Aglaonema: Planting, Growing and Care

Botany

The Aglaonema belongs to the vast Araceae family, plants distinguished by their characteristic inflorescence. This manifests as a large bract, called a spathe, which surrounds numerous small flowers grouped on a stem, the spadix. Aglaonema is actually a genus comprising around sixty species, all native to Southeast Asia, from India to the Philippines and China. In fact, the Aglaonema genus is the Asian counterpart to the American genus Dieffenbachia, which belongs to the same family.

The extraordinary variety of Aglaonema foliage

Among this multitude of species, Aglaonema commutatum is certainly the most widely cultivated. It comes from a vast area stretching from Malaysia to the Philippines and can present a great variety of forms with more or less pronounced striations. This plant can reach 50 cm in height. Aglaonema costatum, native to India, is practically stemless, and offers very dark green foliage. It has a more creeping habit. The very resilient Aglaonema modestum has rather large stems which, in cultivation, can reach over 1 m in length. In recent years, numerous hybrids have allowed for varied pleasures thanks to their highly colourful foliage, variegated, marbled or mottled. Among the best-known hybrids, we can mention ‘Silver Queen’ with its ashy green foliage edged with dark green, or ‘Silver Bay’ with green and silver leaves…

Etymologically, the name “Aglaonema” comes from the Greek “aglaos” meaning “bright” and “nema” referring to the flower’s stamens.

Hybridisation has created varieties with foliage speckled in pink or red

The Aglaonema genus therefore includes numerous non-hardy herbaceous perennial plants that grow naturally in tropical forests. They have a relatively fleshy root system. These are small, evergreen plants that easily become bushy. Indeed, numerous shoots develop at their base, allowing them to form a beautiful dense, compact and upright clump. The leaves are entire, generally oblong and lanceolate. They are borne on long petioles. Most foliage is variegated, grooved, spotted, marbled, speckled or striped in varying shades of green, cream, silver, yellow, or even red or pink. The mottled appearance of these leaves makes these houseplants real focal points in home decor.

Aglaonema also stands out for its inflorescences which consist of a rather insignificant spadix, on which small unisexual or bisexual flowers are inserted, more or less enveloped by a bract called a spathe. The flowers are quite common in cultivation, but they are generally cream-white or greenish. These inflorescences which appear in summer are not particularly decorative. On some species, they may be followed by red or yellow berries which can make the plant more attractive.

The flower of Aglaonema, characteristic of the Araceae family

It should be noted that the leaves, stems and flowers of this plant are toxic. All these plant parts can cause skin irritation and vomiting if ingested. It should therefore be kept away from children and pets.

Several species and varieties

How to plant Aglaonema?

When to Plant Aglaonema?

This indoor plant can be planted at any time of the year.

How to Plant It?

Aglaonema thrives in a light and permeable substrate. Ideally, it should be planted in a mix of equal parts leaf mould and manure (or compost), with a little sand or perlite added. However, a good houseplant compost, mixed with a handful of heather soil, will suit it perfectly.

• Choose a container slightly larger than the root ball, as Aglaonema prefers to feel snug. The pot must have drainage holes.
• Gently remove the Aglaonema from its pot and lightly loosen the roots if they are tightly packed.
• Place a good layer of clay pebbles, coarse gravel, or pumice at the bottom of the pot to ensure drainage.
• Fill half the pot with substrate and position the Aglaonema without burying the collar.
• Top up the pot with the remaining substrate, pressing gently with your fingers to eliminate air pockets.
• Water the substrate moderately—it should not be completely waterlogged.

Where to Place It?

Generally, Aglaonemas tolerate fairly moderate, even low light. Therefore, moderately lit rooms—such as attic bedrooms, hallways, offices, or secluded corners of a main room—are perfectly suitable. Only species and varieties with variegated foliage can handle more light to maintain their colours. Additionally, in brighter rooms, Aglaonemas tend to flower more.

Naturally, this plant dislikes direct sunlight on its leaves, which causes its colours to fade.

Aglaonema requires temperatures between 15 and 21°C, except in winter when it’s best kept at 13 to 15°C. However, being very sensitive to cold, Aglaonema cannot tolerate temperatures below 13°C in winter. In any case, keep it away from heat sources and cold draughts. In summer, if you have a garden, this houseplant can be placed outside in a shaded spot.

Additionally, it needs fairly high atmospheric humidity.

How to care for Aglaonema?

With its tropical origins, the Aglaonema makes an excellent houseplant. However, to maintain a beautiful, healthy, colourful and robust plant, it’s essential to provide growing conditions as close as possible to its natural medium. It particularly requires fairly high ambient humidity.

Watering

Water generously in summer, about 2 to 3 times a week, and more moderately and spaced out in winter, when the plants are semi-dormant. The soil should never be dry, but not waterlogged either. Ideally, let only the top few centimetres dry out between waterings.

Water preferably with rainwater, boiled and cooled water, or tap water left to stand overnight to allow the chlorine to evaporate. Always use water at room temperature to avoid thermal shock, which can harm houseplants.

Always remove any excess water that shouldn’t stagnate in the saucer or decorative pot.

To maintain adequate atmospheric humidity for your Aglaonema, you can mist the leaf with non-calcareous rainwater about once a week in summer. Alternatively, simply place the pot on a bed of clay pebbles in a saucer, keeping them regularly moistened.

Wiping the leaf with a damp cloth also helps increase humidity.

Fertilising

The Aglaonema is a relatively hungry plant that needs fertilising during its growth period from March to October. Apply a liquid fertiliser for houseplants twice a month when watering.

Pruning

Pruning isn’t necessary. Simply remove dead or damaged leaves, along with any spent and dried flower stems. Remember to rotate the pot frequently to prevent the plant from leaning towards the light, as Aglaonemas exhibit phototropic movement.

Repotting

Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring. For oversized specimens, simply refresh the top layer of soil.

Diseases and Pests of Aglaonema

Fairly robust, the Aglaonema is hardly susceptible to diseases. Only excessive watering and stagnant water may cause root rot.

The colourful foliage can also be affected if growing conditions are not respected. Thus, variegated leaves losing their vibrancy in favour of green are a sign of insufficient light. On the other hand, yellowing foliage is more a sign of overwatering. If the tips of the leaves dry out, it’s certainly because the atmosphere is too dry. The pot should really be placed on a bed of moistened clay pebbles.

Dry foliage is a sign of an overly dry atmosphere

Otherwise, in an overly dry atmosphere, your plant may be prone to attacks by scale insects or red spider mites. Aphids may also settle on the stems and leaves. To treat these parasitic pests, I invite you to explore our three articles:

• Scale insects: identification and treatment
• Red spider mites: identification and treatment
• How to get rid of aphids on houseplants?

More details in our article Aglaonema: diseases, parasitic pests and common problems.

How to propagate Aglaonema?

Aglaonema can be propagated either by propagation by cuttings or by division of clumps. However, the species Aglaonema costatum, which has very short, practically non-existent stems, cannot be propagated by cuttings.

Propagation by cuttings

This propagation method is done using apical cuttings of defoliated stems or sections of naked stems with at least three nodes. The stem fragments should be buried vertically in a porous, sandy, and slightly moist mixture. A blend of special plant compost, supplemented with perlite and coconut fibre, is ideal. The substrate should be moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should be placed in a bright room, without direct sunlight, at a temperature between 20 and 25°C.

The best time to take cuttings from Aglaonema is early summer.

Division of clumps

Your Aglaonema has become too large, and you want to share it with loved ones—division is the quickest solution. This division is best done in spring. Simply unpot your plant and divide the rootstocks into two or three sections, ensuring each part has several buds. These sections are then replanted.

Our little décor tip!

Available in a multitude of colours, aglaonemas can be perfectly grown in groups of several pots. Simply vary the hues by placing varieties with deep green leaves, which are very tolerant of lower light levels, alongside those with silvery leaves that also adapt to more limited light. You can add colourful cultivars that require slightly brighter light. Beyond their foliage, some varieties feature white or pink stems. The aglaonema also pairs easily with plants like Spathiphyllum or Pilea.

To highlight the leaf colours, use discreet and neutral planters, for example woven natural fibre ones. A simple white planter also works perfectly.

Its foliage will bring a tropical ambiance, even to the least well-lit rooms.

And to fully convince you to welcome an Aglaonema into your home, know that it’s considered a symbol of good luck in Asia.