How To Care For Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
This plant that is native to the Philippines, Borneo and Indonesia. This is a perennial evergreen plant that can survive in poorly lighted or badly ventilated areas. It has glossy oval-shaped, dark green leaves that are interspersed with varied silver patterns. They are about 6-8 inches long. aglaonema is the only plant with colorful leaves, which thrives in shade, but can stand in the sunlight also.
This plant loves moisture, so in the summer water it twice a week, and in the winter once a week, but make sure that water does not remain in the plate of the pot. If the leaves start turning yellow, it means you pour too much water or the room where the plant is placed is too cold.
During the spring and the summer fertilize it at least once every month with a diluted liquid fertilizer for leafy plants, and spray the leaves with water 1-2 times a week. Do not use some products to give the leaves their glow, this is actually harming the plant. Wipe the leaves with a wet cloth to wipe the dust.
Propagation
It propagates by separating the young stems from the mother plant. In early spring when you transplant it, remove it from the pot and gently detach the young plant along with the root. Plant it in another pot with loose soil (the aglaonema does not thrive in compacted soil) and soon you will be able to see young leaves developing. You can even divide the main root into smaller parts, and plant them in several pots.
Another way to propagate this plant is by seeds. Ideally, keep the seeds in moss at a depth of 0.5 inch at a temperature 70-80F. The process of germination can last up to 3 months, however if you are using fresh seeds, you can expect growth in 2-3 weeks.
