Aglaonemas are known for their lush, broad leaves that come in various shades of green, often with silver, white, or red variegation. The leaves can be glossy or matte, with patterns ranging from solid colors to intricate designs. They grow in a bushy, upright manner, though some varieties can have a more sprawling growth. They’re relatively slow growers, which makes them manageable for indoor spaces. Depending on the variety, they can range from small, compact plants suitable for tabletops to larger, more imposing specimens that can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Like many houseplants, Aglaonemas are effective at removing toxins from the air, contributing to better indoor air quality. Their striking foliage makes them excellent for adding a touch of green to any room, enhancing decor with minimal effort.
Overview:
- Scientific Name: Aglaonema spp.
- Common Names: Chinese Evergreen, Philippine Evergreen
- Origin: Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Types of Aglaonema
- Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’ – Known for its silvery-green leaves with dark green edges, providing a striking contrast.
- Aglaonema ‘Emerald Beauty’ – Features deep green leaves with a glossy finish, often with lighter green or silver patterns.
- Aglaonema ‘Red Emerald’ – This variety has green leaves with red or burgundy undersides, which can be seen when the leaves curl or from below.
- Aglaonema ‘Pink Dalmatian’ – Noted for its pink-speckled leaves, this cultivar adds a splash of color with its unique spotting.
- Aglaonema ‘Maria Christina’ – Its leaves are variegated with shades of green and silver, often with a pinkish hue under the right light conditions.
- Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora’ – Known for its bright pink and green leaves, this plant can add a vibrant touch to any space.
- Aglaonema ‘Silver Queen’ – This cultivar has predominantly silver leaves with dark green margins, giving it a very elegant look.
- Aglaonema ‘White Lance’ – Features long, lance-shaped leaves with a central silver stripe and green edges.
- Aglaonema ‘Golden Bay’ – Similar to Silver Bay but with golden-yellow variegation instead of silver.
- Aglaonema ‘Red Valentine’ – This plant has dark green leaves with red veins and undersides, adding a dramatic flair.
- Aglaonema ‘Jade Jewel’ – Known for its lush, deep green leaves with a glossy finish, often featuring silver or lighter green patterns.
- Aglaonema ‘Harlequin’ – Displays leaves with a mix of green, cream, and pink, offering a playful, colorful appearance.
- Aglaonema ‘Brijit’ – Features broad, dark green leaves with silver or cream variegation, known for its robust growth.
- Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’ – Has elongated, sword-shaped leaves with a central silver stripe, very similar to ‘White Lance’ but with a different leaf shape.
- Aglaonema ‘Snow White’ – Known for its almost entirely white leaves with just a hint of green at the edges, making it one of the most striking variegated varieties.
- Aglaonema ‘Treubii’ – This variety comes in several forms, like ‘Treubii Moonshine’ with its soft, almost grey-green leaves, and ‘Treubii Nana’ with smaller, more compact growth.
- Aglaonema ‘Black Lance’ – Features dark green leaves with almost black veins, giving it a very rich, dark appearance.
- Aglaonema ‘Crispy Brown’ – Noted for its leaves with a crispy brown edge, adding a unique texture and color contrast.
Care Requirements
- Light: Aglaonemas are one of the best low-light tolerant plants. They thrive in indirect light but can also handle fluorescent lighting, making them ideal for offices. However, they appreciate brighter indirect light for more vibrant colors.
- Watering: They prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil is well-draining. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Soil: A well-draining potting mix, often with added perlite or sand, works best. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.
- Humidity: While they can adapt to average household humidity, they flourish in higher humidity environments. Misting or placing them on a pebble tray with water can help.
- Temperature: They prefer temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C). They’re not frost-tolerant, so keep them away from cold drafts or sudden temperature drops.
- Fertilization: Feed with a balanced houseplant fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer). They don’t require heavy feeding.
Challenges
- Pests: They can occasionally suffer from spider mites, mealybugs, or scale. Regular inspection and wiping the leaves can help manage these pests.
- Leaf Browning: This can occur due to low humidity, too much direct sunlight, or fluoride in water. Using distilled or rainwater can prevent this.
- Drooping: Often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the plant’s pot has good drainage holes.