Spathiphyllum 'Sweet Lauretta'

Breeding origin of Spathiphyllum 'Sweet Lauretta'

‘Sweet Lauretta’ was bred by Petrus C. M. Olsthoorn in Monster, the Netherlands, from ‘91327-10’ × ‘93161-95’.

The hybrid was selected in a Dutch Spathiphyllum breeding programme for large, vigorous growth and large white spathes.

Keeping Spathiphyllum 'Sweet Lauretta' healthy

• Light: Give it bright to medium indirect light. It handles relatively bright indirect light well, but harsh direct sun can still scorch the leaves.
• Water: Keep the mix evenly moist, allowing the surface to start drying before watering again. Water the full root ball thoroughly and let the pot drain.
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity helps prevent dry brown edges on the large glossy leaves. Very dry heated air can make the tips brown more easily.
• Temperature: Keep it warm and steady indoors. Avoid cold draughts and rapid temperature swings.
• Potting mix: Use a free-draining mix that still holds some moisture. An airy mix is especially useful as this large plant fills its pot with roots.
• Feeding: Feed monthly while new leaves and flowers are growing. Use a balanced fertiliser at the label rate.
• Repotting: Move to a slightly larger pot once the root system has filled its current container or the mix has compacted. Choose a stable pot that can support the long leaves and flower stalks.
• Flowering: Provide good indirect light and steady care between flowering periods. Quiet periods between blooms are normal.
• Grooming: Remove old flower stalks after the spathes have finished and clean the broad leaves with a damp cloth when dusty.

Problems to watch for with Spathiphyllum 'Sweet Lauretta'

• The glossy leaves lose colour or look washed out: Check light first. Although it handles brighter conditions well, direct sun or very intense light can still make the leaves look pale.
• Long leaves droop: Dry mix can cause a rapid wilt, but wet mix with the same symptom points to stressed or damaged roots. Check moisture before deciding whether to water.
• Yellowing spreads beyond the oldest leaf: Check whether the mix stays soaked around the roots, especially in a large decorative outer pot. Correct drainage and compare the symptoms with the yellow-leaf guide.
• Roots become dark and soft: Cut away rotten roots with clean, disinfected tools, discard the damaged material and repot in fresh airy mix. The root-rot guide gives a step-by-step recovery method.
• Flowers or new leaves develop silvery scars or rough patches: Inspect for thrips and check leaf joints for mealybugs. Isolate a confirmed infestation and repeat a treatment labelled for the pest 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 Lauretta’ 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.

How did Spathiphyllum get its name?

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.