A new and distinct Spathiphyllum cultivar named ‘S41’ is disclosed, characterized by dark green, glossy foliage, early foliage production and rapid, compact growth. The new variety maintains its dark green foliage color under higher than normal light conditions, or low nutrient levels. The new variety is commercially suitable for six and eight inch pot production and responds to Gibberellic acid treatment by flowering in 9 weeks after treatment. The new variety is a Spathiphyllum, typically produced as an indoor ornamental plant.

Latin name of the genus and species:Spathiphyllumhybrid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The new cultivar is a product of a planned breeding program. The objective of the breeding program was to develop newSpathiphyllumvarieties suitable for 6 inch or 8 inch commercial pot production, and with fast growth, and dark green foliage. The new variety originated from a cross pollination of a proprietary, unpatented seed parent referred to as ‘03-3-1’ and the pollen parent, ‘Power Petite’ U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,649. The crossing was made during April 2005.

The new variety was discovered by the inventor, Marian Osiecki, a citizen of the US, in September 2006 in a group of seedlings resulting from the crossing. The new cultivar was found in a commercial greenhouse in Altha, Fla.

Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar ‘S41’ was first performed at a commercial laboratory in Altha, Fla. by tissue culture in April of 2007. Subsequent propagation by tissue culture has shown that the unique features of this cultivar are stable and reproduced true to type.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of ‘S41’. These characteristics in combination distinguish ‘S41’ as a new and distinctSpathiphyllumcultivar:1. Very dark green, broad foliage.2. Early production of secondary foliage, resulting in a full plant growth earlier.3. Rapidly growth.4. Maintains very dark green color under higher than normal light conditions, or low nutrient levels.5. Spathe production in response to Gibberellic Acid treatment after 9 weeks.6. Plant habit suitable for 6 inch or 8 inch commercial pots.7. High number of spathes produced on average.

PARENT COMPARISON

Plants of the new cultivar ‘S41’ are similar to the seed parent in most horticultural characteristics. The new variety, however, produces overall shorter plants. Additionally, ‘S41’ produces glossier, shorter, narrower leaf blades and shorter petioles than the seed parent. Spathes of ‘S41’ are smaller and closer to the foliage than the spathes of the seed parent. ‘S41’ has also shown better resistance to the diseasesMyrotheciumand leafPhytophthorathan the seed parent. ‘S41’ produces spathes earlier and more abundantly than ‘03-3-1’.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘S41’ are similar to the pollen parent ‘Power Petite’ U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,649 in most horticultural characteristics. Plants of the new variety however are more vigorous and faster growing than ‘Power Petite’. Additionally, ‘S41’ produces more leaves, and produces additional foliage earlier than ‘Power Petite’. Plants of ‘S41’ are taller than plants of ‘Power Petite’. Foliage of the two varieties differs; ‘S41’ produces darker, more upright foliage with less undulation on the leaf blade than ‘Power Petite’. Additionally, plants of ‘S41’ produce spathes earlier and more abundantly than ‘Power Petite’. Plants of ‘S41’ respond after 9 weeks to the normal GA treatment given to commercialSpathiphyllumplants, whereas ‘Power Petite’ responds after 14 weeks.

COMMERCIAL COMPARISON

‘S41’ can be compared to compared to the commercial varietySpathiphyllum‘S9’ U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,901 Plants of ‘S9’ are similar to plants of ‘S41’ in most horticultural characteristics, however, plants of ‘S41’ are larger and faster growing than ‘S9’. ‘S41’ has much darker, glossier leaves than ‘S9.’ Additionally ‘S41’ produces more shoots and has a less undulating leaf margin than ‘S9’. Spathes on plants of ‘S41’ are higher above the foliage than the spathes produced on plants of ‘S9’.

‘S41’ can be compared to compared to the commercial varietySpathiphyllum ‘54905’ U.S. Plant Pat. No. 13,718. Plants of ‘54905’ are similar to plants of ‘S41’ in most horticultural characteristics, however, plants of ‘S41’ are shorter than plants of ‘54905’. ‘S41’ has much darker, glossier leaves that are shorter in length than foliage of ‘54905’. Additionally ‘S41’ produces foliage with an upright orientation, whereas foliage of ‘54905’ is outwardly arched, creating a more open plant form. Spathes on plants of ‘S41’ are closer to the foliage than the spathes produced on plants of ‘54905’ Spathes of ‘S41’ are more elongated compared to the rounder spathe shape of ‘54905’.

Serial NumberPlantSpatheVarietyCo-pendingHeightwidth‘S39’13/200,51330 cm to top of foliar plane.6 cm58 cm to top of spathe.‘S40’13/200,51435 cm to top of foliar plane.4.5 to 5.0 cm65 cm to top of spathe.‘S41’13/200,51555 cm to top of foliar plant.6 to 8 cm80 cm to top of spathe.‘S42’13/200,50945 cm to top of foliar plant.4 to 6 cm65 cm to top of spathe.‘S43’13/200,51060 cm to top of foliar plant.5 to 7 cm80 cm to top of spathe.SpatheVarietyLengthMature Spathe ColorQuantity of Leaves‘S39’10-12 cmFront: White 155C70 to 90 in anBack: White 155Caverage of 6 clumps‘S40’9 to 12 cmFront: Green-50 to 60 in anWhite 157Caverage of 4 to 5Back: Green-Whiteclumps157C, veins andflush near veinsGreen 143C‘S41’14 to 16 cmFront: White 155C40 to 65 in anBack: White 155Caverage of 8 clumps.mid vein nearGreen 143A‘S42’10 to 14 cmFront: White 155C,100 to 180 in anbut more clearaverage of 12 to 15white.clumps.Back: White 155C,but more clearwhite mid vein nearGreen 143A‘S43’12 to 14 cmFront: White 155C,60 to 100 in anbut more clearaverage of 8 to 10white.clumps.Back: White 155C,but more clearwhite mid vein nearGreen 143A

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart 2001, except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘S41’ plants grown in a climate controlled greenhouse in Altha, Fla., USA. Temperatures ranged from 20° C. to 25° C. at night to 25° C. to 32° C. during the day. No artificial light, photoperiodic treatments were given to the plants. Plants were treated with Giberellic Acid at 200 ppm, to induce spathe production in approximately 9 weeks. Plants were grown in 80% shade, resulting in approximately 800 to 1200 foot candles of light. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types.Botanical classification:Spathiphyllumhybrid ‘S41’.

PROPAGATION

Time to initiate roots: Approximately 14 days at approximately 25° C. soil temperature.Time to produce a fully rooted plantlet: Approximately 12 weeks at approximately 20 to 30° C. soil temperature.Root description: Thick, fleshy roots with fine, fibrous lateral roots. Color near Orange-White 158D.

PLANT

Growth habit: Leaves growing directly from base of plant, with no stems.Plant shape: Upright, leaves arching out to nearly horizontal.Height: Approximately 55 cm to top of foliar plane. Approximately 80 cm to top of tallest spathe.Plant spread: Approximately 90 cm in a 6 inch pot.Normal pot size: 6 inch and larger.Growth rate: Moderate.Branching characteristics: No branching. Leaves emerge direct from base of plant.Number of clumps of leaves: 5 to 6.Number of leaves per clump: Average 8.Number of leaves per plant: Approximately 40 to 65.Age of plant described: Approximately 9 months.

FOLIAGE

Arrangement.—Spathes with spadices held above the foliage on erect peduncles arising from the petiole sheath.Flowering habit.—Continuous.Quantity of spathes per plant.—On average 5 fully open spathes in good condition.Natural flowering season.—Plants are normally treated with Gibberellic Acid to induce flowers year round.Time to flowering.—9 weeks after Gibberellic Acid treatment.Fragrance.—None.Self-cleaning or persistent.—Persistent.Flower longevity.—Flowers stay in good condition approximately 5 weeks on the plant.Spathe:Aspect.—Cupped.Length.—Approximately 14 to 16 cm.Width.—Approximately 6.0 to 8.0 cm.Shape.—Ovate.Margin.—Entire.Apex.—Apiculate.Base.—Cuneate, non-symmetrical.Color.—Front when opening: Near RHS White 155D. Back when opening: Near RHS White 155D. Front when mature: Near RHS White 155C. Back when mature: Near RHS White 155C mid vein near Green 143A. Front Fading to: Near RHS Yellow-Green 145B. Back Fading to: Near RHS Yellow-Green 145C, margins near 145D, mid vein Green 143A.Spadix:Shape.—Columnar, arising from the top of the peduncle.Tip.—Obtuse.Base.—Obtuse.Length.—Approximately 8.0 cm.Width.—Approximately 2.0 cm.Color.—When opening: Near RHS White 155D. Mature: Near RHS Green-White 157D, heavily flushed Green 143B.Quantity of flowers per spadix.—Approximately 152.Spadix flower arrangement.—Bisexual, rounded.Spadix flower description.—Flowers completely compressed and diminished to the point of not measurable.Peduncle:Length.—Approximately 25 to 35 cm, measured from base, which emerges from leaf axil.Width.—Approximately 0.6 cm.Color.—Near RHS Green 143A.Strength.—Very strong.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

All flower parts and reproductive organs are highly reduced, to the point of not measurable.Quantity of pollen.—Moderate.Pollen color.—Near RHS White 155C.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Disease resistance: Greater resistance than typical ofSpathiphyllumtoMyrotheciumand leafPhytophthorahas been observed.Drought tolerance and cold tolerance: The new cultivar is a typicalSpathiphyllum, cold tolerant to approximately 5 to 7° C. and does not tolerate drought.Fruit/seed production: Not observed.