The Aglaonema or Chinese Evergreen plant is absolutely gorgeous. With its vivid colors and bold hues, it is bound to mesmerize all those who lay their sight on it. What’s more to it is that it makes an excellent house plant, requiring low maintenance and care. Name a better combo, I’ll wait!
This plant originated from Malaysia and the Philippines and has over 20 varieties. Despite being accustomed to the climate of Southeast Asia, this easy-going plant can adapt to a wide range of temperatures and environments. The Chinese Evergreen plant is thus one of the most cherished and loved houseplants that one can grow in abundance.
Since we firmly believe in keen research and sound knowledge of botanicals, we have selected for you a brief video that you can overview to gain a better understanding of the Aglaonema plant.
In this article, we will teach you the basics of planting and caring for the Chinese Evergreen plant. Its general information and types will also be touched upon. Keep scrolling and acquaint yourself with this beautiful gift from nature.
Table of Contents
Meet Aglaonema: Basic Knowledge And Origins
The Chinese Evergreen (or Aglaonema) has short stems stacked with glossy, oval, and bright large leaves. What gives it a distinctive look is its color scheme that ranges from vibrant greens to striking shades of red. Its bold outlook along with charming hues makes it the perfect house plant.
Here’s a quick knowledge check on this lovely plant:
Family Type | Araceae |
Common Name | Chinese Evergreen, Poison Dart Plant, or Philippine Evergreen |
Botanical Name | Aglaonema Commutatum |
Plant Type | Perennial, Herbaceous |
Size | as tall as 1-2 feet in height and width |
Native Area | Southeast Asia |
Sun Exposure | Partial or even a full shade |
Soil Consistency | Peaty and well-drained |
Soil pH | Mildly acidic |
Flower Color | White |
Toxicity | Toxic to animals and humans |
Common Pests | Scale, Mealybugs, or Spider Mites |
Varieties Of The Chinese Evergreen/Aglaonema
There are 22 known varieties of this plant, each having slightly different characteristics and features.
- Aglaonema brevispathum
- Aglaonema chermsiriwattanae
- Aglaonema cochinchinense
- Aglaonema commutatum
- Aglaonema cordifolium
- Aglaonema costatum
- Aglaonema densinervium
- Aglaonema flemingianum
- Aglaonema hookerianum
- Aglaonema marantifolium
- Aglaonema modestum
- Aglaonema nebulosum
- Aglaonema nitidum
- Aglaonema ovatum
- Aglaonema philippinense
- Aglaonema pictum
- Aglaonema pumilum
- Aglaonema roebelenii
- Aglaonema rotundum
- Aglaonema simplex
- Aglaonema tricolor
- Aglaonema vittatum
Source: Wikipedia
How To Care & Plant For The Aglaonema Plant?
Planting the Aglaonema plant is very similar to the procedure followed in planting a Dieffenbachia. Make sure to check out our article on the infamous Dumb Cane or Dieffenbachia.
Below, we will be briefly explaining pro-tips and prerequisites that your Aglaonema plant would need to bloom and shine!
1. Sunlight Exposure
The amount of light required by these house plants is determined by their chlorophyll content. The darker the leaves, the less light it needs. The variegated variety of Chinese Evergreen has a bright green tint to it, so it requires relatively more light than its counterpart.
That being said, one should remember that these plants may not tolerate an excess of sunlight exposure. Their leaves are delicate and may burn under harsh conditions.
2. Soil
Since these plants aren’t stubborn at all, they can adjust to various consistencies of soils. Regardless of its easy-going nature, it’s important to make sure that the soil should be well-draining and mildly acidic. If your soil retains way too much water, simply add some perlite or sand so that excess moisture can be soaked out of its core.
The soil should also be peaty. Peaty soil is developed under anaerobic conditions and is composed of partially decomposed plant material.
I would recommend a good quality potting mix for the Aglaonema.
3.Watering
Keeping intricate moisture content is the key to a healthy Chinese Evergreen. The Aglaonema likes moisture, but the soil should remain well-drained at all times as well.
We would advise you to water it generously, but allow it to dry completely before repeating the watering cycle. The frequency of water should be sensibly reduced during the winters.
4.Temperature
These are warmth-loving plants so the temperature should not fall below 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the environment they are kept in. Make sure to keep these plants protected during the winters from any open windows that could frost them up.
Humidity is their best friend! So don’t shy away from using humidifiers. Alternatively, you could use stones and misting sprays to amplify the humidity. Aglaonemas are usually seen thriving inside green houses because of their ideal temperature environment.
5. Fertilizer
Use fertilizers twice a year to provide optimum nourishment. You may use pellets or liquid fertilizers as per your liking.
Fertilizers are usually given during the start and the end of the growing season to ensure an adequate supply of nutrients.
Propagation Of The Chinese Evergreen
I would advise my readers to propagate during the summer months because that is when chances of this plant’s survival are maximum.
- Propagation By Division
This method is fairly simple. But you might want to practice extra caution as it requires dexterity. You will have to take the plant out of the pot along with the roots once the soil is loosened.
You’ll witness sprouting roots and that’s what you have to extract. Cut the bits of those growing roots and re-pot the plant carefully.
The new roots are to be planted in richly moistened soil in another pot.
- Propagating Aglaonema By Using Stem Cuttings
Once you’ve chopped off a fine piece of stem from the plant, coat the end with a rooting hormone. Now all you have to do is place this freshly cut stem in a glass of water and it’ll propagate within a few weeks.
Once you see visible growth, plant it into a pot filled with potting mix, and voila! You have a brand new Chinese Evergreen!
Pruning The Chinese Evergreen
This is a profound practice of horticulture that makes further survival and growth of the plant possible.
However, Aglaonemas don’t grow wild enough and are very low-maintenance. Therefore they require only mild pruning sessions. Pruning the Chinese Evergreen is conducted only to remove the lower yellow leaves or flowers that have been spent.
Challenges & Solutions
1. Leaf scorching
As mentioned earlier, the leaves of this plant are very delicate and can not tolerate high-intensity sunlight. Simply move the plant into a shadier place to avoid leaf scorch.
2. Limping And Drooping
This is indicative of dry soil. Chinese Evergreens love moisture (within sensible limits) so make sure to water them with cadence. Drooping may also be caused due to inadequate humidity. Using pebble trays or humidifiers can solve this problem easily.
3. Yellowing Of Leaves
This may also be caused by inadequate temperature or humidity. Yellowing is sometimes also indicative of excess light exposure.
4. Aging
This may result in wearing out of leaves. You need not worry about this. Simply remove the older leaves and the Aglaonema would regain health.
5. Crisping Of Leaves
This indicates low moisture levels of the soil. Make sure to provide adequate water whilst keeping the soil well-drained.
Ask Away: The FAQ Section!
It is a very slow-growing plant and therefore requires less maintenance.
Both of them have strikingly similar appearances. But the leaves of the Dieffenbachia are larger and wider than the Aglaonema plant. Dieffenbachia’s leaves are paler towards the center but those of the Aglaonema are much more vibrant and saturated.
The Aglaonema can easily live and grow indoors.
Aglaonemas should be re-potted once every two years.
During the spring and summer. Once during the beginning of its growing season and the other during its end.
Aglaonemas can root in water once they have been propagated by using stem cuttings.
Yes. Aroids are from the Araceae family.