Spathiphyllum 'Sweet Isabella'

Breeding history of Spathiphyllum 'Sweet Isabella'

Niek Hogenboom bred ‘Sweet Isabella’ in Honselersdijk, the Netherlands. The cross was made in 2015 and the cultivar was selected in 2016.

How to care for Spathiphyllum 'Sweet Isabella'

• Light: Bright indirect light is ideal for this large flowering cultivar. It will tolerate medium light, but too little light can slow new leaf growth and flowering.
• Water: Water once the surface begins to dry while the root ball remains slightly moist. In a large pot, check below the top layer before watering so the mix deeper in the pot can begin drying between waterings.
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity helps the broad leaves stay smooth and reduces dry tips. Keep it away from hot, dry airflow.
• Temperature: Keep conditions warm and stable, avoiding cold draughts and abrupt temperature changes.
• Potting mix: Use a well-aerated houseplant mix that retains some moisture and drains freely, keeping plenty of air around the roots.
• Feeding: Feed with a balanced houseplant fertiliser about monthly while the plant is growing. Follow the label and adjust the feeding rate if the potting mix already contains fertiliser.
• Repotting: Repot when the roots densely fill the pot or watering becomes difficult to manage. Move up one pot size at a time and use a pot with a drainage hole.
• Flowering: Good light and steady growth support flowering. New spathes usually appear as the plant produces new leaves.
• Grooming: Remove spent flower stalks and fully yellow leaves at the base. Wipe the large leaves regularly so they stay clean and easy to inspect.

Problems and solutions for Spathiphyllum 'Sweet Isabella'

• Broad leaves droop: Feel the root ball before reacting. Dry mix needs a thorough watering; wet mix with limp leaves suggests that roots may be short of air or already damaged.
• Dark leaves develop brown tips: Uneven moisture, low humidity and mineral salts are the main things to check first. Water more consistently and use lower-mineral water if deposits are building up on the mix or pot.
• Several leaves yellow at once: One old yellow leaf is normal, but several at once can mean the mix is staying too wet. Improve drainage and let the upper mix begin drying between waterings; the yellow-leaf guide helps compare other causes.
• Roots turn soft: Remove all rotten roots with clean, disinfected tools, discard the removed material and repot in fresh airy mix. Follow the root-rot guide if the plant has already started collapsing.
• New leaves or spathes are scarred: Inspect for thrips, mites and mealybugs around new growth. Isolate a confirmed infestation, wipe or rinse away visible pests, then use a treatment labelled for the identified pest and repeat it at the interval stated on the label. If you are not sure which pest is present, send clear photos to Foliage Factory before treating.

Spathiphyllum ‘Sweet Isabella’ 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.

The meaning and history of Spathiphyllum

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.