Truth time - I’m a houseplant junkie. I can’t go to a garden center without buying another plant. Sure, I’ve been burned over the years with certain plants. But that’s how I’ve learned what I can and can’t grow in my home. So, it’s fair for me to say that I’ve never met an Aglaonema I didn’t like!
Aglaonema simply glow when mixed with other houseplants!
Photo Credit: Felder Rushing
With it’s strikingly marked leaves,
Aglaonema nitidum ‘Silver Queen’ is fit for, well, a queen.
Photo Credit: Gerald Klingaman
Chinese evergreens aren’t high-maintenance, but do pluck any yellow leaves to keep them looking their finest!
Photo Credit: Donna W. Moramarco
Aglaonema is another one of those interesting Latin names for an interesting group of plants. Repeat after me: Ag-lay-oh-knee-ma. Or you can call it by its common name, Chinese evergreen – many gardeners will know what you’re talking about.
Chances are you’ve crossed paths with an Aglaonema before! Stroll through any mall or atrium and look at the plantings. You’re bound to find them growing in the mix. My doctor’s office has one growing on a small table in a low-lit corner. He rarely takes care of it…good thing it’s one of those “forgiving” plants!
Why do I like these lovely interior plants? For starters, Chinese evergreens will grow in medium- to low-light areas – which covers many areas in most people’s homes. They’ll even work in those “dark” areas of my home where no flowering plants will survive.
What’s more? Chinese evergreens add interest and texture with their showy, patterned leaves. And this is a big plus for me: They’re low-maintenance and pretty forgiving if I’m a little negligent with watering. (But remember, that doesn’t mean no water!)
How do I know when to water my Aglaonema? I check by sticking my finger 3-4 inches into the soil. If it feels wet, I don’t water. If it’s dry, waterin’ time! And here’s a little hint: When it’s time to water, I drag my plants to the shower! It’s helpful to keep those “dust collecting” leaves clean!
From time to time, you’ll need to do a little grooming to remove yellowed leaves. And be on the lookout for scale insects – they can plague Chinese evergreens. If you’ve got this pest problem, you’ll find scales and the sticky residue they create on the plant’s leaves and stems. A visit to your local garden center or Extension office should offer some solutions on how to control them. Otherwise, these beauties are pretty much pest-free.
With so many Aglaonema varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find one – or more – that’s perfect for your house. Take it from a houseplant junkie, this is one interior beauty that’s got a lot to love about it!
