The plant called Cuna de Moisés or Espatifilos, are different species of plants of the genus Spathiphylum sp., of the Araceae family originating from the tropical forests of South America, are distributed in different countries of the planet. In cold countries they are grown in heated houses and greenhouses. There are many horticultural varieties of this type. I invite you to know how to take care of a Cradle of Moses.
The Cradle of Moses
The well-known Cradle of Moses (Spatiphyllum sp.) is native to the tropical humid forests of northern South America from Venezuela, Colombia, to Peru and Ecuador, it is distributed in its places of origin between sea level up to 1.200 meters above sea level. More than 30 species and multiple hybrids are known. the species S. wallisii, has been distributed in the form of crops in many countries of the world.
In horticulture, numerous hybrids and varieties have been cultivated that differ from the original ones by having larger spathes or more attractive inflorescences. In temperate countries they are grown in greenhouses or heated indoor spaces. The name of this genus Spatiphyllum comes from the Greek word spathe what does spathe mean and "phyllon" leaf, words that highlight the large white spathe that surrounds its inflorescence.
It is a widely cultivated plant in countries with a temperate climate that is easy to purchase at plant sales houses, at affordable costs and its varieties are very versatile and attractive, they can be purchased in different sizes ranging from just 10 centimeters to a height about 60 centimeters. They are perennial plants that are quite easy to maintain, because they grow in shady places they can flower indoors, their flowering lasts a long time and if they are well cared for, their flowering will be easy to achieve, compared to other plants.
Features
It is a herbaceous plant, about 10 to 30 centimeters tall, with perennial leaves, without a stem (acaule) or with a very short stem. Its leaves look like lances because they are long and lanceolate, acuminate at the upper edge or apex and attenuated at the base. Its leaves have a very marked central rib that is 26 to 30 centimeters long and 6 to 8 centimeters wide.
It has green petioles that are longer than the foliar blade of its leaves and develops an inflorescence that is longer than the leaves, with a concave-shaped white spathe that turns greenish over time, measuring between 12 to 14 centimeters. The apex of the spathe is long acuminate. It has a white spadix, smaller than the spathe, full of fertile hermaphroditic flowers. Sometimes the inflorescence emerges greenish in color and over time changes to white and then turns greenish before dying. Its flowers grow throughout the year.
Care
The Cradles of Moses are plants that grow well receiving indirect sunlight, it is suggested to place them near a window where they receive good indirect lighting. Being tropical plants, the temperature ranges to which they adapt best are between 15°C to 25°C. Irrigation has to be supplied more frequently in the summer months, as well as in less quantity and frequency in the winter months. They are plants that favor a high environmental humidity, it is suggested to pay or fertilize during the spring and summer seasons. Its flowering is in spring and it is recommended to transplant every two years.
Automotive Lighting
The peace lily or Cradle of Moses grows well in environments with good lighting that reaches it indirectly. It is suggested that you locate it with high lighting but that the sun's rays do not reach the plant directly. It is emphasized that the sun's rays do not shine directly on the leaves, because it is possible that they will turn yellow or burn and may fall.
It can also happen that the place where you can grow the Cradle of Moses plants has little sunlight, this will result in the plant growing well in low light but not flowering, remaining in a vegetative state and enjoying its beautiful colored leaves. dark green. If you want to see the Cradle of Moses flourish, you have to relocate it so that it receives good lighting.
Temperature
It is a plant that, being native to tropical regions of South America, must be grown at temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. The Cuna de Moisés does not resist low temperatures and even less frost, so if you are going to grow it in a country with a temperate climate, you have to do it inside the house where there is heating. In addition, to take into account these temperature ranges to grow it, you have to be aware of air currents and sudden changes in temperature because this affects these beautiful coves.
Irrigation
The application of irrigation water depends on the climatic conditions of the different seasons of the year. During the spring season, this plant needs abundant watering, always making sure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Therefore, it is essential that the substrate does not dry out completely. In the winter season, on the other hand, the Cradle of Moses does not have to receive so much watering due to the low temperatures. These irrigations will be applied when the soil is dry.
Humidity
They are plants that grow in nature in environments with high humidity such as tropical forests. Due to these Cradles of Moses, if you grow it at home you have to provide them with more humidity when you notice that the apex or tip of the leaves looks dry. In case you live in a place with low environmental humidity, it is suggested that you grow them together with other plants that also require high environmental humidity such as Calateas or Marantas, being together they will create a microclimate to conserve humidity in the environment.
In the same way, they can be provided with moisture by placing the pot of the Cradle of Moses on a plate with some stones or gravel filled with water, the stones will keep the pot up and in this way it will keep the plant of the Cradle of Moses or peace lily moist. and, the ground will not get wet. Also, there is the option of spraying the water on the leaves of the plant about three times a week and if the environment is very dry every day. Finally, if you have the opportunity and you have many plants that like humidity, buy a humidifier to help generate humidity in the environment.
Fertilization or fertilizer
It is suggested to fertilize the Cunas de Moisés plants at the beginning of spring or in the summer season, because it is the time of the year when these plants develop more and therefore absorb more nutrients from the soil and from the water that they use to continue growing and forming flower buds and blooming. Due to this, organic or chemical fertilizers must be provided in a sufficient dose to nourish the Cradle of Moses and without damaging the plant. For this reason, follow the dosage instructions suggested by the manufacturer and if you consider that it is too much, put half, it is preferable to add a smaller amount and keep the plants healthy.
Flowering
The specimens of Cuna de Moisés or spathiphylls flower profusely if they grow in good conditions of high luminosity and environmental humidity. As previously mentioned, the Cradle of Moses plants that do not bloom may be growing in places with little light for the plant. You may think you get good light, however it turns out that plants are more sensitive to light than humans.
Therefore, if you want to stimulate flowering, it is suggested to change the Cradle of Moses to a place with more indirect sunlight, with a warm temperature around 20°C and with good environmental humidity, which can be achieved by spraying the leaves of the plant and placing the pot on a plate with water that has some stones or gravel so that the pot does not touch the water and remove it after 10 minutes. Also, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Planting and transplanting
It is a plant that can live for many years if it receives good treatment. For the Cradle of Moses to grow healthy for a long time, it is convenient to transfer it to another pot every two or three years, in the spring season. It must be taken into account that the new pot has to be about three or even four centimeters larger in diameter or deeper than the old pot, so that the Cradle of Moses develops its roots better and therefore flourishes better.
If you are going to plant it in a place in the garden, it is also suggested to plant the Cradle of Moses during the spring season (in countries without seasons it is suggested to start the rains), because that is when the average minimum temperatures are 15 ° C, favors the growth of this plant. Remember that you have to plant it under a tree so that it receives indirect sunlight, and the humidity is maintained, as it happens in nature.
Open a hole with a measure of about 50 x 50 centimeters, place universal fertilizer mixed with perlite in that hole, in equal amounts both and mix it, then place the Cradle of Moses in the center, making sure that it is not too high or too deep, For this, ensure that the root ball where the plant is about 2 centimeters below the surface of the soil and water.
Propagation
It can be propagated by dividing its tillers or by the shoots of seedlings that grow at the foot of the mother plant. They are light-sensitive plants, so they require shaded places, which in turn receive good light in the early hours of the day or in the afternoon. The cultivation soil of the Cuna de Moisés must be fertile, with good drainage, it requires frequent watering but without flooding the soil, because this can rot the roots.
Pests
Cuna de Moisés plants are susceptible to being attacked by pests such as mites and insects and microorganisms that cause diseases, when they grow in places that are not suitable for their good growth or suffer from nutritional deficiencies that prevent them from protecting themselves from their natural enemies and getting sick. For this reason, they must be given the best care if you want to keep the Cradle of Moses healthy. Among the animals that attack this plant can be noted:
- the mites They are small animals that measure less than 0,5 centimeters in length and that parasitize the plant, placing themselves on the leaves, consuming their cellular tissues. The mite known as "red spider" stands out, which weaves a web, hence its everyday name and which in principle can deceive the grower and believe that it is a spider. It is controlled with acaricide.
- Aphids or aphids. These parasitize the Cradle of Moses, feeding on the sap of leaves and flowers. The color of aphids can be yellow, green, brown or black. For its control, it is suggested to apply chemical insecticide such as chlorpyrifos, or natural insecticides such as neem oil or potassium soap.
- The white fly. This little insect is a white mosquito that sucks the sap from the Cradle of Moses. For its control, it is suggested to apply chlorpyrifos, or natural insecticides such as neem oil extract and with a potassium soap.
Among the symptoms of diseases caused by pest microorganisms such as fungi of the genera Phytopthora, Cylindrocladium, Cercospora y Colleotricum, Caused by an excess of irrigation frequencies, they can be named: brown spots on leaves, chlorotic spots on leaves, rotting of leaves and roots, decreased growth and symptoms of sadness in the plant. These symptoms can be healed with fungicides such as Aliette, its active component is Fosetil-Al, and also by cutting the damaged parts and of course reducing the frequency of irrigation.
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