This rhizomatous perennial has dark green, soft leathery broad elliptical leaves that have equally long stalks and arise from the ground. The slightly fragrant flowers in a spadix with a white spathe and appear on a tall scape from spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Spathiphyllum floribundumis naturally found from Columbia to Panama, Venezuela and south to Peru growing in rainforest margins, commonly along water courses from sea level to an altitude of 2,600m (8,530 ft).

It prefers a humid protected position with bright filtered light but will tolerate shade and grows in a well drained light textured organic rich moist soil that is tending acidic. It is frost and drought tender and prefers to be watered from below as the leaves are sensitive to chemicals.

Snowflower is grown for its foliage, clumping growth habit and its flowers. It is planted in shaded borders in tropical gardens or used around a water feature for a tropical effect. It is commonly grown as a potted house plant, tolerating low light conditions or in cold regions it is grown as a glasshouse specimen. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions and establishes in 2-3 years from division. ID 3687

Spathiphyllum (spayth-ee-FLY-lum) floribundum (flor-ih-BUN-dum)

Araceae(a-RAY-see-ee)