Aglaonema, additionally referred to as the Chinese language Evergreen Plant, is an easy-care houseplant that lives fortunately in lots of lighting situations – even a darkish nook of our daughter’s room. There are dozens of various Aglaonema varieties, most with giant tropical foliage and colours starting from silvery-green, crimson, and even vibrant pink. They’re additionally powerful to kill, in order that they’re a fantastic choice for forgetful plant homeowners or anybody in search of a simple win within the plant division. These really have been very low upkeep for us.
We bought our two Aglaonemas (pronounced ag-lee-oh-neem-ah) to place atop our daughter’s closet. It’s typically onerous to differentiate completely different varieties, however we imagine that’s an Aglaonema Silver (proper) and both a Sweet Cane or Princess Silver Queen (left).
Aglaonema Fast Details
Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to learn about your Aglaonema at a look:
- Latin title: Aglaonema is the genus underneath which there are 21 acknowledged species.
- Frequent names: Aglaonema, Chinese language Evergreen Plant
- Fashionable cultivars: Emerald Bay, Silver Queen, Maria, Pink Valentine
- Native to: Southeast Asia, together with China
- Mild: Prefers medium to brilliant, oblique daylight however is low-light tolerant
- Watering: About each 2 weeks or at any time when soil is dry
- Soil: Properly-drained soil corresponding to a cactus, palm, or succulent combine
- Excellent Humidity: Common family humidity
- Excellent Temperature: 70ºF – 90ºF levels
- Chilly Hardiness: USDA Zones Sept. 11
What’s an Aglaonema?
Aglaonema is the overall title for 20+ species of evergreen perennials originating within the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, therefore their widespread title Chinese language Evergreen Plant. They’ve turn out to be common houseplants as a result of they’re simple to look after and thrive in a beneficiant vary of indoor situations. There are mentioned to be tons of of sorts, or cultivars, which have been bred to showcase completely different leaf shapes, variegation patterns, and crowd pleasing colours.
Aglaonema are additionally thought-about glorious air purifiers! They had been cited in a well-known NASA research about houseplants’ means to take away dangerous chemical substances like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air. So that they’re not simply handsome, they’re good for you too.
Methods to Look after an Aglaonema
There’s a variety of Aglaonema varieties and fortunately most have the identical care wants. Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to know to maintain this pleased plant its happiest.
Mild
Aglaonema vegetation choose medium-to-bright, oblique daylight, however can be on our checklist of the finest low-light houseplants. The extra mild, the sooner it is going to develop and the extra colour & variegations you may even see. The darker or greener the leaves of your selection are, the higher it is going to survive in low mild. Pink, cream, or mild inexperienced cultivars may have sunnier spots. Simply keep away from an excessive amount of direct daylight, as that may burn the leaves.
Watering
Aglaonema vegetation choose moist soil and constant watering, so it’s finest to not let their soil dry out fully. We water ours within the rising season (spring & summer time) about each different week, and fewer through the winter. Simply make certain they’re in a well-draining pot as a result of an excessive amount of water could cause root rot. Aglaonema can tolerate quick durations of drought, so don’t panic when you miss a watering. As with most houseplants, underwatering is preferable to overwatering.
Soil
Aglaonema vegetation want well-draining soil combine and a pot with good drainage holes as a result of they hate sitting in water. A typical potting combine ought to work, however take into account including perlite, peat moss, orchid bark, or sand to spice up its drainage. Some individuals additionally add a layer of lava rock to the underside of the pot to maintain the plant’s roots away from any extra water.
Temperature and Humidity
Common residence inside humidity and temperatures are nice for aglonema vegetation, so don’t overthink this half an excessive amount of. They like temperatures between 60º-85º and, as a result of they’re tropical vegetation, they thrive in high-humidity environments. So some individuals will add a pebble tray underneath their aglaonema, particularly within the winter months, to extend humidity round their plant. A humidifier additionally works. In the summertime, maintain them away from air vents, since they dislike chilly drafts.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing your aglaonema through the spring & summer time months helps replenish vitamins within the soil throughout its rising season. Think about including a balanced fertilizer as soon as a month, often diluted to half-strength. These houseplant tablets are simple to drop into your watering can.
Methods to Propagate Aglaonema
Like most houseplants, wholesome aglaonema might be propagated to create new vegetation. Whereas they are often propagated in water like pothos, the most typical methodology for aglaonema is soil propagation.
Step 1: Lower a wholesome stem on the soil line
Use a clear, sterile clipper or knife to chop a stem near the soil line. Strive to decide on one with 2-3 leaves if doable. Lower at an angle to reveal extra floor for rising.
Step 2: Plant in well-draining soil
Put together a small pot with well-draining soil and stick your slicing in 1-2″ deep. It’s possible you’ll must take away decrease leaves to reveal sufficient of the stem to plant securely within the soil. You may also dip the tip in a rooting powder to encourage sooner outcomes.
Step 3: Preserve soil moist
Place your planted slicing right into a spot with medium-to-bright oblique mild and water or mist usually to maintain the soil moist. Your slicing ought to develop roots inside a number of weeks. Aglaonema are slower than different houseplants to provide new roots, so be affected person. It may be moved to a barely bigger pot as wanted.
Frequent Issues
We haven’t had any points with our two aglaonema vegetation in any respect (they are surely very simple!), however they are often vulnerable to those widespread houseplant points:
- Yellowing leaves: Your aglaonema is overwatered. Let the soil totally dry out and put extra space between your common waterings. If that doesn’t resolve your situation, you could must repot with contemporary soil and take away rotted roots. Be sure your pot has good drainage holes too.
- Burned or noticed leaves: Your plant is receiving an excessive amount of direct daylight. Discover a new spot the place it is going to get extra oblique mild.
- Brown leaves or suggestions: This could possibly be attributable to an excessive amount of direct daylight or by chemical substances in your faucet water like fluoride and chlorine. Strive utilizing filtered or distilled water, and even collected rainwater to alleviate the problem. If this doesn’t assist, examine for pets or root rot.
- Pests: Aglaonema vegetation might appeal to widespread pests like aphids, gnats, mealybugs, spider mites, and extra. Search for indicators of pests like broken spots, wilting leaves, or webs. Most pests might be eliminated by hand after which you possibly can deal with the plant with neem oil.
Different Aglaonema FAQs
Are aglaonema poisonous to cats and canine?
Aglaonema vegetation could cause gastrointestinal points and comfortable tissue irritation when ingested by pets and people. They comprise a pointy, undigestible mineral referred to as calcium oxalate that bothers mouths, gums, throats, and extra. Results are sometimes gentle, however it’s finest to maintain these vegetation out of attain of any curious pets or kids who might nibble on them. Seek the advice of a veterinarian when you assume your cat or canine has chewed or swallowed any a part of the plant.
What kinds of aglaonema are there?
There are 21 acknowledged species of aglaonema, inside which there are 100s of sorts. Among the commonest aglaonema cultivars are the Silver Bay, Silver Queen, White Rajah, Frasher, Maria, and Pink Valentine.
Why is it referred to as a Chinese language Evergreen Plant?
Aglaonema originated in Southeastern Asia, together with areas of China, therefore their widespread title Chinese language Evergreen Plant. They’re additionally perennial vegetation that don’t lose their leaves.
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