It looks extremely chic, is elegant and flowers for a relatively long time - the single leaf. Because it is also relatively easy to care for, the Spathiphyllum, as it is called in Latin, is one of the most popular indoor plants. Of course, there can still be problems from time to time. If, for example, the leaves develop brown spots or turn completely brown, there is an acute need for action. Usually there is a serious maintenance error that should be corrected as soon as possible.
causes
Why are the leaves turning brown?
Like any other plant, the single leaf needs very specific living conditions in order to be able to grow and thrive. If these correspond to the conditions in the apartment, there are usually no problems. If, on the other hand, they do not fit, the plant will quickly signal this - for example by turning its leaves brown. That is why it is first of all important to know the prerequisites in order to be able to offer the single sheet optimal conditions.
It takes all year round:
- warm temperatures
- a high humidity
- little light (no direct sunlight!)
- a damp soil
- regular fertilization
If these requirements are temporarily or consistently not met, the leaves will turn brown. This usually occurs first at the tips and edges. But brown spots up to the complete browning of a leaf are also possible.
warmth
warm temperatures
The single leaf originally comes from the tropical rain forests of this world. Warmth and moisture are therefore of great importance for its growth. In principle, it cannot be too hot for the plant in the apartment. Temperatures above 18 degrees Celsius are ideal. Under no circumstances should the temperature fall below 16 degrees Celsius - this also applies explicitly to the resting phase between October and March. Important: Water a little less at temperatures below 18 degrees, as the Spathiphyllum then uses less water.
humidity
High humidity
Since it is a tropical plant, humidity also plays a major role. The ideal location would actually be the bathroom at home, because it is usually warm and relatively humid there all year round. In most cases, however, this location will not be realized. The fact that the plant is exposed to insufficient humidity is usually reflected in the brown tips of the leaves. Regular spraying of the leaves is therefore of particular importance. Attention: Only the leaves and not the flowers may actually be sprayed. Only soft, i.e. low-lime water should be used for this.
In regions where the total hardness of 2.5 is exceeded, it is therefore necessary to decalcify the irrigation water beforehand. Alternatively, rainwater is suitable, which is best collected continuously in the garden or on the balcony. It should simply be ensured that the humidity is medium to high at all times. In concrete terms, this means that the humidity in the room in which the single sheet is located should be around 50 percent. For comparison: The average humidity in a tropical rainforest is 70 percent. Incidentally, this can be measured very easily with a so-called hygrometer, which is available in stores for little money.
lack of light
Little light
Of course, the Spathiphyllum also needs light. However, it shouldn't be too much of it. For example, placing the single leaf directly on the window sill of a south-facing window will definitely lead to brown leaves and ultimately to the death of the plant. Direct sunlight is therefore not possible at all. Instead, it prefers shady or semi-shady conditions and also gets along extremely well with rather dark corners in the apartment. In principle, a plant lamp alone is sufficient for the necessary light supply. Tip: If brown spots appear on the leaves, be sure to check the location first.
Damp ground
The soil or the substrate in which the single leaf is rooted should be continuously moist. It must never dry out completely. On the other hand, waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. However, it is permissible if the surface of the earth has dried a little. Watering should be done regularly and ensure the conditions just described. Here, too, water that is as soft and low in lime as possible should be used. The soil itself is also important in this context. Normal planting or potting soil is sufficient. However, it should be composed on a peat basis.
The ideal pH value is within a range of 5.8 to 6.3. Outside of this range, the Spathiphyllum cannot thrive optimally. Note: Soil that is too dry can lead to an infestation of spider mites, a pest that also causes leaf browning. If spider mites have appeared, they can best be combated with an oily solution from specialist shops.
Fertilize
In the first six to eight weeks after planting, the single leaf gets its nutrients from the soil. However, they are upset. Now you can't avoid fertilization. This should be done with a liquid fertilizer and every two weeks. Of course, the manufacturer's instructions must be observed when it comes to dosage.
Very important: The plant must be watered immediately before fertilizing. The Spathiphyllum does not tolerate the salts contained in the fertilizer particularly well. Giving water beforehand leads to greater dilution.
Conclusion
If brown spots appear on the leaves of the single leaf or if a leaf turns completely brown, you should check the above points step by step and correct them if necessary. If you do this consistently, the plant will recover and you can enjoy it for a long time.