AGLAONEMA
Aglaonema are a genus of popular decorative houseplants that have become more and more popular in
New Zealand over the years thanks to their diverse colourings and easy-to-care-for temperament.
Most of the aglaonemas we see in New Zealand today are hybrids and cultivars of the species Aglaonema commutatum. Native to the Philippines and Indonesia, they’ve migrated around the world and now are common houseplants after decades of cultivation in nurseries. With long, glossy oval-shaped leaves, they
come in a wide array of colors and patterns with shorter stems, giving them a stunning bush shape that
stays relatively compact as they can be slow-growing.
Light
Aglaonemas with mainly green and white foliage will grow fine in medium to low light while plants with pinks, reds and peach colours require bright indirect light to keep their vibrant colours. They do fine in fluorescent light also which makes them a great office plant to consider.
Do no place your Aglaonema into direct sun light as this will burn their foliage.
Water
Aglaonema are native to South East Asia which is tropical and subtropical. They like their soil to dry out slightly but not entirely. Consistent moisture is the key.
Water your Aglaonema every
1 - 2 weeks depending on environmental conditions including light and temperature.
Plants in medium to low light require watering less often that plants in bright indirect light.
Soil
The soil should be loose and not densely packed to allow for free water drainage and oxygen supply to the roots. We recommend a cacti and succulent mix for your Aglaonema.
Adding coco coir which has
water retentive qualities to the cacti and succulent mix will ensure consistent moisture which Aglaonema prefer.
Temperature
With the tropics and subtropics being the natural habitat for Aglaonemas, they should be place in the warmest spot of the house.
They will do best in environments between 18°C and 26°C but can also tolerate temperatures as
low as 15°C for very short
periods of time.
In winter keep them away from log burners or away from the path of the airflow from your heat pump.
Humidity
Humidity levels in the natural habitat of Aglaonemas can frequently exceed 70%.
Although Aglaonemas are quite forgiving, putting them on a pebble tray or grouping them with other plants will help to increase humidity.
Running a humidifier for a few hours a day will be greatly beneficial also or placing them in the bathroom which are natural humid should light levels allow.
Fertiliser
Feed your Aglaonema with a well balanced all around houseplant fertiliser.
Follow the instructions on the bottle as more is NOT always better when it comes to fertiliser.
During spring and summer, fertilise at full strength every fortnight and in autumn and winter at half strength once a month.
Propagation
Established Aglaonemas will develop offset pups that will grow independently from the mother plant and which can easily be taken off the mother plant while repotting, as the pups will have their own root system.
Aglaonema can also be propagated through taking cuttings. As they are part of the Aroid family, when taking cuttings, a node is required to successfully propagate a cutting to grow into a new plant.
