Aglaonema at a glance
Aglaonema commutatum, also known as Chinese evergreens, are native to Southeast Asia. They are very easy foliage plants to care for and make for beautiful indoor plants. Aglaonemas have glossy and often variegated leaves that bend outward in an elegant arch. Some of the more popular variations are the Aglaonema Etta Rose, Aglaonema Sapphire Susan and Aglaonema Widuri.
Aglaonemas don’t do well in direct sunlight and like to have their soil lightly moist at all times. Be sure to let the top inch or two of the soil to dry between waterings.
Also known as: Aglaonema Commutatum, Chinese Evergreen, Calathea, Peacock Plant, Zebra Plant
Family: Araceae
Origin: Southeast Asia
Care Instructions
Aglaonemas are argulably the easiest foliage plants to care for. Their main weakness is cold temperatures, so be sure to keep yours in a space that’s normal room temperature.
Light: Bright to low indirect light works well but avoid direct sunlight.
Temperature: Average to warm (65-75 °F)
Fertilizer: From spring through summer you’ll want to use a balanced fertilizer monthly. In fall and winter, feed every other month.
Water: Try to always keep the soil lightly moist. Always use filtered water and let the top two to three inches of soil dry between waterings.
Repotting: Repot every two years in the spring depending on the size of your plant.
Longevity: Aglaonemas tend to live over 10 years.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are a few things to watch out for with your Aglaonema and potential causes.
Leaves have gray, greasy splotches that turn yellow.
Cause: Cold injury
Remedy: This is likely being caused by the plant being in a cold room or too close to an area that has a cold draft (such as a window or door). Remove the damaged leaves and move your plant to a place that’s consistently over 65°F.
Leaves are stiffly upright as opposed to arching
Cause: Too much direct light
Remedy: Aglaonemas are native to jungles where they grow on the floor, usually in shadier areas. If the leaves are stiffly upright and its colors are looking pale, it’s a sign that you might be keeping the plant somewhere that is getting too much direct sunlight.
Cottony creatures on leaves or stems.
Cause: Mealybugs
Remedy: Quarantine the plant and remove the mealybugs with tweezers or cotton swabs dipped in alcohol. Repeat this every couple of days until the mealybugs are gone.
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