Moonflower with variegated foliage

Credit: Alvin Kho

Spatiphyllum Diamond variegata flower

Credit: Kpjas

Spathiphyllum hybrid green and white foliage

Credit: Leonora Enking

Hybrid moonflower with variegated foliage

Credit: Forest and Kim Starr

Spathiphyllum 'Diamond variegata', the moonflower with green and white leaves

Are you dreaming of a rootstock with white variegated foliage, but don't have enough light to accommodate a Monstera variegata? Adopt a Spathiphyllum Diamond variegata. Like its ancestor, moon Flower, this species thrives in the shade of tall trees in the forests of Colombia.

How to recognize Spathiphyllum 'Diamond variegata'?

Spathiphyllum Diamond variegata is an acacia-like, rhizomatous plant. Its numerous shoots and dense foliage give it a bushy habit. The smallest specimens don't exceed 50 centimetres in all directions, while the largest grow to a metre.

The lanceolate leaves measure up to 65 centimetres long and 25 wide. Green and shiny, they are variegated with white and cream. Each leaf blade is crossed by a pronounced midrib.

The inflorescence of Spathiphyllum 'Diamond variegata' is reminiscent of that of anthurium andreanum. A narrow, green or white spadix is supported by a long stalk. It is surrounded by a white or cream spathe. After a few weeks, the bracts turn green. At night, the flowers give off a light perfume.

Spathiphyllum 'Diamond variegata' absorbs benzene, xylene, ammonia and trichloroethylene. But if you want to purify the polluted air in your home, you'll need to grow dozens of them. On the other hand, a single plant is enough to cause digestive or skin disorders. Moonflower sap contains calcium oxalate, a substance toxic to humans and most animals.

Our maintenance tips

Diamond variegata' Spathiphyllum are not very difficult to care for. Less temperamental than their Anthurium look-alike, they need only be placed in part-shade and watered generously and regularly.

Watering

Diamond variegata' Spathiphyllum like to keep soil moist, but not soggy. Water when the soil surface is dry (two to three centimetres).

Water the substrate with non-calcareous water, such as rainwater, at room temperature.

Allow the water to drain through the drainage holes before replacing the plant. Empty out any water stagnating in the saucer or planter. It may rot the roots.

Spray

Spraying non-calcareous water on the underside and tops of foliage improves humidity, repels dust and repels pests.

Repotting

Every spring, repot your Spathiphyllum wallisii 'Diamond variegata' to give it more space.

Choose a container large enough to allow roots to develop.

To promote drainage, make sure the bottom of the pot is perforated. Place a layer of clay balls or gravel, followed by potting soil for green plants. You can even mix in some perlite.

Place your Spathiphyllum 'Diamond variegata' in this new pot and water.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Spathiphyllum wallisii 'Diamond variegata', apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Diamond variegata' Spathiphyllum are greedy plants. Feed them with a flowering plant fertilizer to support their growth.

Cleaning

When dust accumulates on the leaves, the plant slows down its photosynthesis process and its growth. To keep your Spathiphyllum wallisii 'Diamond variegata' healthy, clean its foliage with a damp, clean cloth.

Diamond variegata' Spathiphyllum are toxic plants. Wash your hands after touching your plant, or wear gloves when handling it.

Prune

Remove spent flowers before they set seed. Their production exhausts the plant.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Rhizome division requires digging up the plant. Carefully remove your Spathiphyllum wallisii 'Diamond variegata' from the ground and examine its root system.

Choose an offshoot with roots distinct from the main plant. It will be easier to remove. Separate it from the rest of the plant with your hands.

To increase your chances of success, choose rhizomes with at least one leaf.

Prepare a pierced pot adapted to the size of your cutting. Pour in a drainage layer (clay balls, gravel), followed by green plant substrate.

Plant your cutting in the center. Fill the pot with potting soil, taking care not to bury the crown. Press down to hold the plant in place. You can then water the plant for the first time to eliminate air bubbles and encourage rooting.

Diseases / Threats

Aphids

Red spiders

Information

Family	Araceae - Araceae
Type	Spathiphyllum - Spathiphyllum
Species	Moonflower - Spathiphyllum wallisii
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting methods	In pots In tubs
Categories	Interior Rhizome Flowery
Tags	Beginner Flowery Soiffarde Toxic
Origin	South America
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color
Flower colors