Aglaonema, also called the Chinese Evergreen Plant, is an easy-care houseplant that lives happily in many lighting conditions – even a dark corner of our daughter’s room. There are dozens of different Aglaonema varieties, most with large tropical foliage and colors ranging from silvery-green, red, and even vibrant pink. They’re also tough to kill, so they’re a great option for forgetful plant owners or anyone looking for an easy win in the plant department. These truly have been very low maintenance for us.
We purchased our two Aglaonemas (pronounced ag-lee-oh-neem-ah) to put atop our daughter’s closet. It’s sometimes hard to distinguish different varieties, but we believe that’s an Aglaonema Silver (right) and either a Candy Cane or Princess Silver Queen (left).
Aglaonemas are increasingly becoming a staple houseplant for their lush green and cream or silver-colored leaves. They lend an airy yet colorful touch to indoor spaces. However like most houseplants they outgrow their pots over time and need maintenance. Pruning and propagating aglaonemas through cuttings allows you to multiply your plant collection and maintain a compact, bushy aglaonema plant. This article will walk you through the optimal timing and techniques for harvesting your aglaonema.
When is the Best Time to Harvest Aglaonema?
Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting aglaonema. The ideal time is during the active growing season typically early spring through summer. Aglaonemas produce the most vigorous new growth during this period. Pruning at this time gives the plant enough time and resources to recover before going dormant in winter. It also allows for warm temperatures and high humidity that are conducive to rooting of cuttings.
Specifically, look to harvest aglaonema when:
- Daytime temperatures are consistently above 65°F.
- New leaves are unfurling from the central stalk.
- The plant has become leggy or overgrown.
Avoid pruning aglaonema in fall and winter when growth has slowed. This can stress the plant.
Techniques for Harvesting Aglaonema
When aglaonema is actively growing there are two techniques you can use to harvest cuttings – division or stem cuttings.
Division
This technique is best for overgrown aglaonemas that need dividing.
What you’ll need:
- Sharp, clean gardening shears or knife
- Small pots or containers
- Potting mix
Steps:
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Remove the plant from its pot and loosen the root ball.
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Using your shears or knife, slice through the root ball into smaller sections. Each should have 3-5 leaves.
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Tease apart the root sections gently, keeping as much of the roots intact as possible.
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Replant each section in its own container with fresh potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist.
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Place in bright, indirect light. New growth will emerge in 4-6 weeks as the divisions establish.
Stem Cuttings
This method produces smaller starter plants from cuttings.
What you’ll need:
- Sharp, clean shears or knife
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Container with drainage holes
- Potting mix
Steps:
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Select a healthy stem with 3-5 leaves. Cut just below a node.
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Optionally, dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
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Plant the cutting in potting mix. Water lightly and cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
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Place out of direct sun. Roots and new growth will emerge in 4-8 weeks.
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Once established, transplant into a regular potting mix and care for like a mature plant.
Caring for Aglaonema After Harvesting
Proper aftercare ensures your harvested aglaonema divisions and cuttings thrive:
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Keep newly potted divisions and cuttings evenly moist but not soaked.
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Mist leaves daily for added humidity.
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Move to indirect sunlight as new growth emerges to avoid scorching.
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Resume regular watering and fertilizing once established.
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Rotate the pots weekly to promote even, upright growth.
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Transplant into larger containers as the new plants grow.
By mastering the techniques and timing for harvesting aglaonema, you can easily propagate new plants for yourself or friends. Just be sure to prune during active growth for best results. With the right aftercare, your cuttings will flourish into full-sized, vibrant aglaonema plants.
Frequently Asked Questions on Harvesting Aglaonema
Can I harvest leaves from my aglaonema for propagation?
No, aglaonemapropagation is done through division and stem cuttings. Removing leaves from the parent plant can damage it.
How large should the divisions be when dividing an aglaonema?
Aim for divisions with 3-5 mature leaves. Very small divisions may struggle to establish. Overly large pieces can retain moisture and rot.
How can I encourage faster rooting in aglaonema cuttings?
Using a rooting hormone and maintaining warm temperatures of 70-80°F can accelerate root production in aglaonema cuttings. Avoid overwatering which causes rotting.
Should I prune off any leaves or stems when taking an aglaonema cutting?
Yes, cut just below a node and remove lower leaves. Keep just 2-3 leaves at the top of the cutting. Too many leaves will pull moisture from the cutting before roots form.
When will my harvested aglaonema cuttings be ready to transplant?
Expect cuttings to be ready to pot up in 4-8 weeks. Once new leaves emerge and roots are filling out the container, it’s safe to transplant into regular potting mix.
Can I propagate aglaonema in water instead of soil?
Water propagation is an option but soil propagation has higher success rates. Use tap or filtered water and refresh weekly if propagating in water to prevent rotting.
How can I encourage bushy growth in my harvested aglaonema plants?
Pinching off the main stem tip will encourage bushier lateral growth. Provide bright, indirect light and adequate water and fertilizer to support an actively growing plant.
What signs indicate it is time to divide an overgrown aglaonema?
Look for rootbound plants, lagging growth, crowding of leaves, or toppling from being top heavy. Dividing relieves the congestion and re-invigorates growth.
Can I propagate aglaonema at home successfully?
Absolutely. Division and stem cuttings are easy, low-cost techniques for amateur gardeners. Follow basic propagation guidelines and you can multiply your aglaonema collection with excellent results.
Mastering the optimal timing and techniques for harvesting your aglaonema ensures healthy, vibrant new plants. Divide congested plants in spring or take stem cuttings of your favorite varieties to propagate. With proper aftercare, your new aglaonema babies will thrive indoors.
What is an Aglaonema?
Aglaonema is the general name for 20+ species of evergreen perennials originating in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, hence their common name Chinese Evergreen Plant. They have become popular houseplants because they’re easy to care for and thrive in a generous range of indoor conditions. There are said to be hundreds of varieties, or cultivars, that have been bred to showcase different leaf shapes, variegation patterns, and eye-catching colors.
Aglaonema are also considered excellent air purifiers! They were cited in a famous NASA study about houseplants’ ability to remove harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air. So they’re not just good-looking, they’re good for you too.
How to Care for an Aglaonema
There’s a wide range of Aglaonema varieties and luckily most have the same care needs. Here’s what you need to know to keep this happy plant its happiest.
Aglaonema plants prefer medium-to-bright, indirect sunlight, but is also on our list of the best low-light houseplants. The more light, the faster it will grow and the more color & variegations you may see. The darker or greener the leaves of your variety are, the better it will survive in low light. Pink, cream, or light green cultivars may need sunnier spots. Just avoid too much direct sunlight, as that can burn the leaves.
Aglaonema plants prefer moist soil and consistent watering, so it’s best to not let their soil dry out completely. We water ours in the growing season (spring & summer) about every other week, and less during the winter. Just be sure they’re in a well-draining pot because too much water can cause root rot. Aglaonema can tolerate short periods of drought, so don’t panic if you miss a watering. As with most houseplants, underwatering is preferable to overwatering.
Aglaonema plants need well-draining soil mix and a pot with good drainage holes because they hate sitting in water. A standard potting mix should work, but consider adding perlite, peat moss, orchid bark, or sand to boost its drainage. Some people also add a layer of lava rock to the bottom of the pot to keep the plant’s roots away from any excess water.
Average home interior humidity and temperatures are great for aglonema plants, so don’t overthink this part too much. They prefer temperatures between 60º-85º and, because they are tropical plants, they thrive in high-humidity environments. So some people will add a pebble tray under their aglaonema, especially in the winter months, to increase humidity around their plant. A humidifier also works. In the summer, keep them away from air vents, since they dislike cold drafts.
Fertilizing your aglaonema during the spring & summer months helps replenish nutrients in the soil during its growing season. Consider adding a balanced fertilizer once a month, usually diluted to half-strength. These houseplant tablets are easy to drop into your watering can.