The aglaonema plant is easily recognized by its long, narrow, and curved leaves which come in many different colors varying from different shades of green, to pinks and whites. Aglaonema plants come from the southeast Asia region and are a species that includes 40 different families. It is a tropical plant, and with special care can be successfully grown indoors. This kind ofhouseplant has gradually become an increasingly popular decorative houseplant. This beautiful plant provides a variety of colors and shapes to your home and is a good plant for beginner to intermediate gardeners.
It is important to note that the sap of the Chinese Evergreen, a common name used for aglaonema, is considered poisonous, but not deadly. It can cause minor discomfort and irritation to the skin as well as being toxic to pets if ingested. In the event that any part of this plant is ingested, call your doctor or veterinarian immediately!
Now we will go over a guide to caring for your aglaonema, including planting, pruning, and propagating instructions, as well as advice on how to save a struggling aglaonema.
Aglaonemas, commonly known as Chinese Evergreens are some of the most popular houseplants around. Their lush green foliage and easy-going nature make them an excellent choice for adding a burst of indoor greenery. However, like any plant aglaonemas go through different growth stages that require specific care and attention. Read on for a comprehensive guide to understanding the various life stages of the aglaonema plant.
Seedling Stage
This is the very first stage of an aglaonema’s life after the seed has germinated. At this point, the plant is just a tiny sprout emerging from the soil. The seedling depends wholly on the energy stored in the seed to grow roots and initial leaves. This vulnerable stage lasts just a few weeks.
Seedling Care
- Keep soil moist but not saturated
- Provide medium to bright indirect light
- Use a well-draining soil mix
- Humidity between 40-50%
- No need to fertilize yet
- Water when top inch of soil is dry
Getting the conditions right during this critical phase gives the aglaonema the best start in life. Too much water can cause rotting while insufficient light leads to weak growth.
Juvenile Stage
The juvenile phase is when the plant truly starts to gain momentum and grow. This stage can last anywhere from a few months to over a year depending on care and conditions.
Juvenile Care
- Let top 50% of soil dry out before watering
- Increase light to bright indirect areas
- Maintain 40-50% humidity
- Begin fertilizing every 2-3 weeks
- Repot when roots fill container
As the aglaonema matures and develops more foliage, its needs change. Allowing the top part of the soil to dry out before watering prevents oversaturation while regular feeding fuels growth Good drainage and air circulation are also important
Mature Stage
Reaching the mature stage means the aglaonema has hit its stride and is full grown Growth slows down but the plant will continue producing new leaves and may flower This stage can last for many years with proper care.
Mature Care
- Water when top 2 inches of soil are dry
- Provide consistent bright indirect light
- Maintain 40-50% humidity
- Fertilize monthly during growing season
- Repot every 2-3 years in spring
- Remove dead leaves and spent flowers
A mature aglaonema has adjusted to its environment and can better tolerate dry spells between watering. But ample humidity, nutrition and light are still essential. Regular pruning keeps it looking its best.
Signs of Maturity
- Plant reaches maximum size potential for variety
- New leaf growth slows down
- Flowers and produces seeds/berries (in flowering types)
- Needs repotting less frequently
- Tolerates more variability in conditions
The transition from juvenile to mature is gradual but these signs indicate the plant is entering its adult stage. Growth habits change as the aglaonema switches energy from rapid development to maintenance.
Factors Affecting Growth Rate
Many elements influence how quickly an aglaonema progresses through its life stages:
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Variety – Some aglaonema cultivars are naturally smaller/slower growing than others.
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Light – Insufficient light slows growth. Bright indirect light speeds it up.
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Water – Too much or too little water limits growth.
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Feeding – Regular fertilizing fuels growth while starvation does the opposite.
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Pot size – Restrictive containers limit root and foliage growth.
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Temperature – Aglaonemas grow fastest in warm 70-85°F conditions. Cool temps slow growth.
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Pruning – Cutting stalks back to soil level resets plant to juvenile stage.
Understanding what impacts the aglaonema’s growth allows you to manipulate conditions to accelerate or slow down its life cycle.
Common Problems at Each Stage
Getting the right care during each phase prevents issues but here are some common problems and solutions:
Seedling
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Damping off disease – Caused by overwatering seedlings. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Leggy growth – Insufficient light, increase gradually.
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Failure to thrive – Increase humidity and warmth.
Juvenile
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Leaf spot diseases – Treat with fungicide and increase air circulation.
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Root rot – Repot in fresh soil, avoid overwatering.
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Few flowers – Increase light exposure.
Mature
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Leaf yellowing – Usually fertilizer deficiency, apply balanced fertilizer.
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Leaf drop – Due to over/under-watering or low humidity.
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Small new leaves – Indicates insufficient light.
With the proper care at each stage suited to its needs, the aglaonema will flourish both as a juvenile plant and when mature. Patience and attentiveness as the plant progresses through its life cycle are rewarded with a healthy, thriving aglaonema.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do aglaonemas live?
With proper care, aglaonemas can live for many years, often a decade or longer. Their lifespan is extended by correct lighting, watering, feeding, and repotting at the right times.
How do I encourage my aglaonema to grow faster?
Boosting an aglaonema’s growth rate involves providing ample warm temperatures, bright indirect light, consistent watering, frequent fertilizing, roomy containers, and pruning when needed.
Why is my mature aglaonema not flowering?
Lack of bright light is the most common reason for no flowers. Aglaonemas need very bright light to bloom. Insufficient light from shorter winter days can also prevent flowering.
Should I cut back leggy stems?
Yes, pruning leggy, weak stems back to the soil rejuvenates the plant. It resets the aglaonema back to the fast-growing juvenile stage for fuller growth.
How do I revive a struggling aglaonema?
Check soil moisture, watering frequency, light levels, humidity, and fertilizing first. Repotting in fresh soil often revives failing plants. Trim off unhealthy leaves and stems to focus energy.
The aglaonema’s growth pattern isn’t difficult to understand. A little attentiveness as it transitions through each stage, along with adjustments to its care, keeps it thriving for years of enjoyment!
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How to Propagate
1. Select a good pair of sanitized shears.
2. Pick a stem with foliage and cut at least 4-8 inches off of the main plant.
3. Place the stem in soil and set it in bright indirect light.
4. You should have new growth between 20-40 days after planting.
Water:
Aglaonema does not need to be watered daily. In fact, they are incredibly resilient, and if forgotten for a few weeks generally do just fine. Overwatering can cause your plant to die, and wilted or soft leaves that have yellowed are often a sign of overwatering. It is preferable to keep your soil slightly moist, letting it dry out in between waterings. To avoid pooled water at the bottom, ensure that you are using a pot with holes for drainage and emptying the water tray of any excess water. In general, your plant will benefit from being watered once every two weeks. Monitor your plant closely, however. Different factors such as warmth, sunlight, and the time of year will all affect how much water your plant will need.