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Caring For your Aglaonema is Easy...with some basic information. 

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Learn what causes one of the most common problems with indoor plants, and why following the plant tag could be causing the problem. Discover what conditions cause these brown tips and leaf spots... read more

History

Commonly called the "Chinese evergreen". Most of the genus originates in the rain forest of southeast Asia; Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Sumatra, New Guinea, and the Philippines. The specie known as Aglaonema Modestum is considered to be the first Aglaonema to be introduced to the United States around 1900.

Since that time Aglaonema has been produced commercially. Prior to the 1960's most varieties grown were species or selected sports. During the early 1960's new hybrids began to emerge resulting in one of today's most popular aglaonemas "Silver Queen".

Since the beginning of the 1990's the demand for new varieties has again produced many new hybrids adding new colors and leaf patterns for homeowners, and interiorscapers. Most of these varieties are hybrids that have been developed by plant breeders in Florida.

In modern plant production today many plants are produced from tissue culture or cloning. Aglaonemas are one of the few tropicals that are not propagated from tissue culture. New selected plant varieties are propagated from cutting and produced in stock beds, where cuttings are harvested for potted plant production. 

Botanical Information

Aglaonemas are a member of the Araceae family some of their related family members are spathiphyllum and philodendron. There are approximately 50 species.

Aglaonemas thrive in conditions that would kill many house plants. Ag's are tough, and adapt to a wide range of indoor conditions.

Because they adapt so well they are very easy to care for. Generally, ag's grow well in dim light and will survive in both, dry and low humidity conditions. The "Chinese evergreen" provide a lush tropical look to almost any interior. They are used as a stand alone plant or in group plantings as ground cover. They are popular around the world.

Potting

Generally Ag's are forgiving and will flourish in almost any well drained soil. Most growers use a mixture containing peat moss, bark and sand. Plant are grown in pot sizes from 4" - 17" with 6", 8", and 10" being the most popular.

Water

Depending on the indoor environment watering should be weekly. Many people over water their plants keeping the soil soggy. Soil should be kept moist but not soggy. The soil should never dry out completely. 

When watering use water that is at room temperature. City water to sit to allow chlorinating to evaporate. 

Light

Chinese evergreens cannot be grown in direct sunlight. They do well in diffused sunlight all the way to deep shade. Ag's will even survive in as low as 15 foot candles, but do best in moderate light such as near a north window. Their requirement is half the light of their cousin Dieffenbachia.

Fertilizer

Any well balanced fertilizer such as Peters 20-20-20 will maintain growth. Pelleted fertilizers also work.

A word of Caution... Read the instructions carefully, plants grow slower indoors and if fertilizer is used it should be at approximately 1/4 recommended strength. Over fertilizing can produce burning of tips and roots.

Temperature

Aglaonemas enjoy warm conditions between 75-85 daytime temperature and prefer and 10 degree drop at nighttime. Cold, and drafty conditions in the 40's and 50's will slow growth considerably. Extended periods below 50's can damage leaves, stems and roots. "Silver Queen" can begin to show leaf damage at temperatures below 55 degrees and some varieties leaves will yellow permanently with temperatures in the 40's and lower.

Humidity and Air Circulation

Humidity above 25-30% is best but will tolerate long periods down to 10-15%.

Pest and Disease

One of the great benefits of using aglaonemas inside is that they have few pest problems. Most problems occur on the growing end when cuttings are first planted.

Propagation

Stem cutting of approximately 6" inches or longer are taken from stock plants. Usually 3-6 plants are planted per pot. Cutting are "stuck" in a pot containing a well drained soil. Fertilizer is not applied until after roots have been produced.

IMPORTANT NOTICE Propagation of any patented variety is strictly prohibited by law.