Aglaonema plants, also known as Chinese evergreens, are some of the most popular houseplants around. They’re easy to care for, and they come in a variety of attractive colours and patterns. With proper care, they can last for many years, adding beauty and life to any room. There are some easy ways to keep them happy:
The Chinese evergreen comes from South-East Asia, where you’ll find it modestly basking in the dappled light under large tropical trees. It spreads freely and can often be found covering large areas of ground.
The name aglaonema is derived from the Greek ‘Aglos’, meaning bright, and ‘nema’, meaning thread, because of those variegated patterns on the leaves. There are a huge number of different varieties with colours ranging from silver and grey to red and orange. Our aglaonema family includes Clancy the aglaonema red star, Aggie the red aglaonema and Anna the aglaonema silver bay.
Aglaonemas, also known as Chinese Evergreens, are one of the most popular houseplants thanks to their easy care requirements and visually striking leaves However, understanding how much water these tropical plants need can be tricky, especially for beginner gardeners In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about watering your Aglaonemas correctly so they stay happy and healthy.
An Overview of Aglaonemas
Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia and New Guinea, Aglaonemas are accustomed to warm, humid environments with consistent moisture The most commonly grown species is Aglaonema Modestum, known for its oval-shaped green leaves decorated with silver or gray markings
Other popular varieties include the Aglaonema Silver Queen, with prominent white veins on dark green leaves, and the Aglaonema Maria, sporting lush green leaves with bright pink stems. There are over 20 unique Aglaonema species and cultivars to choose from featuring an array of leaf shapes colors, and patterns.
These herbaceous perennials grow up to 3 feet tall and do best when slightly pot-bound, making them great houseplants. Aglaonemas can tolerate low light conditions, but thrive and look their best in medium to bright indirect light.
Factors That Determine Water Needs
When it comes to watering your Aglaonemas, there are several key factors that come into play:
Climate and Season
Aglaonemas prefer warm conditions between 60-85°F and do best with relatively high humidity levels of 40-50%. Their water needs will increase during hot, dry summer weather and decrease in cool winters. If you use air conditioning or heaters, monitor moisture carefully.
Sun Exposure
Aglaonemas situated in brighter light need more frequent watering than those in shadier spots. Leaves exposed to direct sun especially require additional moisture.
Plant Size and Age
Younger and smaller Aglaonemas need less water compared to larger, more established plants. A good rule of thumb is that the bigger the plant, the bigger its thirst!
Soil Composition
Dense, water-retentive soils made with lots of peat moss or coconut coir hold moisture longer than loose, sandy mixes. Make adjustments based on your particular potting soil.
Pot Size and Type
Compared to plastic, terra cotta pots dry out faster due to their porous nature. Additionally, plants in smaller pots need more frequent watering than those placed in larger containers.
Reading Your Plant’s Thirst Signals
Rather than sticking to a rigid watering schedule, it’s best to pay close attention to your Aglaonema’s needs and let it guide your watering habits. Here are some telltale signs it’s thirsty for a drink:
- Drooping or curling leaves
- Leaves feeling dry and crispy to the touch
- Soil appears completely dried out
- Pot feels very lightweight when lifted
On the other hand, if you notice yellowing leaves, mushy stems, or water pooling in the saucer, your plant may be overwatered.
Ideally you want to water your Aglaonema before it shows pronounced signs of underwatering, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Best Practices for Watering Your Aglaonema
Follow these tips to hydrate your Aglaonema properly:
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Water when the top inch or so of soil has dried out, sticking your finger in to check. For many varieties, this means watering about once every 1-2 weeks.
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Water thoroughly until it drains freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root zone receives moisture.
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Always empty any water that collects in the saucer to prevent root rot.
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Water in the morning so leaves dry out fully by nighttime, reducing disease risk.
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Use room temperature filtered or distilled water rather than cold tap water to avoid temperature shock.
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Add pebbles underneath the pot to improve drainage.
Providing the Right Amount of Humidity
In addition to adequate watering, Aglaonemas appreciate higher humidity levels similar to their native tropical habitat. Some helpful humidity boosting tips:
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Place your Aglaonema on a pebble tray filled with water. The evaporating water will increase humidity around the plant.
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Mist the leaves occasionally using a spray bottle. Avoid getting water on the actual leaves which can promote bacteria and fungus growth.
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Use a humidifier nearby your Aglaonema to hydrate the surrounding air.
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Group plants together to create a self-contained humid microclimate.
Troubleshooting Common Watering Issues
If your Aglaonema starts displaying signs of distress, the underlying problem is often improper watering. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
Yellow or drooping leaves – Usually a sign of under watering. Increase watering frequency and use soil that retains more moisture. Also check for root rot which can exhibit similar symptoms.
Brown leaf tips – This can indicate both under and overwatering. Check that you’re watering adequately and ensure the pot has drainage.
Mushy stems – A red flag for overwatering. Cut back on watering frequency and pour out any excess water in the saucer after irrigating.
Leaf spotting – Excess moisture on the leaves can lead to fungal or bacterial diseases. Water the soil only and trim off affected foliage.
White crusty deposits on leaves – Hard water or soft water contain mineral salts that can build up. Use distilled or filtered water for irrigating.
Key Takeaways
Caring for your Aglaonema doesn’t have to be tricky as long as you stay attuned to its needs. Remember these essential watering practices:
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Check soil moisture before watering and irrigate once the top inch becomes dry.
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Thoroughly hydrate the soil until water drains from the bottom. Never let it sit in water.
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Water in the morning and use room temperature filtered or distilled water.
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Increase humidity levels which these tropical plants appreciate.
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Address any signs of underwatering vs overwatering promptly.
By understanding how much water your particular Aglaonema requires and making adjustments based on climate, season, and other factors, you can keep it healthy and looking beautiful year-round!
What’s the best temperature for my aglaonema?
Aglaonemas prefer warm temperatures, between 18 and 26°C. Try to avoid exposing them to cold draughts or extreme temperatures.
How often should I water my aglaonema?
Aglaonemas should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. Water thoroughly, until water runs out of the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it’s better to underwater than to overwater.
How to Grow & Care for Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Indoors
FAQ
How do you know if you are overwatering Aglaonema?
Do Aglaonema like to be misted?
How to save overwatered Aglaonema?
Should I cut yellow leaves off Aglaonema?
How often do you water Aglaonema?
Luckily, the Aglaonema has fairly average watering needs: It likes to be watered regularly but also likes to dry out slightly before being watered again. The easiest way to water this plant properly is to use a pot with drainage holes. When you’re watering your plant, water until the excess moisture starts to drip out of the drainage holes.
How do you grow Aglaonema?
Larger plants show best when combined with dark-leafed plants with a similar tolerance of low light, such as pothos. Aglaonema plants are one of the easiest foliage plants to grow. Very small varieties will grow in plain water or in a container filled up with clean pebbles or marbles until you are ready to pot them up.
How do you care for an Aglaonema plant?
Keep the soil lightly moist. Do not overwater nor keep so dry that the leaves droop. Watering once a week on average for optimal Aglaonema care, when the top inch of the potting mix is dry when you stick your finger in. Aglaonemas tolerate dry air better than most houseplants, but still benefit from misting every day when indoor air is very dry.
How much light do Aglaonema plants need?
Use low to medium light. All Chinese evergreens will thrive with medium amounts of bright, indirect light. Less colorful aglaonema plants can handle lower light levels— varieties that are mostly green can even grow under fluorescent lighting! Water wisely. Wait to water until the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.