Chinese Evergreen
Varieties
Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’ / ‘Etta Rose’ / ‘Osaka’ / ‘Sparkling Sarah’
Origin
Native to subtropical rainforests of Asia (New Guinea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines)
Air purifying
Low light tolerant
Toxic to pets/people
General Care
Light
Medium to Bright filtered. Tolerates low light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch leaves.
Temperature
18-24°C. Keep above 15°C. Protect from temperature drops at night (greater than 5-10°C)
Humidity
Average to higher. For extra humidity: mist 1-2 times per week, place pot on moist pebbles in a tray, group with other plants, or, introduce a humidifier.
Water
Every 1-2 weeks . Water moderately (spring-fall) and allow moist potting mix to dry halfway. Water sparingly (winter) and allow barely moist potting mix to dry almost fully. Always check moisture level before watering. Aerate mix to improve its condition.
Fertilize
Every month (spring-fall). Use organic houseplant fertilizer, according to package instructions.
Maintenance
Every 1-2 weeks, rotate plant to ensure even growth. Every 1-2 months, dust leaves with a soft, damp cloth and inspect plant for pests, when doing so. Remove damaged or spent leaves by their sheath. Trim brown or yellowing leaf tips to a point.
Potting and Repotting
Soil-based potting mix. Every 1 -2 years (spring), move plants into a planter 1-2” larger in diameter and depth; or, divide and repot in the same planter, using new potting mix, after cleaning planter and partially trimming back roots and foliage. Top dress annually, once maximum convenient planter size reached.
Special Points/Common Problems:
- Brown-edged, yellowing leaves or mushy stalks often suggest rot from overwatering. Trim rotting stalks, aerate and allow mix to dry completely before watering.
- Droopy leaves often suggest underwatering or improper lighting, while dried, fully yellow or brown leaves often suggest underwatering. Adjust frequency or amount of water accordingly.
- May produce white or yellow arrow-shaped flowers (summer-fall), which are followed by red orange berries. Trim faded flowers back to their leaves.