Aglaonema

People with black thumbs, rejoice! Aglaonema is the houseplant for you. Considered one of the easiest plants to grow, Aglaonema isn’t picky about light, water or food. You can grow it in a room that doesn’t get much light at all and go weeks between waterings and still the plant will thrive. Although it prefers some humidity and warmth, it’s fairly adaptable. The plant’s also known for its ability to filter pollutants out of indoor air. The one drawback of aglaonema is that it’s toxic to pets, meaning it can be tricky to grow in a home with cats or dogs.

How to Grow Aglaonema Plants

There seems to be a little controversy over whether this plant is easy or difficult to grow. In general, it is easy if you follow one simple rule: the lighter the variegation, the more light it needs. Once you understand how that applies to your aglaonema, you should have no problems.

The number one rule to remember for aglaonema care is to keep it warm and moist. If you do, you will be rewarded with a long-lasting, stable houseplant that will not outgrow its pot anytime soon. It really is a great choice if you struggle with houseplants but want some colorful foliage around the house.

Light

The darker green varieties of aglaonema can grow in near shade, while the variegated varieties require brighter light. Do not expose any aglaonema to direct sun.

Soil

A well-drained, lightly acidic potting soil is perfect for Chinese evergreens.

Water

Water thoroughly in the summer and mist the plant often to raise the humidity. During the winter, reduce watering but do not let the plant dry out completely.

Temperature and Humidity

These plants do not like cold drafts or temperatures below 65 degrees. Be sure to keep it away from drafty windows or vents and the warmer the spot you can find, the better.

Due to its high humidity requirements, some growers consider aglaonema to be a greenhouse plant. It will do best in the warm, humid, and bright environment of a greenhouse, but can be successfully grown indoors by coming as close as possible to these conditions.

Fertilizer

Feed your aglaonema with slow-release pellets or liquid fertilizer during the growing season.

Potting and Repotting

Aglaonemas are slow-growing and will only need repotting every other year. They are also generally low-growing plants, so their trunks will be revealed very gradually.

Propagating Aglaonemas

Aglaonemas are not typically propagated by home growers. You can, however, divide the plants during repotting. Small shoots can also be potted as individual plants.

Toxicity of Aglaonemas

Beware of the fruit of the A. crispum, which is toxic. It is best to avoid this variety if you have children or pets who may be curious about its tiny red fruits.

How to care Calathea?

 Common Names: Peacock plant, cathedral, zebra plant, calathea, or prayer plant.

• Type: Evergreen perennial plant.

• Family: Marantaceae.

• Native Range: Tropical Americas.

• Zone: It can be planted outdoors in zones 10 and 11.

• Height: 2-3.5 ft, depends upon the species.

• Spread: 2-3 ft. Some species are clump-forming species.

• Blooming: Some species produce flowers.

• Bloom Description: Some species like Calathea crocata, Calathea lancifolia (rattlesnake plant), and cultivars like White Ice, and Brazilian are known for colorful inflorescence.

• Sun: Indirect sun, moderate light.

• Growing Temperature: 60-70° F.

• Prefers: High humidity and indirect lighting (shady room).

• Water: Regular watering during summer, less frequent watering during colder months.

• Maintenance: Medium.

• Suggested Use: Decorative houseplant, table plant.

• Foliage: Large, variegated, green, white, yellow, purple leaves.

• Soil Type: A well-drained potting mix.

• Does Not Tolerate: Heavy watering, temperatures under 55°F, direct sunlight, and arid conditions.