The Chinese evergreen plant also known as the Aglaonema plant is a unique indoor plant that is known for its attractive foliage. This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and is a member of the Araceae family. Aglaonema care is easy, therefore, this plant is perfect for novice gardeners.
Many varieties of these plants are cherished for their different shapes, size, and appearance of the foliage. The Aglaonema plant is also known as the ‘lucky plant’ because of its connection with good luck in Chinese culture. Moreover, this plant is a great air purifier. So let’s look at How you can take care of Aglaonema .
| Common Name | Chinese evergreen Plant |
| Scientific Name | Aglaonema commutatum |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous, perennial |
| Mature Size | 1–3 ft. tall, 1–3 ft. wide |
| Sunlight | Partial, full |
| Soil Type | Well-drained |
| Soil pH | Acidic |
| Bloom Time | Spring, summer |
| Flower Color | White |
| Native Area | Southeast Asia |
| Toxicity | Toxic to dogs and cats |
What Is An Aglaonema Plant?
The Aglaonema plant is an herbaceous perennial native to Southeast Asia. This plant belongs to the Araceae family which also includes many other popular indoor plants such as philodendron and monstera. The Aglaonema care is easy, so this plant is recommended for beginners. This plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and depending on the species some old plants can also produce beautiful white flowers.
See also Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants.
How To Care For Aglaonema Plant
Aglaonema care is easy as this plant does not have any special needs. You can easily grow the aglaonema by just providing the basic water, light, and soil requirements of the plant.
Water
Aglaonema plant can survive dry periods, however, you should keep the soil evenly moist for this plant. Allow the soil to dry out in between watering. Also, if kept under a bright light source this plant can ask for more water. Make sure you don’t overwater this plant as it is prone to root rot. Moreover, use pots with good drainage and a good draining soil mix.
Soil
For better aglaonema care use a high-quality well-draining soil mix. A mixture of perlite, compost, and coco coir can provide the best growth. Use a pot with drainage holes to avoid waterlogging and you can also use lava rocks to the bottom of the pot with no drainage holes.
Sunlight
Aglaonema plant prefers medium/bright, indirect light. This plant can tolerate low light conditions but it can affect the plant’s growth speed. However, you also need to protect your plant from too much bright sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. Also, the amount of sunlight the plant receives can alter its watering needs so you need to keep that in mind.
Temperature And Humidity
Keep a temperature range of 18℃ to 27℃ (60℉ to 80℉) for better aglaonema care. This plant can survive in low temperatures but can suffer damage in cold drafts and temperatures under 10℃ (50℉).
Aglaonema thrives in high humidity levels, however, it can also survive in normal room humidity. You can use humidifiers or place this plant among other plants to keep the humidity levels high. Do not place the plant under dry conditions as this can lead to leaf drop.
Fertilization
Even though this plant doesn’t need much feeding, using a liquid fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer growing seasons can help in plant growth. Use a fertilizer made for houseplants and rich in NPK nutrients.
Read more on How To Fertilize Plants.
Common Problems With The Aglaonema Plant
The Aglaonema plant is not prone to any major plant disease or pest problems. However, some problems may interfere with Aglaonema care such as:
- Pests such as mealybugs, scale, and spider mites can infest this plant due to various reasons. You can use insecticides or neem oil to deal with these pest infestations.
- Other common problems with this plant usually arise due to excess moisture leading to root rot and fungal problems.
- You also need to look out for basic plant care mistakes that can affect the plant’s health such as overwatering, underwatering, too much or too little light, and subjecting the plant to cold drafts.
The Benefits Of The Aglaonema Plant
The Aglaonema Plant can provide many benefits to any indoor setup such as:
- Air Purification: The Aglaonema plant is an exceptional air purifier among other air-purifying indoor plants. This plant can remove toxins such as ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air.
- Aesthetic Appeal: This plant comes in various shapes, sizes, and attractive foliage patterns which can improve the aesthetic appeal of your indoor gardens.
- Low-maintenance: The Aglaonema care is easy and can be done even by beginners which makes this plant ideal for them.
- Longevity: When provided with the right conditions this plant can benefit your indoor garden for many years with its attractive foliage making them cost-effective.
- Cultural Significance: This plant is believed to bring good luck and fortune in Feng Shui.
However, there is a disadvantage to this plant as it is toxic and contains calcium oxalate which is not safe for pets.
Read more on Pet-friendly Plants.
5 Famous Aglaonema Plant Varieties
Many varieties of the Aglaonema plant are grown widely as indoor plants, some of them are:
- Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’: This variety is cherished for its silver-green foliage that can add a pop of greenery to any indoor garden. Moreover, ‘Silver Bay’ aglaonema care is very easy.
- Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora Red’: This variety features beautiful yellow and green leaves with bright pink veins.
- Aglaonema ‘Silver Queen’: This plant has long slender leaves with silver and green stripes.
- Aglaonema ‘Pink Dalmatian’: The deep green leaves of this plant are covered with bright pink speckles.
- Aglaonema ‘Emerald Beauty’: The narrow oval-shaped leaves with a touch of silver and tall stem create a beautiful sight.
Also, read on Indoor Gardening Tips.
FAQs
1. How Often Should I Water My Aglaonema ?
Ans: Water your aglaonema when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
2. Does Aglaonema Require Direct Sunlight?
Ans: Aglaonema prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so placing it near a north or east-facing window is ideal.
3. How Often Should I Fertilize My Aglaonema ?
Ans: Feed your plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two months during the spring and summer. Reduce or stop feeding in winter.
4. Is Aglaonema A Fast Grower?
Ans: No, aglaonema is a slow-growing plant that can add greenery to your house for a long time.
5. How Do I Propagate An Aglaonema ?
Ans: You can propagate this plant through stem cuttings. Take a 4-6 inch section of stem with a few leaves, remove the lower leaves, and place it in a pot with moist soil. Keep it warm and moist until roots develop.
6. Is Aglaonema Plant Toxic?
Ans: Yes, this plant is toxic to animals. So keep your curious pets away from the aglaonema plant.
Conclusion
The Aglaonema plant is a beautiful and low-maintenance plant that can be a great addition to your indoor garden. This plant is easy to grow and under the ideal conditions can stay healthy for a long time. Moreover, this plant helps in removing harmful toxins from the air of homes and offices. So make sure to add this amazing plant to your list.
Raghav is a talented content writer with a passion to create informative and interesting articles. With a degree in English Literature, Raghav possesses an inquisitive mind and a thirst for learning. Raghav is a fact enthusiast who loves to unearth fascinating facts from a wide range of subjects. He firmly believes that learning is a lifelong journey and he is constantly seeking opportunities to increase his knowledge and discover new facts. So make sure to check out Raghav’s work for a wonderful reading.
