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SPATHIPHYLLUM

During the last 20 years, Spathiphyllum has gained enormous popularity in the tropical foliage industry. Its popularity is warranted since Spathiphyllum produce large, long lasting, showy white flowers, are relatively easy to grow commercially, are available in 3" to 17" pot sizes and are very durable and easy to care for plants for the consumer. Spathiphyllum successfully bridges the gap between foliage and flowering pot plants since it is an excellent flowering plant with tough, beautiful foliage. Spathiphyllum is a member of the Araceae family whose relatives include Aglaonema, Anthurium, Dieffenbachia and Philodendron.

Culturally, spathiphyllum thrives in diverse commercial growing areas around the world. Many of the same popular cultivars available today are grown both in the shade houses of South Florida and greenhouses in Europe. However, as the market becomes more sophisticated, growers are producing cultivars bred and selected for specific growing areas around the world. Some of the more popular cultivars, common pot sizes, plant source and production areas are listed in the table below. It should be noted that any list of popular Spathiphyllum changes from year to year as cultivars gain or lose favor.

Young plants of Spathiphyllum are available from tissue culture or seed. Oglesby pioneered the propagation of Spathiphyllum by tissue culture to offer the grower the advantage of selected named varieties, improved crop uniformity and year round availability. Currently, over 25 named varieties of Spathiphyllum are being offered by commercial laboratories in the US alone. Since this crop is backed by extensive breeding programs both in the US and Europe, a consistent supply of new cultivars can be expected.

Spathiphyllum produced from seed has, until recently, lost volume to tissue culture production. Seed production, although economical, tends to lack the quality and uniformity demanded by today's growers, especially in larger pot sizes. Recently, large scale production of seed crops in small pots (3-4") has gained popularity and volume in the Netherlands due to controlled seed production backed by excellent production and marketing systems.

POTTING MEDIA

Spathiphyllums require a potting mix with good drainage and water holding capacity. Generally a 1:1:1 ratio of peat, perlite, bark is a common potting mix for the southern United States, while course peat moss is common in Europe. Maintain pH at 5.8 to 6.5.

NUTRITION

N-P-K ratio of 3:1:2 applied as a slow release or liquid feed produces high quality plants. Slow release dry fertilizers, constant feed liquid fertilization or combinations of both are equally effective methods of applying nutrients. Many growers incorporate slow release fertilizer in the potting mix supplementing later with liquid or additional dry applications. Additionally, many growers use a weekly foliar nutrient spray of 1 lb. Urea + 1 lb. Potassium Nitrate + 1 lb. Magnesium Nitrate per 100 gallons. A soluble source of trace elements can also be added to the above mix.

Watch for the following nutritional deficiency symptoms: Magnesium (Mg) deficiency, a problem with some cultivars, appears as golden-yellow margins on lower leaves. Prevention of Mg deficiency via supplemental Mg is much more effective than trying to reverse Mg deficiency. Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) deficiencies exhibited as reduced growth rates and chlorotic leaves are common during winter months when the soil temperature is below 65oF. Sulfur (S) deficiency, exhibited as overall chlorosis of foliage, is sometimes seen when using highly refined, low sulfur fertilizers. Boron (B) deficiency may be a cause of longitudinal ribbing of the leaves, often seen on new growth. Potassium (K) deficiency can cause small yellow spots or "flecking" on lower leaves.

WATERING

Irrigation frequency should be designed to keep the soil medium evenly moist during all phases of the crop cycle. Spathiphyllums easily tolerate overhead irrigation and do exceptionally well with drip or ebb and flow systems. Spathiphyllums do not tolerate saturated soil conditions for extended periods of time. Various diseases can easily infect over-watered Spathiphyllum causing wilted or collapsed leaves, necrosis along leaf margins and extensive root damage.

PRODUCTION

Production light intensities are somewhat cultivar dependent although a range of 1000 to 2500 foot-candles is commonly used. Plants grown in the lower foot-candle range tend to have longer petioles, reduced branching, a softer appearance and darker green color (pending nutrition). Under higher light intensities the plants tend to be more compact, exhibit more branching and are lighter in color. Plants grown under excessive light intensities exhibit curled, pale or chlorotic leaves. Plants grown at the extremes of the light intensity range may produce fewer flowers than those grown in the central range.

TEMPERATURE

The optimum temperature range for Spathiphyllum is 68^oF nights and up to 90^oF days but will tolerate lows of 45^oF and highs of 95^oF. Spathiphyllum will not tolerate frost or even short term freezing temperatures without foliar damage and possible crop loss. Plants grown at temperatures above 95^oF for extended periods can exhibit narrow leaves (strap leaf), loss of color, inhibited root development and reduced flower quantity and quality.

DISEASES

Spathiphyllum disease problems are directly related to the cultivar, climate, sanitation practices and cultural conditions. Plants grown in shade house structures with overhead irrigation, frequent rains and warm temperatures will be challenged by diseases more frequently than greenhouse grown plants. Common diseases such as aerial blight (Phytophthora), Myrothecium leaf spot and Pythium root rot can be effectively controlled or prevented culturally and chemically.

The most important disease problem that can affect every Spathiphyllum grower is a root rot caused by the soil borne fungus Cylindrocladium spathiphylli. This fungus is spread in soil and water and can infect and kill very rapidly. First symptom is yellowing of lower leaves sometimes accompanied by slight wilting progressing to severe wilting. Splashing water can carry spores onto foliage resulting in elliptical brown spots on leaves and petioles. Lower portions of the petioles frequently rot, and at the final stage roots are severely rotted and the foliage totally collapses.

To combat Cylindrocladium, Spathiphyllum growers should always use pathogen-free plants from tissue culture or seed sources, sterilized potting medium and new pots. Frequently rogue crops and promptly remove infected or suspect plants from production areas. Always discourage bringing finished plants from other growers into your facility as these can be a source for the disease. Growing plants on raised benches or concrete blocks is the most effective preventive control in areas where the disease is established. An effective chemical control (Terraguard 5OWP) is available in some countries.

INSECTS

The insect pests of Spathiphyllum include aphids, caterpillars, mealybugs, scales, thrips and whiteflies. Although this list seems substantial, insect pests are relatively minor problems for the grower since effective chemical controls are available. One exception should be noted here. Thrips have a voracious affinity for Spathiphyllum 'Sensation'. If left unchecked, the damage can become severe. In saran houses, we recommend a preventative maintenance program. It is important to spray to run-off because thrips accumulate in the leaf whorl and do their damage on emerging leaves.

GROWTH REGULATORS

Two growth regulators are commonly used on Spathiphyllum, Benzyladenine (BA) and Gibberellic acid (GA). BA is very effective at enhancing branching and fullness of the plant and is generally used at the young plant (liner) stage. In addition to young plant treatments, some growers also apply BA shortly after young plants have been planted into a larger pot. Enhancing branching qualities and fullness are especially important to the small pot grower since shorter production time limits the impact of natural branching. BA can be applied as a spray or drench at 250 to 1000 PPM. BA treatments can inhibit root development if applied before roots are well established. The overall effect of a BA application is dependent on cultivar, BA concentration, stage of growth, application method and season.

GA is used extensively to force early or year round flowering of Spathiphyllum. With maturity, Spathiphyllum will naturally flower consistently in the spring and sporadically during the rest of the year. Since the market demands that Spathiphyllum be sold with flowers, growers use GA to gain year round sales advantage while also allowing programming crops for holidays, promotions or weekly orders. With GA, growers can also force early flowering to allow the production of smaller pot sizes. A standard treatment is a single foliar spray of 150-250 PPM GA, 8 to 15 weeks prior to sale. The spray concentration and time between treatment and flowering depend on cultivar and season of the year. Some cultivars produce good quality flowers after treatment while others do not. Treated plants may exhibit narrowing of new leaves, stretching of the petioles and distorted flowers. Each grower needs to test GA in their facilities and with their cultivars. Growers also need to determine their market's tolerance to some of the negative quality issues discussed above.

Prior to any large scale growth regulator treatment, growers should test small samples of each cultivar for phytotoxicity and growth regulator response. All growth regulators should be applied carefully and uniformly over the entire crop to ensure consistent results. Never apply growth regulators when plants are under stressful conditions.

The application of the above growth regulators may not be legal in all growing areas. Many growers have concerns that currently labeled growth regulators will eventually be eliminated or their application severely restricted. Oglesby is aware of these concerns and has recently introduced new cultivars that naturally exhibit improved branching and flowering habits.

PRODUCTION METHODS

Most growers use 10 to 14 week old young plants to line out larger pot sizes. Young plants from tissue culture (microcuttings) or seeds are usually grown and delivered to the finished grower in cell pack trays as small as 200+ to as large as 38 cells per tray. The most common tray size in Florida is 72 cells per tray. Spathiphyllum young plant growers specify how the plants were planted using terms such as "produced from clumps" or "plants per cell." The term "clump" refers to a tissue culture produced cluster of plantlets held together by a callus tissue base while "plants per cell" refers to the number of individual microcuttings or seedlings planted per cell. Generally, tissue cultured "clumps" produce very full plants but can lack uniformity as a finished product. They are very useful for small pot (<6") production where grow times and chemical flower induction do not allow time for natural branching or flowering. Young plants produced from individual microcuttings tend to have better uniformity, and given adequate time, most cultivars will produce full plants. The finished grower's choice of the young plant cell size as well as the determination of plant material, i.e., clumps or number of plants per cell, is primarily dictated by the growers needs and/or market requirements.

GROW TIMES

Grow times are directly related to the cultivar, pot size, starter plant and cultural environment. Generally, a 3-4" pot requires 3 to 5 months, 6" pot 7 to 9 months, 8" pot 9 to 11 months, 10" pot 10 to 12 months and a 14" pot 16 to 20 months. Growers should consult with their young plant supplier for cultivar specific grow times.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The ability of Spathiphyllum to branch naturally is a genetic trait that can easily be improved. One new variety that exemplifies this is 'Patrice' TM PAT #9901. It is produced from a single microcutting and produces a full, finished product. This cultivar offers the grower a less expensive tissue cultured liner while improving uniformity, often a problem with clump derived plants. Although cultivars that bloom naturally year round under all cultural conditions have remained elusive, we have made dramatic improvements in expanding the flowering window and flower count. New introductions, 'Sonya' ^{TM PAT #10013} and 'Sierra' ^{TM PAT #9677}, exhibit improved flowering frequency with good flower count. Introducing specific disease resistance to commercial varieties is a distinct possibility and work is underway to meet this goal.

PRODUCTION and MARKETING

Spathiphyllum growers, particularly those supplying large volume mass market accounts, must work closely with young plant producers to develop a realistic production program. Due to tissue culture economics and production constraints, regular, year round production schedules and effective planning is a necessity. Rarely will you find growers able to consistently grow and promote Spathiphyllum for peak demand periods or promotions without Spathiphyllum being a part of their year round product mix. The use of GA to force flowering does help grower's schedule crops for promotions and have flowering plants year round.

Periodically during the last few years, the supply of several non-proprietary or "generic" Spathiphyllum (i.e., 'Petite' and 'Viscount') has exceeded the market's demand, resulting in reduced prices for starter and finished plants. The oversupply was primarily precipitated by extensive third world tissue culture production and growers' willingness to absorb the overproduction at attractive prices. Unfortunately, once the oversupply hit the finished market, lower sale prices reduced growers profit margins below any savings achieved from cheaper starter plants. To reduce the impact of oversupply, growers should consider proprietary plants protected by plant patents and trademarks as part of their product lines. Proprietary plants are generally controlled by a limited number of suppliers and thus offer more market stability. Additionally, growers should be wary of offers for young plants at significantly reduced prices since this is a good indication of possible overproduction or inferior quality.

To regularly market any quantity of Spathiphyllum successfully, a real dedication to compete must exist. Growers must make breeders, propagators and young plant suppliers strong allies. Growers must clearly define their markets by considering how their buyers define their quality standards concerning pot sizes, plant height, fullness, flower count and overall quality. It may require some homework, but for every defined market, regardless of price point, there is an applicable Spathiphyllum.

USE OF GIBBERELLIC ACID TO INDUCE SPATHIPHYLLUM FLOWERING

Application of gibberellic acid (GA3) to induce flowering in Spathiphylium results in several benefits:

• the production cycle is shorter (plants flower earlier);

• crop is uniform (all plants flower at the same time);

• the productivity of the greenhouse is higher;

• it is especially useful for production of small plants in 4-8" pots;

• induction of flowering throughout the year (plants for sale year round); and

• the production can be programmed (easier to target holidays, promotions and weekly orders).

A standard treatment is a single foliar spray of 150 - 250 ppm GA3, 10 - 15 weeks prior to sale. The concentration and time between the treatment and flowering depend on cultivar and season of the year. Plants sprayed with gibberellic acid during the spring and summer (March-August) bloom 2-3 weeks earlier than plants treated between September and February.

Two applications of GA (2-3 days apart) are recommended during the extremely hot summer weather. To prevent the possibility of heat related foliar burn, we recommend early morning or late evening applications incorporating the use of a wetting agent. Leaves should stay wet for at least 1 to 2 hours. To insure good coverage and desired results, plants should be sprayed to complete run off using a fine spray with droplets not bigger than 1 00 microns in diameter.

Concentration Dilution

Revised January, 1999 This text is a recommendation only; it is not an endorsement of any products or acceptance of any liability as a result of usage. Copyright 1997-1999 Oglesby Plants International, Inc. All rights reserved.

HOME   Plant Laboratory   Nursery     Product Development
Selected Plant Descriptions    Growers of our Products     Cultural Notes
Price List        What's New      E-Mail

HOME   Plant Laboratory   Nursery     Product Development
Selected Plant Descriptions    Growers of our Products     Cultural Notes
Price List        What's New      E-Mail

Oglesby Plants International

Route 2, Box 9
Altha, Florida  32421
United States of America
Local 850-762-3296
Fax 850-762-3806
National 800-762-0022
e-mail: oglesby@digitalexp.com

Website Hosting and Design zone10.com

SPATHIPHYLLUM

During the last 20 years, Spathiphyllum has gained enormous popularity in the tropical foliage industry. Its popularity is warranted since Spathiphyllum produce large, long lasting, showy white flowers, are relatively easy to grow commercially, are available in 3" to 17" pot sizes and are very durable and easy to care for plants for the consumer. Spathiphyllum successfully bridges the gap between foliage and flowering pot plants since it is an excellent flowering plant with tough, beautiful foliage. Spathiphyllum is a member of the Araceae family whose relatives include Aglaonema, Anthurium, Dieffenbachia and Philodendron.

Culturally, spathiphyllum thrives in diverse commercial growing areas around the world. Many of the same popular cultivars available today are grown both in the shade houses of South Florida and greenhouses in Europe. However, as the market becomes more sophisticated, growers are producing cultivars bred and selected for specific growing areas around the world. Some of the more popular cultivars, common pot sizes, plant source and production areas are listed in the table below. It should be noted that any list of popular Spathiphyllum changes from year to year as cultivars gain or lose favor.

Young plants of Spathiphyllum are available from tissue culture or seed. Oglesby pioneered the propagation of Spathiphyllum by tissue culture to offer the grower the advantage of selected named varieties, improved crop uniformity and year round availability. Currently, over 25 named varieties of Spathiphyllum are being offered by commercial laboratories in the US alone. Since this crop is backed by extensive breeding programs both in the US and Europe, a consistent supply of new cultivars can be expected.

Spathiphyllum produced from seed has, until recently, lost volume to tissue culture production. Seed production, although economical, tends to lack the quality and uniformity demanded by today's growers, especially in larger pot sizes. Recently, large scale production of seed crops in small pots (3-4") has gained popularity and volume in the Netherlands due to controlled seed production backed by excellent production and marketing systems.

POTTING MEDIA

Spathiphyllums require a potting mix with good drainage and water holding capacity. Generally a 1:1:1 ratio of peat, perlite, bark is a common potting mix for the southern United States, while course peat moss is common in Europe. Maintain pH at 5.8 to 6.5.

NUTRITION

N-P-K ratio of 3:1:2 applied as a slow release or liquid feed produces high quality plants. Slow release dry fertilizers, constant feed liquid fertilization or combinations of both are equally effective methods of applying nutrients. Many growers incorporate slow release fertilizer in the potting mix supplementing later with liquid or additional dry applications. Additionally, many growers use a weekly foliar nutrient spray of 1 lb. Urea + 1 lb. Potassium Nitrate + 1 lb. Magnesium Nitrate per 100 gallons. A soluble source of trace elements can also be added to the above mix.

Watch for the following nutritional deficiency symptoms: Magnesium (Mg) deficiency, a problem with some cultivars, appears as golden-yellow margins on lower leaves. Prevention of Mg deficiency via supplemental Mg is much more effective than trying to reverse Mg deficiency. Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) deficiencies exhibited as reduced growth rates and chlorotic leaves are common during winter months when the soil temperature is below 65oF. Sulfur (S) deficiency, exhibited as overall chlorosis of foliage, is sometimes seen when using highly refined, low sulfur fertilizers. Boron (B) deficiency may be a cause of longitudinal ribbing of the leaves, often seen on new growth. Potassium (K) deficiency can cause small yellow spots or "flecking" on lower leaves.

WATERING

Irrigation frequency should be designed to keep the soil medium evenly moist during all phases of the crop cycle. Spathiphyllums easily tolerate overhead irrigation and do exceptionally well with drip or ebb and flow systems. Spathiphyllums do not tolerate saturated soil conditions for extended periods of time. Various diseases can easily infect over-watered Spathiphyllum causing wilted or collapsed leaves, necrosis along leaf margins and extensive root damage.

PRODUCTION

Production light intensities are somewhat cultivar dependent although a range of 1000 to 2500 foot-candles is commonly used. Plants grown in the lower foot-candle range tend to have longer petioles, reduced branching, a softer appearance and darker green color (pending nutrition). Under higher light intensities the plants tend to be more compact, exhibit more branching and are lighter in color. Plants grown under excessive light intensities exhibit curled, pale or chlorotic leaves. Plants grown at the extremes of the light intensity range may produce fewer flowers than those grown in the central range.

TEMPERATURE

The optimum temperature range for Spathiphyllum is 68^oF nights and up to 90^oF days but will tolerate lows of 45^oF and highs of 95^oF. Spathiphyllum will not tolerate frost or even short term freezing temperatures without foliar damage and possible crop loss. Plants grown at temperatures above 95^oF for extended periods can exhibit narrow leaves (strap leaf), loss of color, inhibited root development and reduced flower quantity and quality.

DISEASES

Spathiphyllum disease problems are directly related to the cultivar, climate, sanitation practices and cultural conditions. Plants grown in shade house structures with overhead irrigation, frequent rains and warm temperatures will be challenged by diseases more frequently than greenhouse grown plants. Common diseases such as aerial blight (Phytophthora), Myrothecium leaf spot and Pythium root rot can be effectively controlled or prevented culturally and chemically.

The most important disease problem that can affect every Spathiphyllum grower is a root rot caused by the soil borne fungus Cylindrocladium spathiphylli. This fungus is spread in soil and water and can infect and kill very rapidly. First symptom is yellowing of lower leaves sometimes accompanied by slight wilting progressing to severe wilting. Splashing water can carry spores onto foliage resulting in elliptical brown spots on leaves and petioles. Lower portions of the petioles frequently rot, and at the final stage roots are severely rotted and the foliage totally collapses.

To combat Cylindrocladium, Spathiphyllum growers should always use pathogen-free plants from tissue culture or seed sources, sterilized potting medium and new pots. Frequently rogue crops and promptly remove infected or suspect plants from production areas. Always discourage bringing finished plants from other growers into your facility as these can be a source for the disease. Growing plants on raised benches or concrete blocks is the most effective preventive control in areas where the disease is established. An effective chemical control (Terraguard 5OWP) is available in some countries.

INSECTS

The insect pests of Spathiphyllum include aphids, caterpillars, mealybugs, scales, thrips and whiteflies. Although this list seems substantial, insect pests are relatively minor problems for the grower since effective chemical controls are available. One exception should be noted here. Thrips have a voracious affinity for Spathiphyllum 'Sensation'. If left unchecked, the damage can become severe. In saran houses, we recommend a preventative maintenance program. It is important to spray to run-off because thrips accumulate in the leaf whorl and do their damage on emerging leaves.

GROWTH REGULATORS

Two growth regulators are commonly used on Spathiphyllum, Benzyladenine (BA) and Gibberellic acid (GA). BA is very effective at enhancing branching and fullness of the plant and is generally used at the young plant (liner) stage. In addition to young plant treatments, some growers also apply BA shortly after young plants have been planted into a larger pot. Enhancing branching qualities and fullness are especially important to the small pot grower since shorter production time limits the impact of natural branching. BA can be applied as a spray or drench at 250 to 1000 PPM. BA treatments can inhibit root development if applied before roots are well established. The overall effect of a BA application is dependent on cultivar, BA concentration, stage of growth, application method and season.

GA is used extensively to force early or year round flowering of Spathiphyllum. With maturity, Spathiphyllum will naturally flower consistently in the spring and sporadically during the rest of the year. Since the market demands that Spathiphyllum be sold with flowers, growers use GA to gain year round sales advantage while also allowing programming crops for holidays, promotions or weekly orders. With GA, growers can also force early flowering to allow the production of smaller pot sizes. A standard treatment is a single foliar spray of 150-250 PPM GA, 8 to 15 weeks prior to sale. The spray concentration and time between treatment and flowering depend on cultivar and season of the year. Some cultivars produce good quality flowers after treatment while others do not. Treated plants may exhibit narrowing of new leaves, stretching of the petioles and distorted flowers. Each grower needs to test GA in their facilities and with their cultivars. Growers also need to determine their market's tolerance to some of the negative quality issues discussed above.

Prior to any large scale growth regulator treatment, growers should test small samples of each cultivar for phytotoxicity and growth regulator response. All growth regulators should be applied carefully and uniformly over the entire crop to ensure consistent results. Never apply growth regulators when plants are under stressful conditions.

The application of the above growth regulators may not be legal in all growing areas. Many growers have concerns that currently labeled growth regulators will eventually be eliminated or their application severely restricted. Oglesby is aware of these concerns and has recently introduced new cultivars that naturally exhibit improved branching and flowering habits.

PRODUCTION METHODS

Most growers use 10 to 14 week old young plants to line out larger pot sizes. Young plants from tissue culture (microcuttings) or seeds are usually grown and delivered to the finished grower in cell pack trays as small as 200+ to as large as 38 cells per tray. The most common tray size in Florida is 72 cells per tray. Spathiphyllum young plant growers specify how the plants were planted using terms such as "produced from clumps" or "plants per cell." The term "clump" refers to a tissue culture produced cluster of plantlets held together by a callus tissue base while "plants per cell" refers to the number of individual microcuttings or seedlings planted per cell. Generally, tissue cultured "clumps" produce very full plants but can lack uniformity as a finished product. They are very useful for small pot (<6") production where grow times and chemical flower induction do not allow time for natural branching or flowering. Young plants produced from individual microcuttings tend to have better uniformity, and given adequate time, most cultivars will produce full plants. The finished grower's choice of the young plant cell size as well as the determination of plant material, i.e., clumps or number of plants per cell, is primarily dictated by the growers needs and/or market requirements.

GROW TIMES

Grow times are directly related to the cultivar, pot size, starter plant and cultural environment. Generally, a 3-4" pot requires 3 to 5 months, 6" pot 7 to 9 months, 8" pot 9 to 11 months, 10" pot 10 to 12 months and a 14" pot 16 to 20 months. Growers should consult with their young plant supplier for cultivar specific grow times.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The ability of Spathiphyllum to branch naturally is a genetic trait that can easily be improved. One new variety that exemplifies this is 'Patrice' TM PAT #9901. It is produced from a single microcutting and produces a full, finished product. This cultivar offers the grower a less expensive tissue cultured liner while improving uniformity, often a problem with clump derived plants. Although cultivars that bloom naturally year round under all cultural conditions have remained elusive, we have made dramatic improvements in expanding the flowering window and flower count. New introductions, 'Sonya' ^{TM PAT #10013} and 'Sierra' ^{TM PAT #9677}, exhibit improved flowering frequency with good flower count. Introducing specific disease resistance to commercial varieties is a distinct possibility and work is underway to meet this goal.

PRODUCTION and MARKETING

Spathiphyllum growers, particularly those supplying large volume mass market accounts, must work closely with young plant producers to develop a realistic production program. Due to tissue culture economics and production constraints, regular, year round production schedules and effective planning is a necessity. Rarely will you find growers able to consistently grow and promote Spathiphyllum for peak demand periods or promotions without Spathiphyllum being a part of their year round product mix. The use of GA to force flowering does help grower's schedule crops for promotions and have flowering plants year round.

Periodically during the last few years, the supply of several non-proprietary or "generic" Spathiphyllum (i.e., 'Petite' and 'Viscount') has exceeded the market's demand, resulting in reduced prices for starter and finished plants. The oversupply was primarily precipitated by extensive third world tissue culture production and growers' willingness to absorb the overproduction at attractive prices. Unfortunately, once the oversupply hit the finished market, lower sale prices reduced growers profit margins below any savings achieved from cheaper starter plants. To reduce the impact of oversupply, growers should consider proprietary plants protected by plant patents and trademarks as part of their product lines. Proprietary plants are generally controlled by a limited number of suppliers and thus offer more market stability. Additionally, growers should be wary of offers for young plants at significantly reduced prices since this is a good indication of possible overproduction or inferior quality.

To regularly market any quantity of Spathiphyllum successfully, a real dedication to compete must exist. Growers must make breeders, propagators and young plant suppliers strong allies. Growers must clearly define their markets by considering how their buyers define their quality standards concerning pot sizes, plant height, fullness, flower count and overall quality. It may require some homework, but for every defined market, regardless of price point, there is an applicable Spathiphyllum.

USE OF GIBBERELLIC ACID TO INDUCE SPATHIPHYLLUM FLOWERING

Application of gibberellic acid (GA3) to induce flowering in Spathiphylium results in several benefits:

• the production cycle is shorter (plants flower earlier);

• crop is uniform (all plants flower at the same time);

• the productivity of the greenhouse is higher;

• it is especially useful for production of small plants in 4-8" pots;

• induction of flowering throughout the year (plants for sale year round); and

• the production can be programmed (easier to target holidays, promotions and weekly orders).

A standard treatment is a single foliar spray of 150 - 250 ppm GA3, 10 - 15 weeks prior to sale. The concentration and time between the treatment and flowering depend on cultivar and season of the year. Plants sprayed with gibberellic acid during the spring and summer (March-August) bloom 2-3 weeks earlier than plants treated between September and February.

Two applications of GA (2-3 days apart) are recommended during the extremely hot summer weather. To prevent the possibility of heat related foliar burn, we recommend early morning or late evening applications incorporating the use of a wetting agent. Leaves should stay wet for at least 1 to 2 hours. To insure good coverage and desired results, plants should be sprayed to complete run off using a fine spray with droplets not bigger than 1 00 microns in diameter.

Concentration Dilution

Revised January, 1999 This text is a recommendation only; it is not an endorsement of any products or acceptance of any liability as a result of usage. Copyright 1997-1999 Oglesby Plants International, Inc. All rights reserved.

HOME   Plant Laboratory   Nursery     Product Development
Selected Plant Descriptions    Growers of our Products     Cultural Notes
Price List        What's New      E-Mail

Oglesby Plants International

Route 2, Box 9
Altha, Florida  32421
United States of America
Local 850-762-3296
Fax 850-762-3806
National 800-762-0022
e-mail: oglesby@digitalexp.com

Website Hosting and Design zone10.com

Oglesby Plants International

Route 2, Box 9
Altha, Florida  32421
United States of America
Local 850-762-3296
Fax 850-762-3806
National 800-762-0022
e-mail: oglesby@digitalexp.com

Website Hosting and Design zone10.com