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Aglaonemas have beautifully patterned leaves and lucky for us indoor plant enthusiasts they can be kept as houseplants! Read on to learn more about these evergreen beauties and how to care for them.
Its preference for slightly shady spots means that Aglaonema a particularly suitable plant for darker rooms. In this article, we tell you what else you should consider when it comes to finding a suitable location and caring for Chinese evergreens.
Aglaonema: origin and properties
Aglaonema, commonly known as Chinese wintergreen, is a genus of plants consisting of about 22 species and several hundred cultivars, all of which differ in leaf color and pattern. These slow-growing evergreen perennials are native to Southeast Asia and belong to the arum family, Araceae. These plants grow upright and can reach heights of up to 120 cm. Aglaonema the leaves are oblong and pointed at the end, with an otherwise rather simple shape that is beautifully variegated. And it is because of its beautiful leaves that the Chinese wintergreen is often kept as a houseplant. Between June and September have Aglaonema form cone-like flowers, which are characteristic of plants in the arum family. The flower is enclosed in bracts and, if pollinated, develops into red berries.
Location and ground requirements
Chinese evergreens do not require much light and are therefore suitable for darker rooms. Placed in partial shade, Aglaonemas will develop especially beautiful green leaves; if these plants receive too much light, the leaves will turn yellowish or grayish. On the other hand, varieties with bright or strongly patterned leaves can tolerate a little more light and should be moved to a brighter location.
Aglaonema plants love heat, so place them somewhere the temperature will not fall below 18 °C, even in winter. In summer they prefer higher temperatures of around 20 to 25 °C.
How to plant your Chinese wintergreen? Place a drainage layer of coarse materials, such as clay shards, pebbles or expanded clay, in the bottom of the pot with a drainage hole. This allows excess water to drain away and helps prevent root rot. Now put a layer of soil in the pot. A high-quality substrate, like our Plantura Organic All Purpose Compost, with a loose texture that allows air to circulate and get to the roots also helps prevent root rot. Place the plant in the center of the pot and fill any gaps with substrate. Place the houseplant on a saucer to catch excess water when watering.
Tip: Aglaonema plants love high humidity of around 70%! However, if the leaves come into contact with water, this can cause unsightly spots, so misting is not recommended. Instead, you can place them in humid environments, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Alternatively, you can also increase the humidity by placing a dish filled with expanded clay and water nearby.
Aglaonema care: watering, fertilizing and more
As the Aglaonema is a tropical plant, it is important to water it regularly and ensure adequate humidity.
Water yours Aglaonema often but only with a small amount of lime-free water or rainwater at room temperature. Keep the substrate moist but never wet. Watering around the base of the plant will keep the leaves from getting wet. Aglaonema plants do not tolerate waterlogging well, so remove excess water from the dish or planting bowl within minutes of watering to avoid the plant sitting in it. This will help prevent root rot. In winter, water less often and always let the soil dry out between waterings.
During the growing season from spring to autumn, fertilize your Chinese wintergreen once every fortnight. Our Plantura liquid potting food is ideal for Aglaonema plants and strengthens both leaves and roots. Simply mix the fertilizer with water according to the instructions and water your Chinese wintergreen. This fertilizer ensures that the necessary nutrients are readily available to the plant.
Chinese evergreens should be replanted in the spring. Replant young plants annually in a slightly larger pot; older plants only need to be replanted every two to three years.
Propagation of Aglaonema
Propagating Chinese evergreens is not too difficult. To spread your Aglaonema, you need cuttings that are cut from the mother plant in the spring. To cut the head, take a sharp, disinfected knife and cut a 10 cm piece of healthy shoot from the top of the plant. Remove the lower leaves and prepare a pot with a suitable growing medium, such as our Plantura Organic Herb & Seed Compost. This soil is peat-free and, due to its loose structure, offers optimal growing conditions for young plants. It also supports strong root growth, which is particularly important in the early stages as this will ensure that the plant can supply itself with sufficient nutrients later in life. Moisten the growing medium slightly and insert the cutting up to the base of the remaining leaf. If stored at about 22 to 24 °C, roots should form after about six weeks. Place the pots in a moderately bright place and keep the soil evenly moist. You can also put a transparent bag over the cutting to increase the humidity but be sure to air this out from time to time.
You can also spread Aglaonema plants by division. To do this, separate offshoots called daughter plants from the mother plant, for example during transplanting. Note that the daughter plants must already have their own roots and leaves before they are separated from the mother plant. After division, plant these offshoots in separate pots and keep the soil evenly moist. The ideal temperature for successful rooting is around 22 to 24 °C.
Tip: Older Aglaonema plants will eventually become somewhat ugly, but you can always grow new plants through vegetative propagation.
Are Chinese Evergreen Plants Poisonous?
The Chinese wintergreen is considered poisonous because the milky white sap found in all parts of the plant contains calcium oxalate crystals. This can irritate the skin and mucous membranes on contact and, if swallowed, can also cause gastrointestinal problems. Always wear gloves when replanting to be on the safe side. Aglaonema are equally toxic to cats and dogs and should be kept out of reach of pets.
We understand that you want to be on the safe side when it comes to your pets, which is why we have an article on our top ten non-toxic cat-friendly houseplants. Here you will find a list of ten plants that are completely safe for your feline friends.
