Spathiphyllum Sensation ('Gorgusis No. 1')

The story behind Spathiphyllum Sensation

Sensation is the trade name for cultivar ‘Gorgusis No. 1’, bred by James J. Georgusis in Florida from ‘Fantastica’ and ‘Supreme’. It was selected for taller, wider growth, fewer side shoots and longer, broader, darker and glossier leaves.

Those traits produced the giant peace lily now grown as Sensation, known for its exceptional size and strongly ribbed foliage.

Caring for Spathiphyllum Sensation indoors

• Light: Give it medium to bright filtered light, avoiding strong direct sun. Sensation keeps its deepest colour under gentler light; too much light can make the leaves paler or cause them to curl.
• Water: Keep the large root ball evenly moist in an airy mix that drains freely. Check deeper into the pot before watering because the centre of a big container dries more slowly than the surface.
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity helps new leaves open smoothly and reduces dry edges. Avoid hot, dry airflow across the foliage.
• Temperature: Keep it in warm, steady indoor conditions. Protect the large leaves from cold draughts and repeated contact with cold glass.
• Potting mix: Use an airy mix that holds moisture but still drains well. In a deep pot, chunky material helps keep air around the lower roots.
• Feeding: Feed lightly about once a month while new leaves are forming. Too much fertiliser can lead to salt build-up and brown leaf edges.
• Repotting: Repot only when the roots clearly need more room or the old mix has broken down. Use a heavy, stable container one size larger so the broad plant remains balanced.
• Flowering: Healthy mature plants can flower naturally under steady care and good indirect light.
• Grooming: Wipe the broad leaves to remove dust and cut fully yellow or badly damaged leaves at the base when needed.

Solving common problems with Spathiphyllum Sensation

• New leaves become pale or curl: Too much light is a likely cause. Move it farther from direct sun and watch the next leaves to see whether the change helps.
• The plant wilts: Check the root ball before acting. If the mix is dry, water thoroughly and let the pot drain; if it is still wet, do not add more water and check drainage and root condition instead.
• Large lower leaves yellow: One old leaf can yellow naturally, but several yellowing together suggest a problem with the roots or watering. Compare the pattern with the yellow-leaf guide.
• Roots are dark or soft: Remove rotten roots with clean, disinfected tools, discard the damaged tissue and repot into fresh, well-aerated mix. The root-rot guide gives the recovery steps.
• Large leaves develop silvery scarring: Thrips can be especially troublesome on large-leaved Spathiphyllum. Inspect folded new leaves and undersides, isolate an affected plant and repeat a treatment labelled for the identified pest at the stated interval. If you are not sure which pest is present, send clear photos to Foliage Factory before treating.

Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Where does the name Spathiphyllum come from?

Spathiphyllum arose from Greek spathē, meaning a blade or spathe, and phyllon, leaf.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Spathiphyllum in 1832 in Meletemata Botanica, page 22.