Aglaonema "Chinese Evergreen"

Chinese Evergreen Care - Rare

Origin:  Tropics and subtropics of Asia.

 Facts

Names: Chinese evergreen (common). -- A. commutatum, A modestum, A pictum and others. (botanical/scientific).

Max Growth (approx):   Height 3ft.

Poisionous for pets:  Toxic to cats, dogs and horses.

Temperature: Temperatures between 65-80 ºF (18-27 ºC) are ideal. Lower than 60ºF (15ºC) is not healthy for this plant and can cause dark patches on the leaves. If the leaves begin to curl and the edges turn brown the temperature is probably too low or cold drafts may be affecting the plant.

Light: The most common advice I have been given for the Aglaonema is the darker the leaves and stalks, the less light is needed. I would say to be safe a bright room with the plant sitting in a shaded spot is best. Avoid direct sunlight.

Watering: Keep the soil moist at all times. Water less in the winter.

Soil:      A peat based potting soil mixed with part perlite or sand to improve drainage is ideal or any other well draining potting mix.

Fertilizer:  From spring until the and of summer they like to be fed with a diluted liquid fertilizer.

Re-Potting:  Re-pot once every two or three years during spring. They like to become slightly root bound - so don’t worry if they seem to showing some roots through the bottom of the pot.

Humidity:  Average to high room humidity is needed. Increasing the humidity levels of a room "especially if the room has artificial heating" will improve the plants growth and prevent leaves from becoming dry and shrilling up.

Propagation: These are best propagated by dividing the root with a few stalks and leaves attached during spring and summer.

Insects: Over the years mealy bug have proven to be attracted to this plant and cause problems. Red spider mite have also been known to cause problems.