Spathiphyllum sp.

It is one of those great plants who adapt easily to different conditions and that's mainly the reason they are so widely used in homes, offices, restaurants and malls. The NASA Study found that Spathiphyllum is one of the top 10 plants to "clean air" and help fight "Sick Building Syndrome".

Spathiphyllum wallisii

Peace Lily is one of the most popular low-growing (2ft) groundcover plants. It has long, glossy green leaves, with waxy off-white flowers that look like the spade of a playing card. The plant grows happily in shade or semi-shade, and the foliage will brighten up even the darkest corners of any garden.

Peace Lily needs to be kept fairly moist and requires regular watering. Make sure to check soil moisture levels and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Add some organic matter to the soil and water regularly throughout the growing season. Be sure to provide adequate drainage and avoid over-watering to prevent root rot.

In cooler regions, Peace Lily can be grown in a pot and brought inside for cold winter months. When growing in a pot, it is important to keep the roots cool and moist, otherwise the plant may become stressed. During the summer, keep the pot in a shaded area, and provide regular water to prevent the potting mix from drying out too quickly.

Peace Lily is a great choice for any garden, with its ornamental foliage and exotic looking flowers. For best results, it should be grown in USDA Zone 9-11.

Spathodea campanulata

A slender tree, which can grow up to 30 ft but is often kept smaller in gardens. It has dark green compound leaves and frequently produces clusters of large, tulip-shaped flowers at the ends of the branches. The most common flower color is bright red-orange, with a yellow border on the petals; there is also a rarer, pure yellow variety. The blooms are followed by long, boat-shaped pods that open to release masses of winged seeds. Spathodea grows rapidly from seed (those of the yellow-flowering variety do not, however, breed true) and prefers full sun, though it tolerates a wide range of conditions and poor soil. The wood tends to be brittle and, on taller specimens, breaks easily in strong winds. See Article about Spathodea.

Spathoglottis kimballiana

Large heavy textured bright yellow flowers.

Spathoglottis plicata

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Spathoglottis plicata is the most common terrestrial (ground dwelling) orchid. Softly textured, pleated leaves to 3Ft long emerge in February from egg-shaped pseudobulbs about 2" in diameter. The flowers range in color from white to purple and are borne on erect spikes to 3 ft tall. Flowers open a few at a time at the top of the stem and each stem can last for months. In Sri Lanka to the Pacific Islands it blooms throughout the year. Over the last century, Spathoglottis plicata has become naturalized in tropical and semitropical areas of the U.S., such as in Hawaii and Florida, where it grows in the wild and is used for landscaping. S. plicata was among the first plants to recolonize the land around Mt. Krakatoa after this mighty volcano exploded in 1883 and decimated the Indonesian island of Krakatau.

See video about Ground Orchids.

Spathoglottis sp.

Spathoglottis sp. is a small shrub that can grow between 2-5 ft (0.6-1.5 m) tall. It has large clusters of long-lived flowers with distinct colors, such as pink, white, off-white, red, crimson, vinous and yellow-orange. Being a tropical plant, it needs heat and high humidity, but can tolerate semi-shade. Thus it is the ideal choice for the tropical and sub-tropical regions USDA Zone: 9-11.

Spathoglottis sp. requires regular watering and mulching to maintain humidity and minimize weeds. If grown in a pot, it is advised to use a medium-sized container with good drainage. To ensure that your plant grows in cold regions, use a pot with a plastic cover to keep the heat trapped and help resist cold temperatures. For general care, you should prune the stems for the correct size and shape and remove old, withered flowers regularly.

The Spathoglottis sp. is a stunning plant, and easy to look after. It will be a delightful addition to any garden or houseplant collection with its pleasant and vibrant colors. With proper care, it will reward you with its long-lasting, magnificent flowers.

Spermacoce alata, Spermacoce latifolia

Spermacoce alata is a very common weed of lawns. It is widespread across the warmer parts of the Western Hemisphere and naturalized in many other parts of the world. Spermacoce alata prefers humid tropical climates with sandy soils. It can be found along steep riverbanks, fields, roadsides, and other disturbed areas. S. alata can be a weed of crops such as sugarcane, soybeans, and rubber. It can grow from seed or vegetative fragments.

Sphaeralcea ambigua

Sphaeralcea ambigua is cultivated as an ornamental plant by specialty plant nurseries for use in desert and drought tolerant gardens. Drought tolerant, grows well in alkaline soil. Some variations may appear with red, pink, violet or white blooms.

Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction.

Sphyrospermum sp.

Sphyrospermum sp. is a striking plant native to South America and Central America. It is a unique groundcover and low-growing plant with long pendant stems reaching up to 2ft in length. As it matures it can grow up to a maximum of 5ft tall with thumbnail sized leaves and small pea-sized blue fruits that appear once it has flowered.

In terms of growing Sphyrospermum in your garden there are a few things to bear in mind. It is tolerant of semi-shady conditions and does best with regular watering. However, it cannot withstand cold temperatures so if you live in a cooler area then potting is the way to go. In USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11 it grows particularly well, in a pot or in the ground, as long as it's in a sheltered spot and is protected from frost.

Sphyrospermum is also an ethnomedical plant, used by some South American tribes for a variety of treatments and remedies. The plant is mostly used in topical treatments, mixed with other ingredients such as aloe vera and natural oils.

Overall, Sphyrospermum is a unique, impressive and versatile plant that can be kept in the ground or in a pot depending on the climate. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires semi-shady areas and regular watering, but it is also an ethnomedical plant that offers a variety of treatments and remedies.

Spigelia marilandica

Native to North America, Spigelia marilandica is a small shrub that typically reaches a height of 2-5 feet, although the plant can reach heights of up to 8 feet in the wild. It is known for its red and crimson vinous flowers. The flowers fade to a yellow-orange color in the fall. This small shrub is a great addition to any garden and is also a great ethnomedical plant, as it is known to have various medicinal properties.

This plant loves full sun, but will also do well in semi-shade. It needs a regular amount of water and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. When growing in a pot in cold regions, the soil should be kept evenly moist and the temperature should never drop below 55°F.

Spigelia marilandica is a great plant to have in the garden, as it is known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It can be grown from seed and will require minimal maintenance over the years. However, due to the presence of alkaloids and calcium oxalate crystals, the plant can be irritating when ingested and should be kept away from animals and children.