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).
Growing beautiful and lush aglaonema plants from seeds can be an extremely rewarding experience for any gardener. As a long-time houseplant enthusiast, I’ve found that starting aglaonema from seeds allows you to grow rare varieties that are hard to find as established plants. It also gives you more control over the plant’s growth and development.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about aglaonema seed germination, storage and sowing. I’ll share tips and techniques I’ve learned from successfully germinating hundreds of aglaonema seeds over the years. Whether you’re new to growing houseplants or an experienced gardener, you’ll find this guide helpful.
A Quick Overview of Aglaonema
Before we dive into seeds, let’s do a quick overview of the aglaonema plant itself. Aglaonema, also known as Chinese evergreen is a genus of tropical foliage plants native to the jungles of Southeast Asia and New Guinea. Most species grow as understory plants in tropical rainforests.
There are 21 known species of aglaonema, with several popular hybrid cultivars commonly grown as houseplants. Aglaonema are known for their striking oval-shaped leaves, often variegated or patterned in shades of green, silver, pink, red and yellow.
These low-maintenance plants tolerate low light and humidity, making them excellent houseplants. They also have few problems with pests or diseases compared to other houseplant varieties.
Now let’s look at growing these beauties from seeds
Germinating Aglaonema Seeds
Aglaonema seeds have a hard outer shell, so they take some time and care to germinate properly. Here are my tips for getting the highest germination rates:
Start with High Quality Seeds
Purchase seeds from a reputable source, ideally a specialist in rare tropical plants. Aglaonema seeds lose viability over time, so fresh seeds less than a year old give the best results.
Inspect seeds and discard any that are small, shriveled or damaged. Healthy seeds will be large, plump and smooth.
Proper Seed Pretreatment
The hard outer shell of aglaonema seeds needs to be softened to allow moisture to penetrate.
First, soak seeds in clean room temperature water for 24-48 hours. Change the water every 12 hours. Soaking allows seeds to imbibe water and start the germination process.
After soaking, carefully nick or file down a tiny portion of the seed coat on the side of each seed. Don’t damage the embryo inside. This scratch in the coat gives moisture access to the seed interior.
Provide Warmth and Humidity
Aglaonema seeds germinate best at temperatures between 70-75°F. Use a heat mat or warm area to maintain this temperature.
High humidity is also critical, ideally 100% relative humidity. Enclose seeds in a mini greenhouse dome or plastic bag to keep the environment moist.
Use Fresh Seed Starting Mix
Sow pretreated seeds shallowly in sterile, soilless seed starting mix. Gently firm the mix and water thoroughly.
Keep the mix evenly moist but not saturated. Use a spray bottle to mist instead of overhead watering to avoid disturbing seeds.
Allow Time for Germination
Be patient! Aglaonema seeds can take 2-8 weeks to germinate. Give them time in warm, humid conditions to work their magic.
Check for sprouting every few days. Remove any seeds that get moldy to avoid spreading spores.
With proper care, you can expect germination rates of 80% or higher.
Storing Aglaonema Seeds
If you want to keep unused aglaonema seeds for sowing later, proper storage is vital to maintain viability. Here are my storage tips:
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Let fresh seeds fully dry out for 1-2 weeks in a warm, dry location before storage.
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Place dried seeds in an airtight glass jar or plastic bag. Squeeze out excess air.
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Store in the refrigerator or any cool, dark place. Freezer storage can damage seeds.
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Use dried silica gel packs in the storage container to maintain low moisture levels.
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Label jars with the seed variety and expiration date based on recommended shelf life.
Stored properly at 50-60°F, aglaonema seeds remain viable for 1-2 years before germination rates decline. Always test old seeds with a small batch before sowing more. Discard any that don’t sprout.
Sowing Aglaonema Seeds
Once your seeds have germinated, it’s time to get them growing! Follow these tips for successfully sowing and growing on aglaonema seedlings:
Choose the Right Growing Medium
Select a loose, well-draining potting mix made for tropical plants. I use an organic mix amended with extra perlite, vermiculite and compost.
For the first month, sow seeds in a sterile seed starting mix to prevent damping off disease.
Give Young Seedlings High Humidity
Newly sprouted aglaonema need very high humidity levels around 80-100% to establish.
Keep seedlings covered with a greenhouse dome or plastic tent until the first true leaves appear. Or place the container on a pebble tray filled with water.
Provide Bright, Indirect Light
Aglaonema do best in moderate to bright indirect light. Avoid direct hot sunlight which can scorch tender leaves.
Use sheer curtains, shade cloth or move plants back from windows as needed. Rotate plants occasionally for even growth.
Water Carefully
Check soil moisture daily and water seedlings when the top inch of soil is dry. Use room temperature filtered water.
Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. Let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
Feed with Diluted Fertilizer
Once seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, begin fertilizing every 2 weeks. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength.
Transplant for Strong Roots
For the best root development, transplant seedlings into 3-4” pots when the second set of true leaves appear.
Bury stems up to the first leaves. This stimulates new root growth from the buried nodes.
With proper care, your homegrown aglaonema seedlings will grow into gorgeous, thriving houseplants! It’s so rewarding to watch a tiny seed transform into a stunning tropical specimen.
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.
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FAQ
How to germinate Aglaonema seeds?
What are the disadvantages of the Aglaonema plant?
Where does Aglaonema grow best?
When to replant Aglaonema?
How to propagate Aglaonema?
To propagate Aglaonema using seeds, you need to get fresh seeds. Look at the base of mature Chinese evergreen flowers and collect the seeds. In order to prepare them, it is important to wash seeds in H2O mixed water or in acidic water. Also, you need to prepare a seed germination soil mix. What also works great is a coco-peat mix.
How long does Aglaonema take to grow?
Make sure to place the container in indirect sunlight, and in average room temperatures. New cuttings will not do well if the room is cold. You can expect new shoots to emerge from cuttings in about 25 to 45 days. To propagate Aglaonema using seeds, you need to get fresh seeds.
How long does it take for Aglaonema seeds to germinate?
Keep in mind that it takes up to 45 or even 60 days for seeds to germinate. Alternatively, you may use root cuttings to propagate your Aglaonema plants. It is probably the safest method for assuring success, but it might be a bit tricky for beginner gardeners. However, it is not particularly difficult, as long as you are careful.
Can Aglaonema be grown indoors?
A lot of people consider aglaonema to be a greenhouse plant. The greenhouse will provide the warmth and humidity the plant needs. This, however, does not indicate that the plant cannot be grown indoors. All you need to do for your aglaonema to survive is to provide it with additional sources of humidity. I.e.