Aglaonema Silver King with Variegated Foliage

 Over-sized plants can be split and re-potted in spring. 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.

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

Problems with Aglaonema

Solving Common Issues with Aglaonema Plants

Aglaonema, also known as Chinese Evergreen, is a popular houseplant prized for its beautiful, patterned foliage. However, like any plant, it can experience a few issues. Here's how to identify and solve these common problems.

Overwatering

Signs: Yellowing leaves, wilting, and root rot are common signs of overwatering.

Solution: Reduce your watering schedule. Aglaonemas prefer their soil to dry out partially between waterings. If root rot has set in, you may need to repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.

Underwatering

Signs: Brown, crispy leaf edges, drooping or wilting, and slow growth indicate underwatering.

Solution: Increase your watering frequency but ensure the plant isn't sitting in water. It's best to water thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes, then allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.

Light Conditions

Signs: Pale leaves or slow growth may indicate too little light, while scorched leaves suggest too much direct light.

Solution: Aglaonemas prefer bright, indirect light. If your plant isn't getting enough light, consider moving it to a brighter location or using artificial lights. If the leaves are scorching, move it away from direct sunlight.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Signs: Yellow or pale leaves, stunted growth, and fewer flowers can point to nutrient deficiencies.

Solution: Feed your Aglaonema with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Follow the package instructions for dilution rates.

Pest Infestations

Signs: Watch out for tiny insects like spider mites, mealybugs, or scale insects. They may cause discoloration, sticky residue on leaves, or a general decline in plant health.

Solution: Wipe off pests with a soft cloth or treat the plant with a mild insecticidal soap. In severe cases, you might need to use a systemic insecticide.

Cold Damage

Signs: Browning or blackening of leaves, especially on the edges, might indicate cold damage.

Solution: Keep your Aglaonema in a warm location, ideally between 65-80°F. Avoid placing it near drafty windows or doors in winter.

Best Practices for Aglaonema Care

• Watering: Water thoroughly but let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
• Light: Provide bright, indirect light.
• Temperature: Maintain indoor temperatures between 65-80°F.
• Humidity: Aglaonemas prefer higher humidity. Consider using a pebble tray or humidifier.
• Feeding: Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.

Remember, every plant is unique and may not follow exact guidelines. Observe your Aglaonema closely and adjust care as needed. With proper attention and care, your Aglaonema will thrive, providing you with a stunning display of lush, vibrant foliage.

Mealy bugs may be a problem in the leaf axils. Rarely affected by red spider or scale, though other aphids might put in an appearance.

Propagation of Aglaonema

These foliage house plants conveniently sprout new growths at the base which often have roots. Gently remove the young offsets and pot up separately. Good to cover the new young plants with a clear polythene bag for a few weeks to help in establishment. 

A Comprehensive Guide to Propagating Aglaonema

Aglaonema, or Chinese Evergreen, is a popular houseplant appreciated for its striking variegated foliage and easy-care routine. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to propagate this plant.

Best Time to Propagate

The ideal time to propagate Aglaonema is during the growing season, typically in spring or early summer. This gives the plant plenty of time to establish itself before the slower growth period during winter.

Necessary Equipment

• Sharp, clean pruning shears or knife
• Rooting hormone (optional)
• Clear glass jar (for water propagation)
• Pot with drainage holes
• Potting mix (for soil propagation)

Ideal Potting Mix

Aglaonema prefers a well-draining potting mix. A good mix would be one part perlite or coarse sand to two parts peat or standard potting soil.

Propagation Techniques

Water Propagation

• Cut a Stem: Using clean shears, cut a 4-6 inch stem from a healthy Aglaonema plant. The cutting should have at least one leaf node (the small bumps on the stem where leaves grow).
• Prepare the Cutting: Remove leaves near the base of the stem. You can apply rooting hormone to the cut end, but it's not necessary as Aglaonema roots readily.
• Place in Water: Put the stem in a clear jar filled with water, making sure the leaf node is submerged.
• Wait for Roots: Place the jar in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight. Change the water every few days. Roots should appear in 2-4 weeks.
• Plant the Cutting: Once roots are an inch long, plant the cutting in potting mix.

Soil Propagation

• Prepare the Pot: Fill your pot with the prepared potting mix.
• Plant the Cutting: Make a hole in the soil with your finger, place the cutting in it, ensuring the node is covered, and gently firm the soil around it.
• Care for the Cutting: Water lightly and place the pot in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Challenges and Solutions

• Rotting Cuttings: If your cuttings rot before they root, they're probably too wet. Try again with fresh cuttings, and make sure you change the water regularly for water propagation or that your soil drains well for soil propagation.
• No Roots Forming: Some cuttings just don't root. If you've waited 6-8 weeks with no roots, try again with a new cutting.

Post-propagation Care

Once your Aglaonema cuttings have rooted and been planted, care for them as you would a mature plant. Provide bright, indirect light, keep the soil lightly moist, and feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.

Remember, patience is key when propagating plants—it may take several weeks to see roots, but the reward of a new plant is worth the wait!