Aglaonema

General Culture:

Grow as an indoor plant area. Prefers diffused sun or good indirect light. Avoid placing in direct sun. Well-drained, peaty potting mixture. Consistent moisture from spring to fall. Does not require winter dormancy, but appreciates a winter period of rest. Reduce watering from early fall to late winter. Do not allow soils to dry out. This indoor plant tolerates atmospheric dryness and somewhat shady locations. Normal room temperature with recommended 60 degrees F. minimum winter temperature.

Noteworthy Characteristics:
Chinese evergreen is an evergreen perennial that generally resembles dieffenbachia (dumb cane) in appearance. It typically grows to 20” tall. Thick, elliptic to lance-shaped, dark green leaves (to 4-8” long and 2-3” wide) with attractive silver-gray blotches on erect, sometimes branched stems. As a houseplant, it rarely flowers. Each axillary flower (typical arum family) features a small creamy white spadix enclosed by a pale green spathe, usually in late summer to early fall. Clusters of red berries follow the flowers. Genus name comes from Greek aglaos (bright) and nema (thread). Commutatum means changing in form.

 

The Plant: Lush, green, leafy plant with silvery patches on leaves, and shiny stamens. Originates from tropical East Asia. Foliage colour is everything on this houseplant.

 

Its needs: Semi-shade, no direct sun. Rich potting compost mix, kept moist but not over-watered. It does not do well if affected by cold or chill, so keep away from draughts.

Advice Information

 

Care: Feed this houseplant every other month during growing season. Moderate warmth and humidity. Mist-spray the leaves to remove dust and keep moist. Over sized plants can be split and re-potted in spring. Watch for mealy bug. Take care not to damage the foliage of the Aglaonema. Do not over-water this houseplant in winter. It should be allowed to dry out from time to time at this season.

Mealy bugs may be a problem in the leaf axils. 

Good for: A shady corner at home or in the office. Simple but effective houseplant.