6 minutes
Versatile and beautiful, this is how Moses’ cradle plants are. The look and simple care they demand make them popular. We will explain how to keep them so that they always decorate your house.
Moses’ crib plants, of the genre Spathiphyllum, They are typical of the South American rainforests and famous in stays anywhere in the world. They bloom several times a year and are easy to care for.
They are also known as spatiphilian, peace lily, creek, heron Y White flag. They measure from 10 to 60 centimeters, so they are a good option to have inside the house.
How to care for Moses’ crib plants?
The care of these plants is based on not disturbing them, but without neglecting the basic needs. Moses cradles require the following conditions.
1. Regulated temperature
Coming from the tropics of South America, the spatifilos they do not resist frost. Its successful cultivation happens indoors, with temperatures ranging between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. They are enemies of drafts and drastic changes in temperature.
2. Moisture to hydrate
These plants require environmental humidity for the leaves and flowers to look healthy.. There are several ways to get the right climate. For example, locating the plant among others that help it form a microclimate.
Other methods are to spray the leaves with water two or three times a week and daily if the weather is very dry, or to put the pot on top of a bucket with water and stones. A humidifier can also be used.
3. Indirect lighting
Moses’ crib plants They require sufficient lighting, but not direct sunlight. This stains the leaves yellow or burns them. Choose a well-lit position so that it always blooms and its leaves remain dark green.
4. Ecological fertilizers
These plants are nourished with ecological fertilizers. The convenient time to pay them is in summer or early spring.
The fertilizer manufacturer specifies the instructions for use. It is always better to add a little less than the label says.
5. Transplant every 2 years
The spatifilos require transplantation every 2 years for healthy growth. If the change is from one pot to another, the depth must exceed at least 3 centimeters from the previous one. This way you will develop your roots well.
If it goes straight to the ground, the hole has to measure 50 by 50 centimeters. You will add the same amount of fertilizer and pearls before introducing the plant and watering. You have to plant it under a tree for it to get the perfect lighting and hydration.
6. Cleaning
Pruning is essential in the beautification of Moses’ cribs. Likewise, the cleaning of the leaves prevents obstructions in the stomata. If you don’t, you affect photosynthesis.
If you see them brown or yellowish it is better to cut them. When the stain is only on the tips, with scissors cut the pieces, respecting the shape of the leaf.
7. Irrigation according to the season
Unlike other plants, the amount of watering depends on the season of the year. In spring you do it abundantly, two or three times a week, without the substrate drying completely. In winter they need rest, so you water them only when the notes are dry.
8. Shoot division
This species spreads by separating its shoots from seedlings or clusters that are born at the bottom. They need a fertile and well watered soil so that the roots do not rot. When dividing, let them get enough light in the early morning or afternoon.
9. Protection against pests
Some pests parasitize Moses’ cradles if they are in an inappropriate place. There are microorganisms that generate typical illnesses due to poor nutrition. Mites, whiteflies, spider mites and insects such as aphids are the ones that frequently harm it.
You control them by applying chemical or natural insecticides. Among others, the facts based on neem or potassium soaps. Household cinnamon, onion, vinegar, or alcohol pesticides also work.
General characteristics of Moses crib plants
The species stands out for its beauty and, according to Green Ecology, it is one of the best indoor plants. It is not of great height, its stem is short type acaulescent and the leaves (which are 6 to 8 centimeters wide by 26 to 30 centimeters long) are compared to a spear; the upper edge ends in a point and the base is attenuated.
It has green petioles that are more extensive than the foliar lamina of the leaves. The show is completed by a concave white spathe that surrounds a spike or inflorescence of the same color, but smaller, from which fertile hermaphrodite flowers sprout.
The flowers are produced all year round. You know they are about to die when the spike starts green, turns white, and then turns green again.
Extra tips for the maintenance of Moses cribs
Some additional tips for keeping Moses cribs healthy are listed below:
- Clean the leaves with a damp cloth.
- Position the pot near a window.
- Always have fungicides and trim the damaged parts of the plant, so that infections do not spread.
- Discard the polishes plants because they plug the stomata.
As you have seen, it is not a difficult mission to take care of spatifilos. Hence, they are always in fashion to decorate the living rooms of the houses.
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