Chinese Evergreen Care

Water aglaonema with very soft settled water. Watering is done in copious amounts as soon as the top layer of the substrate dries. Watering is especially important in the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. In winter, reduce the frequency of procedure and water only after the top layer of the substrate has dried off completely.

As the stems of the Chinese Evergreen grow, they become bare. In this case, you can renew the plant by cutting off the top, powdering the cut with crushed coal, and drying it well. The cut part can be put in water for rooting.

Aglaonema does not require any additional feeding during the winter. From the first spring days to the last summer days, the plant should be fed once every two weeks, with mineral fertilizers and organics alternated.

Aglaonema tends to grow in shaded areas in the wild. When grown at home, Chinese Evergreen requires partial shade. If the foliage is exposed to direct sunlight, it may get burnt.

The soil for Chinese Evergreen should be light, loose, and pass water well. The mixture is made up of leafy soil, peat, and sand (2:1:1) with the addition of crushed charcoal. The following composition is also possible: 1 part of peat, 1 part of leafy soil, 1 part of light soddy soil, and 2 parts of sand. The plant also grows well in hydroponics.

Aglaonema propagates by seeds, cuttings, and separation of daughter plants. Propagating aglaonema is quite difficult, as it grows slowly.

The easiest way is to divide the bush during transplantation, separating well-rooted shoots with 3-4 new leaves.

In summer, the plant feels great at a temperature of 68-77°F (20-25°C), while in winter it should not drop below 60°F (16°C).
Protect the plant from drafts because they can kill it. Also, the flower reacts negatively to sudden changes in temperature.

Aglaonema is a plant with a shallow root system, so prefer a pot that is not too large. The too big planter will make the plant put most of its resources into growing roots to occupy all the available space. Thus, your aglaonema won’t have any energy to grow rapidly and bloom.
When selecting a pot for aglaonema, keep in mind the importance of creating a thick drainage layer.

In the blockbuster ‘Léon,’ the Aglaonema is a reoccurring theme. The eponymous character cherishes it as his favorite houseplant. And Mathilda gives the plant a new start towards the end of the movie.