Spathiphyllum plant named ‘S40’

#Latin name of the genus and species: Spathiphyllum hybrid.

#Variety denomination: ‘S40’.

#The new cultivar is a product of a planned breeding program. The objective of the breeding program was to develop new Spathiphyllum varieties suitable for 4 inch or 6 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 accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color a typical plant of ‘S40’ grown in a greenhouse in Altha, Fla. This plant is approximately 9 months old, shown in a 6 inch pot. The photograph was taken using conventional techniques and although colors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectance it is as accurate as possible by conventional photographic techniques.

#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 ‘S40’ 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: Spathiphyllum hybrid ‘S40’.

#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.

#Growth habit: Leaves growing directly from base of plant, with no stems. Plant shape: Upright, leaves arching out to nearly horizontal. Height: Approximately 35 cm to top of foliar plane. Approximately 65 cm to top of tallest spathe. Plant spread: Approximately 80 cm in a 6 inch pot. Pot size of plant described: 6 inch. Growth rate: Moderate. Branching characteristics: No branching. Leaves emerge direct from base of plant. Number of clumps of leaves: 4 to 5. Number of leaves per clump: Average 10. Number of leaves per plant: Approximately 50 to 60. Age of plant described: Approximately 9 months.