Spathiphyllum 'Sweet Silvana'

Breeding and selection history of Spathiphyllum 'Sweet Silvana'

Petrus C. M. Olsthoorn bred ‘Sweet Silvana’ in Honselersdijk, the Netherlands, from ‘96251-55’ × ‘96099-50’ and selected it in 1999.

Caring for Spathiphyllum 'Sweet Silvana'

• Light: Use medium to bright indirect light to support new growth and flowering. Strong direct sun can bleach the very dark leaves and leave permanent pale patches.
• Water: Let the surface begin drying before watering, while keeping the deeper root ball from becoming completely dry. Water thoroughly and allow the container to drain.
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity helps reduce dry tips on the broad dark leaves, especially in rooms with strong heating.
• Temperature: Keep it warm and stable indoors, away from cold draughts and abrupt changes in temperature.
• Potting mix: Choose a mix that holds some moisture but still drains well and stays airy. Avoid dense compost that remains wet for long periods.
• Feeding: Feed about monthly while the plant is growing, following the label on a balanced houseplant fertiliser. Avoid strong doses that can leave excess salts in the potting mix.
• Repotting: Move up one pot size when roots are crowded or the old mix has become compacted. Keep the base of the leaf stalks at the same level when repotting.
• Flowering: Remove old spathes once they have clearly faded. Healthy new growth and enough indirect light support later flowering.
• Grooming: Wipe dust from the very dark leaves and remove fully yellow foliage at the base with clean scissors.

Problems that may occur with Spathiphyllum 'Sweet Silvana'

• Dark leaves develop pale scorched areas: Strong direct light is the first thing to check. Move the plant to filtered light; damaged tissue will not turn green again, so watch new leaves to see whether conditions have improved.
• The plant droops: Check whether the mix is dry or still wet before watering. If it is dry, water thoroughly. If it is still wet and the leaves are limp, check the roots and drainage before watering again.
• Several leaves turn yellow: Check for prolonged wetness and poor drainage. The yellow-leaf guide can help distinguish root stress from normal ageing.
• Roots turn brown and mushy: Remove all rotten roots with clean, disinfected tools, discard the affected material and repot into fresh airy mix. Use the root-rot guide if the plant is already collapsing.
• New leaves or flowers develop silvery marks or distorted growth: Inspect new leaves and flowers for thrips, and check leaf bases for mealybugs. Isolate confirmed infestations 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 Silvana’ 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.

What does the name Spathiphyllum mean?

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.