii

Family: Araceae

Usual maximum size in aquariums: 20 - 30 cm (7.87 - 11.81 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 25 °C (71.6 - 77°F)

Reproduction of the plant: Cuttings

Origin (in the wild): South America

How fast these plants grow: Slow

Recommended substrate: Gravel

Demands on lighting: Medium

Ideal placement in a fish tank: Middle

Common Names

Peace Lily, White Sails, Spathe Flower

Propagation

This plant can be propagated by taking cuttings or allowing the flower to produce seeds. If taking cuttings break off the bottom two pairs of leaves to reveal a length of bare stem. This can now be placed carefully into the substrate taking care not to crush the stem. In a few weeks the cuttings will develop a root system to create new plants. Seeds collected can be set in pots as normal but the compost must be kept very moist for them to germinate. Flowering normally occurs in the spring and only happens once a year.

Difficulty

Difficult. This plant does best in small shallow tanks, they will survive submerged for short periods but must be given the chance to grow emersed for a large part of the year.

Short Description

This plant is not a true aquatic species but it is often used in terrariums or shallow tanks. The flower stems need to be out of the water. It is also a very popular house plant but in aquariums it does have a fairly short lifespan compared to most of the other species. They do like a fairly low lighting system, bright lighting can scorch the leaves. Browning of the leaves can indicate a nutrient deficiency, if this is the case extra nutrients should be added to the water column using a suitable plant food that is safe for the live inhabitants of the aquarium. Any leaves that are above the water surface will require misting on a regular basis, the leaves will droop if allowed to dry out too much.

When purchasing a specimen make sure that the leaves are bright green and upright, drooping leaves or browning means that the plant is not in the best condition.

It should definitely be noted that this plant is poisonous if the leaves are crushed or broken, you should always wash your hands after handling.