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Aglaonema – cultivation, watering, fertilization and pests
Aglaonema - cultivation, watering, fertilization and pests
If you’re fascinated by houseplants and are looking for new species that will add charm to your interiors and make them unique, like something from a fairytale, this post is absolutely for you. Aglaonemas are exceptional plants that capture hearts with their extraordinary colors, beautiful patterns, and ease of care.
The aglaonema plant was discovered by scientists and botanists in the 19th century. However, precise information about the first discovery of aglaonema is difficult to establish, as many varieties and species of this plant were discovered and described by different researchers at different times. One of the first botanists to describe aglaonema was the German botanist Heinrich Wilhelm Schott. He was known for his studies of plants in the Araceae family, to which aglaonemas belong. In 1856, he published “Genera Aroidearum,” in which he described and classified many species of plants in this family, including aglaonemas. In subsequent years, other scientists and botanists continued their research on aglaonemas, discovering and describing new species and expanding our understanding of their diversity and characteristics. Today, aglaonemas are widely cultivated as houseplants and are popular for their attractive foliage and ease of care.
It’s worth noting that aglaonemas are plants native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Local people may have known and used aglaonemas for centuries for their decorative foliage, but the first scientific descriptions and studies of them are primarily attributed to European botanists and researchers in the 19th century.
The word “aglaonema” is of Greek origin. It consists of two parts: “aglaos” and “nema.” “Aglaos” means “bright” or “shining,” while “nema” means “threads,” which refers to the structure of the male flowers.
Aglaonemas belong to the Araceae family of plants. A characteristic feature of Araceae plants is their unique flower structure. These flowers consist of a cylindrical structure called a spadix, which bears small, unisexual flowers. The spadix is surrounded by a sheath-like leaf called a sheath, which can come in various colors and shapes.
There are many described varieties of aglaonema, but the exact number can be difficult to determine due to different classifications and new discoveries that can influence their number. Furthermore, breeders and plant enthusiasts are constantly working to develop new varieties of aglaonema through crossbreeding and selection, which also contributes to increased diversity.
Aglaonemas stand out primarily for their unusual leaves.
Aglaonema leaves come in a variety of shapes, including lanceolate, heart-shaped, oval, arrow-shaped, or lanceolate with an elongated tip. Some varieties may have leaves with wavy edges or characteristic indentations. Aglaonemas are distinguished by the variety of patterns and colors on their leaves. They may have spots, stripes, dots, lines, or other decorative patterns that give them character and uniqueness. Furthermore, aglaonema leaves come in a wide range of shades of green, from light green to dark green. Some varieties may also have leaves in shades of creamy white, yellow, pink, red, or purple.
Aglaonemas are known for their ability to purify the air of toxins. Studies show that aglaonemas can effectively remove harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, which can be found indoors. The purifying action of aglaonemas contributes to improved air quality, which can positively impact health and well-being. These plants also have the ability to release moisture into the environment through transpiration. This property is particularly beneficial in dry climates or in rooms with low humidity. As a result, aglaonemas can help maintain appropriate air humidity levels, which can alleviate symptoms of dry skin, respiratory irritation, and prevent excessive drying of mucous membranes. Interestingly, aglaonema leaves can also act as sound absorbers, which can help reduce indoor noise. This is particularly useful in urban environments or places with a high level of outside noise. Aglaonemas can therefore contribute to creating a more peaceful and quiet environment. In a broader context, simply being around greenery and nature can reduce stress, improve mood and lower anxiety levels.
Aglaonema care is quite easy, making them a popular houseplant, especially for beginner gardeners. Here are some tips for caring for them:
LIGHTING
Aglaonemas grow well in bright light, but avoid direct sunlight. Too much sunlight can burn their leaves, so it’s best to place them in a spot with diffused sunlight. Additionally, it’s a good idea to place them near east- or west-facing windows, as the sun’s exposure time is several hours shorter and the intensity isn’t as intense. Sometimes, blinds or roller shades can be helpful.
During the fall and winter, it’s worth supplementing aglaonemas with an additional light source, as sunlight is significantly reduced compared to summer, which can negatively impact the plant’s proper development. Lacking adequate light, plants shed leaves, wither, develop less color, and stretch their stems unnaturally, seeking more sunlight. Our store offers a wide range of lamps perfect for aglaonema cultivation. Our lamps will improve the health of your plants and provide them with the natural light they lack, which will greatly benefit their continued development. Various mounting options make it easy to choose a model to suit your individual needs. Mr. Light LED grow lights provide eye-friendly light, and spending time in a room with sunlike lamps can also positively impact your well-being. Dark winter evenings replaced with sunlike lamps create a warm and pleasant atmosphere.
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SUBSOIL
The soil in which aglaonema grows is crucial to its health and development. A universal soil with peat and various additives, such as perlite or sand, is best for growing these plants. Aglaonemas grow best in slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 4.5-5, so peat is essential for their cultivation, while other additives from the compacted soil will create a looser mixture to allow water to evaporate more quickly. This is crucial because aglaonemas dislike having their roots wet and are very susceptible to rot. The soil should be loose and permeable. Always replace the soil after purchasing a new plant to prevent overwatering.
To monitor the soil’s pH, it’s a good idea to use a pH tester, available at garden centers. If necessary, you can adjust the pH by using appropriate acidifying or deacidifying agents, available in formulations specifically designed to adjust soil pH.
Additionally, hydroponics will also work well for growing aglaonemas, but due to the extensive topic and the large amount of information, we will soon create a separate article dedicated to hydroponics.
WATERING
Aglaonemas prefer moderate watering, which depends on many factors, including plant size, pot size, environmental conditions, and season. Generally, water aglaonemas when the top layer of the soil is dry. Soil moisture can be checked by inserting your finger 2-3 cm into the pot (if the soil is dry, you can water the plant) or by using a moisture meter. Measuring soil moisture can be helpful in determining when to water your plants and monitoring soil conditions.
A soil moisture meter typically consists of two probes that are inserted into the soil. These probes detect the moisture content of the soil and transmit the information on a display. The display can indicate moisture content as a percentage or using indicators such as dry, damp, or wet. To measure soil moisture with a meter, insert the probes to the appropriate depth into the soil at various points around the plant. Then, read the readings on the display. Based on the readings, you can determine whether the soil is dry and needs watering, or whether it is sufficiently moist.
TEMPERATURE
Aglaonemas grow well at room temperatures between 18°C and 24°C. Avoid placing them in locations where they are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations, such as near radiators or in drafty areas, such as direct air conditioning vents or open windows in winter. This can cause the aglaonema’s leaves to dry out and even die.
HUMIDITY
Aglaonemas are relatively resistant to fluctuating humidity conditions, making them easier to grow without creating their own dedicated space, such as a plant stand. The ideal humidity for these plants is around 40-60%. However, if you’re concerned that maintaining this level may be difficult, consider a simple solution: planting the plants in clusters, which will naturally increase humidity within the group through evaporation. Alternatively, consider placing the plants on saucers filled with expanded clay and filled with water. However, with this solution, remember to avoid direct contact with the water at the pot’s outlet, as the soil will absorb all of it and the plant will simply be watered from below.
MULTIPLICATION
Aglaonemas can be propagated in several ways, but before starting any work related to this plant species, it is worth remembering to protect your hands with disposable gloves, as aglaonema juices can cause skin irritation:
1. By dividing a plant that had more than one seedling in the pot before purchase or when our mother plant has produced side shoots during cultivation – We remove all the contents from the pot and carefully separate the individual seedlings by cutting them from the mother plant and untangling their roots. After division, we place each seedling in a separate pot.
2. By cutting the top cutting – With a mature plant, cut the top of the plant with a sharp tool (preferably with at least two leaves and while a new, young leaf is not developing). Choose a spot under the bud where a leaf has already emerged and cut the stem about 2-3 cm below. Place the prepared cutting in the chosen medium in which it will be rooted. If you choose the water rooting method, it’s worth adding a crushed tablet of activated carbon to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi and prevent the shoot from rotting.
EXAGGERATION
It is recommended to repot young aglaonemas every 1-2 years, and older plants every 2-3 years. Young plants grow faster and require more space for root development, so more frequent repotting is necessary. Older plants grow more slowly and can be repotted less frequently.
CLEANING LEAVES
Aglaonema leaves can easily collect dust and debris, which can limit their photosynthetic capacity and thus rob the plant of vital energy. Regularly removing dust and dirt from the leaves will allow the plant to breathe freely and maintain its health and optimal growth. Debris can be removed by gently wiping the leaves with a soft, damp cloth or sponge. If you choose the wet method, add a few drops of neem oil to the water. Washing plant leaves with neem oil is a popular practice among gardeners to protect plants from pests and diseases. Neem oil is a natural product derived from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), which is found primarily in tropical countries. Neem oil contains active substances such as azadirachtin, which have insecticidal, repellent, and antibacterial properties.
PESTS
Aglaonemas, like many other plants, can be susceptible to pest attacks. Below are the pests that most commonly attack aglaonemas.
Thrips are insects measuring approximately 1-3 mm in length. They have a slender, long, cylindrical body and thin antennae. Thrips have two pairs of wings, which are slender and hairy. If you notice moving, silvery, thin insects on your philodendron leaves, it may indicate the presence of thrips.
Here are typical symptoms that may indicate the presence of thrips on a plant:
1. Leaf fading, yellowing, or leaf dropping: Thrips are sucking insects. They feed on plants by piercing their tissues and sucking plant juices. This causes damage to leaves, flower buds, stems, and fruit. As a result, plants may exhibit symptoms such as fading, dying, leaf deformation, curling, yellowing, and stunted growth.
2. Visible feeding marks: Thrips leave evidence of their feeding on leaves, such as small holes or commas on the leaf margins. They may also leave a sticky substance called honey, which attracts ants.
3. Altered Plant Condition: Thrips attack can weaken a plant, leading to an overall decline in plant health. The plant may appear less healthy, have limited growth, or even begin to die, especially if the pest infestation is severe.
Mealybugs Mealybugs are a group of insects belonging to the aphid family. They are characterized by the presence of a white, felty, or woolly substance covering their bodies. This substance resembles wool or cotton, hence the name “mealybugs.” Adult mealybugs are relatively small, typically reaching 1 to 5 mm in length. They reproduce rapidly and form large colonies. These insects generally prefer warm, dry conditions, and their populations can thrive especially well in hot summers. They are often found on the undersides of leaves, in shoot axils, and other protected locations on plants.
Here are typical symptoms that may indicate the presence of mealybugs on your plant:
1. Woolly substance on the plant: One of the most visible symptoms is the presence of a white, felty, or woolly substance on various parts of the plant, such as leaves, shoots, branches, and flower buds. This substance is actually a wax secreted by the mealybugs, which protects and camouflages the insect colony.
2. Leaf deformation: Mealybugs feed on plant sap, sucking the juices from leaves and shoots. This can lead to leaf deformation, curling, twisting, or distortion. Leaves may also turn yellow, brown, or discolor.
3. Slowed growth: Mealybug attacks can lead to slowed plant growth. Excessive loss of plant sap and plant weakness can result in reduced growth, fewer new shoots, or inhibited flowering.
4. Shoot dieback: In the event of a severe mealybug attack, plant shoots may die. The insects can damage plant tissue and lead to shoot dieback, which results in them turning brown and drying out.
5. Ant Presence: Mealybugs often attract ants, which feed on the waxy substance they secrete. The presence of ants around a plant can indicate the presence of mealybugs. However, this symptom is not common in a home. It affects plants that have been infested outside the home.
TOXICITY
Every plant, including aglaonemas, is susceptible to various diseases. Below, we discuss the most common disease in aglaonema cultivation:
Root rot is a condition in which a plant’s roots become decayed or damaged, leading to their deterioration. This is a serious problem that can lead to plant death if not recognized and corrected.
Root rot can be caused by various factors, here are some of them:
1. Overwatering: One of the most common causes of root rot is excessive water in the soil. Excess water leads to stagnant water in the soil, which limits oxygen access to the roots and promotes the growth of pathogens. Root rot can occur when plants are watered too frequently or when the soil is too dense and impermeable.
2. Poor drainage: If the potting mix is poorly drained, excess water from watering can pool around the roots and lead to rot. Good drainage is important to allow excess water to drain freely and ensure oxygen reaches the roots.
3. Pots that are too large: Potting plants in pots that are too large can lead to waterlogging, as larger amounts of soil retain more moisture. If the plant’s roots aren’t developed enough to fully utilize the available soil, excess water can cause root rot.
4. Fungal and bacterial pathogens: Plants can be susceptible to attack by fungal pathogens, which can cause root rot. Pathogens thrive in moist environments and attack roots, leading to root decay. Bacterial infections can also cause root rot.
5. Oxygen deficiency: A lack of oxygen in the roots can lead to root rot. This can be caused by improper drainage, overly dense soil, or flooding the plant with water low in oxygen.
6. Mechanical damage: Roots can be damaged by over-potting, improper root pruning, or other maintenance activities that can lead to infection and root rot.
To prevent root rot, it’s important to maintain adequate soil moisture, water moderately, ensure good drainage, and avoid over-potting plants. Avoiding mechanical damage and monitoring plants to detect potential problems early can also help maintain healthy roots. If root rot occurs, immediate action is essential, such as repotting the plant in fresh soil and trimming off any damaged roots.
TOXICITY
Aglaonema is considered a toxic plant to humans and animals. All parts of the aglaonema, including the leaves, stems, and roots, contain toxic substances that can cause irritation or allergic reactions. The main toxic substances present in aglaonema are calcium oxalate crystals. If the plant is ingested, chewed, or swallowed, symptoms may include irritation of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you have children or pets in the home, take special precautions, as the risk of accidental poisoning from the plant is high. It is important to keep aglaonema out of the reach of children and pets, and remember to wash your hands to avoid accidental ingestion of toxic substances. Additionally, gloves should be worn when caring for the plant to avoid skin irritation caused by the plant’s sap.
