Where to Buy Aglaonemas Plants and Find the Best Source

Aglaonemas, also known as Chinese evergreens, are popular houseplants known for their ability to thrive in low light conditions. With their colorful foliage and easy care requirements, it’s no wonder aglaonemas are a staple in many homes and offices. But where can you find the best selection of aglaonemas and get advice on choosing the right varieties? Here’s an in-depth guide on the best places to buy these beautiful plants.

Check Your Local Nursery or Garden Center

Your local, independent nursery is often a great place to find a nice selection of aglaonemas Reputable nurseries typically source their plants from specialized growers who focus on quality You can expect to find both common aglaonema varieties like Silver Bay and Emerald Beauty, as well as harder-to-find cultivars. The staff at local nurseries are usually quite knowledgeable about the plants they sell. Don’t be afraid to pick their brains on the best aglaonema varieties for your needs.

Some things to look for when buying aglaonemas from a local nursery

• Healthy, vibrant foliage with no brown spots or yellowing
• No signs of pests like webbing, eggs, or insects on the leaves
• Well-established root system – check if the plant is rootbound
• Proper soil moisture – the soil shouldn’t be bone dry or soggy

While big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s carry aglaonemas, the selection is usually quite limited. The plants also may not be cared for as diligently But if convenience is important, these retailers are worth checking out

Order Online From Specialty Nurseries

One of the best ways to access a huge selection of aglaonemas, including rare varieties, is to order from an online specialty nursery. These nurseries focus exclusively on houseplants and have the advantage of working with growers across the country.

Here are some reputable online aglaonema retailers to consider:

• Logee’s Plants – This nursery has been selling exotic plants since 1892. Their collection of aglaonemas includes interesting varieties like Chocolate, Golden Bay, and Red Lipstick.

• Gabriella Plants – With over 100 aglaonema cultivars, Gabriella Plants boasts one of the largest selections around. They offer free shipping on orders over $75.

• House Plant Shop – This shop sells aglaonema varieties you won’t find elsewhere, like Sparkling Sarah and California. Their plants ship from Florida.

• Hirt’s Gardens – Hirt’s has a nice selection of aglaonema plants potted in decorative containers. They also sell discounted bundles.

• Bloomscape – This Indiana-based company sells modern ceramic planters matched with lush, full aglaonema plants.

When ordering plants online, be sure to shop early in the week to avoid deliveries sitting over the weekend. Unbox your plants right away and inspect for signs of stress, pests, or damage during transit.

What to Look for When Buying Aglaonemas

Whether you’re buying locally or online, keep these tips in mind to pick healthy, thriving aglaonema plants:

• Foliage – Look for plants with glossy, unblemished leaves in the appropriate color for the variety. Avoid plants with curling, yellow, or browning leaves.

• Soil moisture – The soil should feel lightly moist, not bone dry or saturated. The pot should have decent weight and not feel too light.

• Rootbound check – Carefully slide the plant from its pot to inspect the roots. If it’s a densely packed mass of roots, the plant is rootbound and needs repotting.

• Pest signs – Check along the leaf undersides and stems for webs, eggs, insects, or specks of white or black mold. Avoid infested plants.

• Juvenile vs. mature – For fuller, showier plants, look for those specimens with well-developed stems versus just a tuft of unbranched foliage.

• Plant size – Consider the plant’s height and width relative to the pot size. You’ll have to size up sooner with an overgrown plant.

Where to Find Rare & Unusual Aglaonema Varieties

Part of the fun of collecting aglaonemas is tracking down unusual varieties. Here are some sources for rare finds:

• Specialist growers – Many online nurseries source their plants from niche growers who propagate rare varieties unavailable elsewhere. Logee’s and Gabriella Plants (mentioned earlier) have good connections with growers.

• Collector forums – Networking on forums like GardenWeb and Houzz can help you connect with collectors looking to sell cuttings and divisions of their rare aglaonemas.

• Facebook groups – There are several active Facebook groups focused on buying and trading aglaonemas and other aroids. Check out Rare, Unusual, Odd Aroids and Chinese Evergreens Community.

• eBay – You can sometimes find hard-to-find aglaonemas being sold on eBay by independent sellers. Make sure to carefully vet the seller’s reviews.

• Conventions and shows – Attending houseplant conventions like the International Aroid Society show allows you to purchase directly from specialist growers.

• Your local network – Don’t underestimate networking locally with other plant collectors who may have unique aglaonemas in their collections.

Patience and persistence is key when trying to track down rare aglaonema varieties. But the hunt can be part of the fun!

5 Top Aglaonema Varieties to Look For

If you’re not sure where to start with aglaonemas, here are 5 excellent varieties to look for:

1. Emerald Beauty

• Dark green leaves with faint silver-gray patterns
• Compact growth, around 12 inches tall
• Easy to care for and low maintenance

2. Silver Queen

• Striking gray-green and silver variegated foliage
• Grows to 2 feet tall
• Tolerates low to bright light

3. Red Siam

• Red stems and deep green leaves with red veins
• Grows up to 3 feet tall
• Prefers bright, indirect light

4. Maria

• Dark green leaves with bright pink veins and variegation
• Bushy, mounding shape when mature
• Does well in low to medium light

5. Lipstick

• Olive green leaves with wide bright red striping
• Grows up to 3 feet tall
• Medium to bright indirect light

These popular varieties offer a range of colors, patterns, plant sizes, and appearances to suit any style. They’re also relatively easy to care for even for beginners.

Tips for Keeping Your New Aglaonema Happy

Here are some tips to get your new aglaonema purchase off to a great start and keep it thriving for years to come:

• Acclimate – Move the plant to its new home gradually over 7-10 days to avoid transplant shock.

• Soil – Use a well-draining potting mix and pot with drainage holes. Aglaonemas dislike soggy soil.

• Watering – Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Take care not to overwater.

• Light – Most varieties do best in medium indirect light. Low light is OK but can reduce growth.

• Humidity – Aglaonemas prefer 40-60% humidity. Use a pebble tray or humidifier if needed.

• Fertilizer – Feed monthly in the spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.

• Pruning – Snip off dead or damaged leaves and stems to improve appearance.

• Repotting – Replant in a larger container every 2-3 years if rootbound or potting mix expires.

• Pests – Watch for aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Isolate and treat any infestations promptly.

With the right care and environment, the aglaonema you select can provide you with years of enjoyment as part of your indoor plant collection.

Where to Find More Inspiration and Advice

The aglaonema enthusiast community is filled with helpful advice and inspiration on selecting, growing, and displaying these gorgeous houseplants. Here are some great resources:

• International Aroid Society – This club for aroid lovers has local chapters with meetings, speakers, and plant sales. Their website has care guides and variety lists.

• Facebook groups – Chinese Evergreens Community, Chinese Evergreen Addicts, and Aroid Addicts Club are very active groups.

• Instagram – Follow hashtags like #aglaonema, #chinesevergreen, and #aroids to find gorgeous photos. @urban_