Aglaonema
description
Congratulations on choosing one of the most low-maintenance decorative plants. Aglaonema is truly a great option for beginners. Those who don't love Aglaonema simply haven't gotten to know it yet.
benefits
- Beginner-friendly. Easy care
- Low—light tolerant
- Low—water tolerant
- Сan handle lower humidity level
warnings
- Avoid overwatering
- Avoid temperature fluctuations
How to care Aglaonema
sunlight
To find the perfect spot for an Aglaonema, remember that this plant comes from the tropics of Southeast Asia, where it thrives in the lower layers of both wet and dry jungles. It gets enough light, but it's mostly diffused. So, the best lighting conditions for Aglaonema are bright, indirect sunlight.
Medium light
Medium light is good only for green-leaved types. Aglaonema even can handle low-light conditions for a little while, but their growth can slow down, with leaves getting smaller and possibly turning yellow.
Bright indirect (diffused) light
Bright, diffused light works well for all Aglaonemas, but it’s especially important for the variegated types to keep their decorative patterns and vibrant leaf colors.
watering
The main rule is — it's better to underwater than to overwater. Aglaonema has thick, juicy stems that store a lot of moisture, helping the plant prepare for dry periods in its natural environment. If you overwater Aglaonema too often, its roots are likely to start rotting.
March — August
During the growing season (spring to summer), water the Aglaonema generously when the top layer of soil dries out. Click 'learn more' to discover ways to check soil moisture.
September — February
In winter, while your plant will hibernate, cut back on watering: wait about two days after the top layer of soil dries out before moistening the substrate. Always check the soil before watering it again.
Better to underwater, than overwater.
humidity
March — August
Aglaonema will be fine in average home humidity (around 40-60%) but it thrives in higher levels.
In dry air, leaf growth slows down. Leaves can become deformed, struggle to unfurl, and their tips and edges may become brown, wrinkle and dry out.
How to increase humidity:
- Mist regularly with warm water
- Group the plants together
- Place the plant on a tray filled with wet pebbles, peat, or expanded clay, making sure the bottom of the pot doesn’t touch the water
September — February
If the temperature drops below 70°F, misting should be done carefully.
temperature
March — August
September — February
Aglaonemas are heat-loving plants. While they are tolerant of other conditions, they don't do well with cold. 55°F is considered to be a staggering temperature. We recommend to put a thermometer next to the pot to monitor the temperature.
Chilling the roots quickly leads to root disease, which is why Aglaonemas often die in winter.
nutrition
March — August
A standard fertilization scheme is suitable for aglaonema – once every two weeks from spring to fall with liquid root fertilization.
Nitrogen (N)
Since aglaonema is primarily an ornamental-leaved plant, the focus of fertilization should be on Nitrogen (N), which is responsible for the active growth of its greenery.
Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorus supports Aglaonema's root growth and development, helping the plant take up nutrients from the soil more effectively.
soil
Light, well-draining soil
Because Aglaonema’s stems and roots hold a lot of moisture, it’s prone to rot if overwatered. That’s why it needs light, well-draining soil.
pH 5,6 - 6,5
Aglaonema prefers slightly acidic to near-neutral soil, with a pH of 5.6 - 6.5. You can use pre-made soil with the right acidity and mix in perlite at a ratio of about 2:1.