Formosan evergreens are one of the skillful houseplant out there , and they ’re very easy to care for . In this post , I ’m going to enjoin you all there is to know about growing them , so you will have the best achiever .
There are few more durable and aid - innocent houseplant than the Chinese evergreen plant . They are consummate for beginners and expert likewise .
Once you have one , it ’s crucial to get word how to keep it lush and healthy so it can populate a long and healthy life history .
Aglaonema silver bay cultivar
In this Chinese evergreen plant life care guide I ’ll teach you everything you need to know . get a line how to prefer the best location , as well as tips for watering , soil , light , pruning , fertilizing , and so much more .
Table of Contents
What Is A Chinese Evergreen
Formosan evergreen plant , or Aglaonema , is a gorgeoustropical plantthat is native to Asia . Since they are very tolerant of a wide reach of surroundings , they ’re very popular houseplants .
The fishgig - shaped leaves grow from central base . As they age , the bottom 1 shine off and go forth beautiful diamond shapes on thicker cane at the bottom .
The texture and appearance of the foliage are often model for fake works . They can be so shiny you might even slip it for one !
Different Aglaonema Varieties
There are over 20 mixed bag of Aglaonema , and the appearing can vary dramatically between them .
you could feel colors array from white , silver , red , or pinkish that speckle , stripe , or streak the leaves . Here are a handful of the most pop type :
Chinese Evergreen Flowers
fledged Taiwanese evergreens that are produce in high light-colored environments can bloom . White spathe - comparable flowers will form between the foliage in the summer .
The flowers are usually small , and can either be trimmed aside once they pass , or left to imprint seed - hold Chuck Berry .
Toxicity
regrettably for pet owners , accord to theASPCA websitethis plant is toxic to cat and dogs .
So if you have one , it ’s well to keep them out of compass of both favorite and lowly baby .
How To Grow Chinese Evergreen
Before we talk about Chinese evergreen plant care , first I ’ll help you get hold the unadulterated station to grow them . In the right spot , they wo n’t need much hands - on upkeep .
Hardiness
While Algaonema is a happy houseplant , they are n’t as tolerant of many outside environments . They ’re hardy in zones 10 + and favour temperatures above 60 ° F at all times .
When it vex cold than that , the leave can embrown , flatten off , and eventually the flora may die . So , if you live in a dusty climate , bring them indoors for the wintertime .
Where To Grow Aglaonemas
If you live in a warm enough climate , you could raise your Chinese evergreen plant in well - drain stain in a shady post of your garden . For the rest of us , they make great twelvemonth - troll indoor plants .
They do well in containers that have drainage , and can tolerate a range of low to bright indoor lighter setting . Choose a spot away from any cold drafts , heaters , and air vents to keep them glad .
Once it ’s tender enough , you could move them outdoors to an area protect from the Sunday so they can enjoy the fond weather in spring and summertime .
Chinese Evergreen Care & Growing Instructions
Now that you have the perfect place in mind , countenance ’s blab out about the best Chinese evergreen plant care . Here are my tips for keeping the foliage bright and healthy .
Light
One of the benefit of Aglaonemas is their sluttish leeway . They do n’t wish direct sun , but do very well in a range of low to shiny , or indirect light . Even fluorescents will go .
But dark environments can slow increase , slow the color , and occasionally cause leggy stems . Add agrow lightor move it to a bright area if you see this happening .
If you have it near a windowpane , or the light is issue forth from the side , rotate your plant monthly to encourage a rounded , more compact shape .
Water
Formosan evergreens are founding father - friendly because they do n’t need much water to grow . In low light or winter months , they ’ll need even less .
Wait until the top 2 ” of the soil is teetotal , then give them a thoroughgoing beverage and drain off any excess from the drip tray . Never allow them sit in water .
Too much will finally get root and stem rotting . If you struggle with it , enthrone in an inexpensivemoisture gaugeto aid you out .
Humidity
As a native to the Torrid Zone , they flourish in mellow humidity , but are tolerant of average indoor levels .
If you notice brown tips on the leafage , then the air is too dry . Add a smallhumidifier , set a pebble tray of water underneath , or occasionally befog them .
Wiping the leaves down with a damp ragtime is also a swell way to tot extra moisture , and also keeps them clean of debris .
Temperature
If there ’s one thingAglaonemas do n’t love , it ’s the cold . temperature between 65 - 85 ° are idealistic .
When it gets much cool than that , brown or dark spots will appear on the leaves . Much hotter and they ’ll need shade , more frequent water , and misting .
Fertilizer
Chinese evergreen are n’t heavy feeders , so fertilizing is n’t a necessary part of successful care . But the occasional feeding can stimulate growth and make the colors more vivacious .
Give them a liquidhouseplant fertilizermonthly , or addslow release granulesonce or twice a year during the spring and summer .
I advocate avoiding chemic options however , as they can easily burn and damage the leaf .
Soil
genus Aglaonema are not picky about their soil , and aregular potting mixwill work . But to aid annul waterlogged stain and root bunkum , awell - draining optionis ideal .
you could also try bring in your own by amending your general potting ground withperliteorcoarse sand .
Repotting
They care to be passably source - bound and only need to be repotted every 2 or 3 years , or when they demand it .
Look for root coming out of the drainage holes , or pushing through the top of the soil to know it ’s prison term . If unexampled growth is increasingly dense , that may also be a signboard .
pick out a pot 2 - 3 ” larger than the current one , and bury the rootball at the same profundity as it was in the original container .
Pruning
Since they ’re so slow - growing , there ’s almost no pauperization to prune your Chinese evergreen plant as a regular part of your care routine .
However , it ’s a adept idea to trim away damaged or give out older leave to keep a healthy look works . Also , cut back the top of leggy stems will advance more compact growth .
practice sharp , sterileprunersto trim leggy stem or discolored foliage in the spring or summertime .
Pest Control Tips
Healthy Chinese evergreens rarely have issues with pests . But sometimes spider mites , mealybugs , scale , or aphid can become a job .
Thankfully they ’re promiscuous to treat with natural solution likeneem rock oil , rubbing alcohol , orinsecticidal max .
you’re able to even make your own glitch spray by mix 1 teaspoon ofmild liquidness soapwith 1 liter of weewee .
Apply these redress directly to the leaves and stem to immediately help operate the bugs .
Aglaonema Propagation Tips
Once you see how easy an Aglaonema is to produce , you may want to spread your favorites . It ’s very wanton with either stem cuttings or by variance .
Take a sizable cut that ’s 4 - 6 ” long , and dip the end inrooting hormone . Then engraft it in moistened soil , or try rooting them in H2O .
Keep them in a warm , bright , humid place for about 3 weeks . Once sizeable roots and Modern growth start to form , pot them up .
Troubleshooting Chinese Evergreen Care Problems
The durable and low - upkeep Chinese evergreen is gentle to care for . But over the years , if you go through any of these common issues , here are my good tips for fixing them .
Yellow Leaves
It ’s normal for the oldest broken leave on a Chinese evergreen to turn yellow and drop off as they senesce . This is part of their normal animation cycle , and nothing to panic about .
However , if there are several yellowing leave of absence on other field , then it ’s usually make by overwatering .
Always let the soil dry out out a few inches down before you supply more . It should never be soggy or completely off-white ironical .
Curling Leaves
If your Aglaonema has curling leaves , then it ’s getting too cold or too wry . Increase the humidity by placing the container on a pebble tray with water , or position up a humidifier nearby .
If it ’s in a cold room , add a small quad smoke to bring temperature up to above 65 ° F . Or , move it to a warmer area of the household .
Curling foliage can also be an indicant of a pest plague . So check that to inspect the leaves , and treat any bug trouble immediately .
Leggy Stems
Leggy stems are almost always cause by too little light . But it could also be a polarity that your Taiwanese evergreen is sternly pot - jump .
Move it to a shiny location with plenty of indirect Light Within , or impart agrow ignitor . If leggy , thin ontogenesis go forward , examine repotting into a turgid container .
Brown Leaf Tips & Edges
dark-brown boundary and leaf tip on a Chinese evergreen are usually a sign of too little humidity or moisture . Water more often , or stress misting if the atmosphere in your habitation is extremely juiceless .
But this could also be from using too much chemic fertilizer . If that ’s the case , flush the pot , and switch to using a natural , constitutional brand instead .
FAQs About Chinese Evergreen Care
How much light does a Chinese evergreen need?
A Formosan evergreen plant need smart , indirect light to keep its colors and maintain growth . It can endure a orbit of low to promising indirect light without hurt , and even does well beneath fluorescents . Always keep it out of the verbatim Lord’s Day .
How often do you water Chinese evergreen?
How often you water a Chinese evergreen depends on the temperature and light it ’s fall in . Rather than puzzle to a dictated schedule , check it every few weeks , and water system deeply when the stain feels dry a few inches down .
Should I mist my Chinese evergreen?
You should mist your Chinese evergreen plant if your home has juiceless air and it ’s showing house of postulate increase humidity , like brown foliage tips .
How long will a Chinese Evergreen live?
A Chinese evergreen plant will inhabit for 10 with the right charge . Propagation is a great way to keep your favorite variety going for even longer .
How big does Chinese evergreen grow?
Chinese evergreen grow as freehanded as 3 - 4 ’ tall and wide on intermediate , but it can take many years for them to reach full size of it .
For beginners looking for a houseplant that does n’t need a lot of hands - on maintenance , an Aglaonema is a dandy choice . With my Chinese evergreen plant care tips , even a novitiate can learn to keep them flourish like a pro .
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