Fertilizing houseplants can seem intimidating but it doesn’t have to be! Proper fertilization is key to keeping your aglaonemas healthy and thriving. In this article I’ll walk you through the dos and don’ts of fertilizing these beautiful plants.
How to Fertilize Your Aglaonemas
Fertilizing your aglaonemas properly involves understanding their needs, choosing the right fertilizer, and following some simple guidelines. Here are the key things to keep in mind:
Use liquid fertilizer
Liquid fertilizers are the best choice for aglaonemas. They dissolve completely in water, allowing for rapid and full absorption by the plant. Look for a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer.
Fertilize monthly during growing season
Aglaonemas grow actively in spring and summer. Fertilize them once per month during this time. I recommend fertilizing in March through September.
Always dilute fertilizer
Never apply concentrated fertilizer directly to the soil. This can burn the delicate roots. Dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength before using it on your aglaonemas.
Apply after watering
Water your plant first, then add the diluted fertilizer. This ensures it spreads through the soil and reaches all the roots.
Focus on soil application
Apply fertilizer around the base of the plant. Avoid getting it directly on the leaves as this can cause leaf burn.
What to Avoid When Fertilizing Aglaonemas
It’s just as important to know what not to do when feeding these plants. Here are some key fertilizing mistakes to avoid:
Don’t over-fertilize
Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and the leaves, causing yellow or brown marks. Stick to the recommended monthly schedule.
Don’t use tap water
Tap water contains salts and chemicals that can build up in the soil. Use distilled or filtered water to dilute liquid fertilizer.
Don’t fertilize after repotting
Wait 2-3 months after repotting before fertilizing again. This gives the roots time to recover.
Don’t fertilize dormant plants
Aglaonemas go dormant in fall and winter. Don’t fertilize during this time, as the plants won’t use the nutrients.
How to Fix Over-Fertilized Aglaonemas
We all make mistakes! If you’ve over-fed your plant, don’t panic. Here’s how to get your aglaonema back on track:
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Flush the soil by watering thoroughly to dissolve excess fertilizer salts.
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If leaves are burnt, trim off the damaged sections. Don’t remove more than 1/3 of the foliage at once.
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Skip fertilizing for at least 2-3 months to allow the plant to recover.
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Repot in fresh soil if salt buildup is severe.
With the right fertilizer and schedule, you can keep your aglaonemas thriving for years to come. Dilute liquid fertilizer, apply monthly to moist soil, and avoid over-feeding. Pay close attention to your plant’s needs throughout the seasons. Proper fertilization is important, but your aglaonema will tell you when it’s getting too much! Follow these tips, and you’ll master fertilizing these gorgeous houseplants.
Frequency of Entities:
aglaonema: 15
fertilizer: 14
fertilize: 7
liquid fertilizer: 5
soil: 5
leaves: 4
roots: 3
dilute: 3
water: 3
burn: 3
over-fertilize: 3
plant: 2
growing season: 2
apply: 2
leaf: 2
dormant: 2
distilled water: 1
filtered water: 1
repot: 1
salt buildup: 1
excess fertilizer: 1
damaged leaves: 1
fresh soil: 1
houseplant fertilizer: 1
balanced fertilizer: 1
spring and summer: 1
yellow or brown marks: 1
half strength: 1
around base of plant: 1
directly on leaves: 1
monthly: 1
2-3 months: 1
fall and winter: 1
Indo Princess AglaonemaLIGHT
Your Indo Princess Aglaonema prefers indirect bright light. It can adapt to low light, but the growth will slow considerably. Direct morning sunlight is fine for this plant, but avoid direct afternoon sunlight which can burn the leaves. If you don’t have an ideal location for your Aglaonema, use a Grow Light. In low light, variegation will not be as pronounced. WATER
Water your Aglaonema when 50% of the soil volume is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer. HUMIDITY
This plant can survive in a low humidity environment, but it will thrive with a higher humidity level. Mist the leaves regularly using a Mister to raise the humidity. TEMPERATURE
Your Aglaonema prefers temperatures between 65–75°F. Avoid drafty areas and temperatures below 60°F in the winter. FOOD
Feed your Aglaonema monthly during the spring and summer months with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength such as our All Purpose Fertilizer (20-20-20). No fertilizer is needed during the winter months when growth naturally slows. TOXICITY
Your Indo Princess is moderately toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting. ADDITIONAL CARE
A common problem with Aglaonema is called ‘tipping’ when the tips of the leaves dry out and turn brown. This can be caused by a variety of issues like overwatering, too much fertilizer, etc. The most common cause is tap water, which contains salts, chlorine, and fluoride. If you do not have a filtration system, leaving the tap water in an open container overnight before watering can help remove some of the chemicals. If your Aglaonema is in need of a trim, clean up your plant using clean, sharp Plant Snips.
Your Aglaonema prefers indirect bright light. It can adapt to low light, but the growth will slow considerably. Direct morning sunlight is fine for this plant, but avoid direct afternoon sunlight which can burn the leaves. If you don’t have an ideal location for your Aglaonema, use a Grow Light. If you notice the pink coloration fading on your Aglaonema, try placing the plant in a brighter location with indirect light. WATER
Water your Aglaonema when 50% of the soil volume is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer. HUMIDITY
Your Aglaonema enjoys extra humidity. Mist the leaves regularly using a Mister, place a humidifier nearby, or use a pebble tray to raise the humidity. TEMPERATURE
Your Aglaonema prefers temperatures between 65–75°F. Avoid drafty areas and temperatures below 60°F in the winter. FOOD
Feed your Aglaonema monthly during the spring and summer months with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength such as our All Purpose Fertilizer (20-20-20). No fertilizer is needed during the winter months when growth naturally slows. TOXICITY
Your Aglaonema is mildly toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting. ADDITIONAL CARE
Aglaonema prefer to be slightly root-bound and will not need to be repotted more than once every 2-3 years. Choose a pot only about 2” bigger in diameter when repotting. If your Aglaonema is in need of a trim, clean up your plant using clean, sharp Plant Snips.
Pink Splash AglaonemaLIGHT
Your Aglaonema prefers indirect bright light. It can adapt to low light, but the growth will slow considerably. Direct morning sunlight is fine for this plant, but avoid direct afternoon sunlight which can burn the leaves. If you don’t have an ideal location for your Aglaonema, use a Grow Light. If you notice the coloration fading on your Aglaonema, try placing the plant in a brighter location with indirect light. WATER
Water your Aglaonema when 50% of the soil volume is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer. HUMIDITY
This plant can survive in a low humidity environment, but it will thrive with a higher humidity level. Mist the leaves regularly using a Mister to raise the humidity. TEMPERATURE
Your Aglaonema prefers temperatures between 65–75°F. Avoid drafty areas and temperatures below 60°F in the winter. FOOD
Feed your Aglaonema monthly during the spring and summer months with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength such as our All Purpose Fertilizer (20-20-20). No fertilizer is needed during the winter months when growth naturally slows. TOXICITY
The Pink Splash Aglaonema is moderately toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting. ADDITIONAL CARE
A common problem with Aglaonema is called ‘tipping’ when the tips of the leaves dry out and turn brown. This can be caused by a variety of issues like overwatering, too much fertilizer, etc. The most common cause is tap water, which contains salts, chlorine, and fluoride. If you do not have a filtration system, leaving the tap water in an open container overnight before watering can help remove some of the chemicals. If your Aglaonema is in need of a trim, clean up your plant using clean, sharp Plant Snips.
Your Aglaonema prefers indirect bright light. It can adapt to low light, but the growth will slow considerably. Direct morning sunlight is fine for this plant, but avoid direct afternoon sunlight which can burn the leaves. If you don’t have an ideal location for your Aglaonema, use a Grow Light. In low light, its color and variegation will not be as pronounced. WATER
Water your Aglaonema when 50% of the soil volume is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer. HUMIDITY
This plant can survive in a low humidity environment, but it will thrive with higher humidity levels. Mist the leaves regularly using a Mister to raise the humidity, especially during the drier winter months. TEMPERATURE
Your Aglaonema prefers temperatures between 65–75°F. Avoid drafty areas and temperatures below 60°F in the winter. FOOD
Feed your Aglaonema monthly during the spring and summer months with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength such as our All Purpose Fertilizer (20-20-20). No fertilizer is needed during the winter months when growth naturally slows. TOXICITY
The Red Aglaonema is moderately toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting. ADDITIONAL CARE
A common problem with Aglaonema is called ‘tipping’ when the tips of the leaves dry out and turn brown. This can be caused by a variety of issues like overwatering, too much fertilizer, etc. The most common cause is tap water, which contains salts, chlorine, and fluoride. If you do not have a filtration system, leaving the tap water in an open container overnight before watering can help remove some of the chemicals. If your Aglaonema is in need of a trim, clean up your plant using clean, sharp Plant Snips.
How to Grow & Care for Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Indoors
FAQ
What is the best fertilizer for Aglaonema plants?
How do I keep my Aglaonema happy?
What do you feed Aglaonema plants?
Why are the tips of my Aglaonema turning brown?
What fertilizer should I give my Aglaonema?
Any good, balanced houseplant fertilizer will work for Aglaonema. Feed your Aglaonema monthly during the spring and summer while they are actively growing. Reduce the amount of fertilizer you give them in the fall and completely stop feeding in the winter months as the plants enter dormancy.
How often should I fertilize my Aglaonema?
Fertilize your aglaonema every two to four weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Aglaonema plants are sensitive to changes in their environment. Try to keep the temperature and humidity level consistent, and avoid drafts.
How do you care for Aglaonema?
Repot the plant as required. Maintain ideal temperatures of between 65-75°F degrees Fahrenheit, and high humidity for your plant to thrive. Fertilize your plants in the spring and summer months and never in the winter. Aglaonema care indoors is the same as outdoors.
Do Aglaonema plants need good soil?
Good quality soil is essential for any plant’s growth and survival, and aglaonema is no exception. The right soil provides the necessary nutrients and water retention capacity that the plant needs to grow healthy and vibrant. Aglaonema plants thrive in well-draining soils that allow excess water to drain away quickly.