OnMySill

Ficus lyrata

description

Plant

benefits

  • Beginner-friendly. Easy care

warnings

  • Avoid overwatering
  • Avoid temperature fluctuations

How to care Ficus lyrata

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

Keep soil evenly moist at all times. (about 2-3x per week) Do not overwater or leave plant sitting in water. Repotting -Change dirt and transplant to a a larger pot annually. This plant naturally wants to become large, and therefore needs both spacial height and room for roots to extend.

humidity

March — August

50 - 80%

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

> 50%

If the temperature drops below 70°F, misting should be done carefully.

temperature

March — August

65°F - 80°F

September — February

> 55°F

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.

Very sensitive to low temperatures
Avoid placing the plant near drafts, air vents, or heaters, as sudden temperature changes can cause stress and leaf drop.
Sudden temperature changes > 20°F

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.