The Aglaonema “Silver Bay” (Chinese evergreen) is a large, lush plant that’s a perfect addition to any office or room. They are versatile, ranging from large (floor plants) to small (perfect for tables or desktops). I fell in love with this plant variety from the get-go. The patterns that their leaves adorn leave me in awe–how does nature do that? They look so soft and matte.
The oval leaves unfurl from the center and grow outward to be around 9 to 12 inches long, while the whole plant can grow to about four feet tall. The stems and leaves are both semi-glossy, and the variegated leaves have different combinations of dark green to light green to silver colors.
Besides its beauty, it is known to clean the air of benzene (found in plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, dyes, detergents, etc.) as well as formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a colorless chemical with a strong odor that is often used in manufacturing a variety of products, including wood products such as cabinets, furniture, plywood, particleboard, and laminate flooring. It is also used in permanent press fabrics (like those used for curtains and drapes or on furniture).
To avoid overwatering your plant, let the soil get quite dry before completely drenching it again. Conversely, the plant will also suffer if the soil becomes too dry. The goal is to keep the soil slightly moist without overwatering. It is best to use pots with drainage, as root rot is not uncommon with these plants.
If it’s kept too wet, the leaves may start to turn yellow and drop off. If it’s kept REALLY wet, you might be at risk for root rot. I water mine about every one to two weeks, and even less in the winter.
If your plant is looking a bit droopy, that can be a sign that it needs a good watering, so be sure to check the soil. As with all houseplants, those kept in brighter light will need to be watered more often, and vice versa.
Part of what makes Chinese evergreens so easy to care for is that they can thrive in bright, medium, or low light, as long as it’s indirect. During the growing season, expose them to more indirect (never direct) light to facilitate healthy, new leaves. I have my plant on a high up shelf in the living room, roughly 3 feet from a north-facing window. We don’t get direct light, and where I have it positioned, the light is filtered through a large Dracaena plant.
These beauties enjoy temperatures anywhere between 60-85 degrees (F). If the temperature drops below 50 degrees (F), the plant will stop growing.
Aglaonemas, also known as Chinese evergreens, are popular houseplants that add a touch of tropical flair to any indoor space. With their colorful patterned leaves, aglaonemas are easy to care for and bring life to shelves, desks, and tabletops. But just how tall can these plants grow?
The maximum height your aglaonema can reach depends on several key factors. Read on to learn about the variables that affect your aglaonema’s growth and tips to help it thrive.
Aglaonema Species and Cultivars
There are around two dozen species of aglaonemas, and many more cultivars. The specific variety you choose will be a major determinant of the plant’s eventual height and spread. Here are some popular options:
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Aglaonema commutatum One of the most common aglaonemas this species typically reaches 1 to 3 feet tall and wide when mature. Cultivars include ‘Silver Queen’ and ‘Emerald Beauty’.
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Aglaonema crispum: A more compact variety, A. crispum grows to about 1 to 2 feet tall and wide. Cultivars include ‘Red Edge’ and ‘Black Lance’.
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Aglaonema pictum: One of the larger aglaonema species, A. pictum can achieve heights of 3 to 4 feet. Cultivars include ‘Tricolor’ and ‘Silver Bay’.
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Aglaonema maria: A fast growing cultivar, ‘Maria’ can reach 3 to 4 feet tall in just a few years when cared for properly. It has striking pink stems and spotted green leaves.
So if you’re looking for a petite plant choose a compact A. crispum cultivar. But if you want a tall bushy specimen, go for A. pictum or ‘Maria’.
Light Exposure
Aglaonemas need bright, indirect light to thrive. Low light causes them to grow leggy and sparse as they reach for sunlight.
Place your aglaonema near an east or west facing window where it will receive consistent morning or afternoon sun. A north facing window can work too if it’s unobstructed and quite bright.
Supplement with a grow light if needed. Aim for your plant to get at least 12 to 14 hours of bright, indirect light per day for optimal growth. Insufficient light will inhibit its progress.
Temperature and Humidity
Aglaonemas prefer warm conditions between 65-80°F and do best with steady temperatures in this range. Avoid cold drafts.
High humidity is also essential. Shoot for 60% or higher. Mist your plant daily or use a pebble tray to provide moisture.
Ensure proper air circulation as well. Stagnant air can lead to fungal or bacterial leaf issues.
Watering and Soil
Water your aglaonema whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Take care not to over or underwater.
The soil should be slightly moist but never soggy or bone dry. Good drainage is key, so use a porous potting mix.
Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Ease off in fall and winter.
Repot when rootbound into a container just one size larger. This will keep growth steady and manageable.
Pruning and Training
Judicious pruning helps regulate your aglaonema’s height. Trim off any leggy stems and shape as needed.
Pinching or cutting back long shoots encourages bushiness. Remove any dead or damaged leaves as well.
For a full, compact look, gently tie down long stems. Staking taller varieties prevents floppiness.
Rotate the plant periodically so all sides receive equal light exposure for even growth.
Troubleshooting Issues
Leaf yellowing or drooping indicates a cultural issue. This could be improper watering, low humidity, or insufficient light.
Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can also hinder growth. Treat any infestations right away.
If growth stalls for no apparent reason, move the plant to a brighter spot or renew the soil with fresh potting mix.
Maximum Potential Height
Given ideal care, most aglaonema varieties can achieve heights of 2 to 3 feet when mature. Larger cultivars can surpass 4 feet.
But remember, factors like light and nutrition directly impact development. So tailor your care to the specific size you desire.
With the right conditions, your aglaonema can transform from a compact tabletop plant to an impressive floor specimen. Let its potential height guide where you place it in your home.
Caring for a Maturing Aglaonema
As your aglaonema matures into an adult plant, adapt your care routine accordingly:
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Move it to a brightly lit, spacious location where it has room to grow.
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Use a shelving unit or plant stand to elevate it if needed.
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Upgrade to a larger pot every 2 years or so.
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Increase water and fertilizer during the active growing season.
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Check for pests and diseases more frequently.
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Prune back and shape the plant to control size and maintain fullness.
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Consider staking tall varieties like A. pictum to support heavy stems.
Answering Common Questions
If you’re new to growing aglaonema, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked ones:
How long does it take for an aglaonema to reach full size?
Most varieties achieve their maximum height within 3 to 5 years when cared for properly. Quick growers like ‘Maria’ may reach maturity even faster.
How can I keep my aglaonema compact?
Choose a petite variety, provide moderate light, use a small pot, and prune back leggy stems. Slow release fertilizer also prevents rapid growth.
Should I repot a mature aglaonema?
Yes, replenish the soil every 2 to 3 years in spring. This provides fresh nutrients and room for some continued root growth.
Can I propagate a large aglaonema?
Absolutely! Mature aglaonemas can be propagated by stem cuttings or division. Plant the offshoots in fresh potting mix.
Let Your Aglaonema Reach New Heights
Caring for an aglaonema is incredibly rewarding as you watch it transform from a small starter plant into a stunning centerpiece specimen. Pay close attention to its needs, and your green thumb will be rewarded with vigorous growth.
Soon that little aglaonema on your desk could become a tower of vibrant foliage that infuses your home with vitality and tropical charm. With the right care, there’s no limit to how tall your Chinese evergreen can grow!
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Plant Characteristics to Watch For
Diagnosing what is going wrong with your plant is going to take a little detective work, but even more patience! First of all, don’t panic, and don’t throw out a plant prematurely. Take a few deep breaths and work down the list of possible issues. Below, I am going to share some typical symptoms that can arise. When I start to spot troubling signs on a plant, I take it into a room with good lighting, pull out my magnifiers, and start by thoroughly inspecting the plant.
My plant is developing yellow leaves.
- If you notice your plant leaves are yellowing and dropping off the bottom, the plant is likely consuming too much water. The plant may be suffering from root rot.
- Solution: Use planting pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to drain through when watering. Slow down on the watering, allowing it to dry out some between waterings. There are a few different ways to tell if your Chinese evergreen is consuming too much water.
My plant has brown tips and edges along with the leaves are brown.
- If the leaves develop brown tips or edges, the air may be too dry. Another possibility is that the leaves are burnt from too much direct sun.
- Solution: Relocate the Chinese evergreen to a more humid spot, grouping it with other houseplants (which release moisture into the air as they breathe), or add a room humidifier. The goal should be to have a 60 percent humidity level throughout the year. If humidity isn’t the issue, check the location of the plant and see if it receives any direct sunlight; if so, relocate.
My plant is bushier on one side than the other.
- Uneven growth can be caused by just one side of the plant receiving light.
- Solution: Rotate the houseplant regularly to provide adequate light to all sides and prevent it from reaching toward the light on one side.
Brown leaves are forming at the base of the plant.
- Browning of the bottom leaves is typical.
- Solution: Snip them off to keep the plant tidy.
Fertilizer – Plant Food
During the growing season (spring-fall), feed the plant with a half-strength complete liquid fertilizer. If you live in a four-season climate, don’t feed them in the winter, because most plants go dormant in the colder months.
- Remove any dead, discolored, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems as they occur with clean, sharp scissors.
- Clean the leaves often enough to keep dust off. You can wipe the plant down regularly with rubbing alcohol solution (1-1 ratio) or a neem oil solution to deter insects.
- Lower leaf loss is common as your plant acclimates to its new home. Simply cut the lower leaves down at the base of the plant.