Caring For and Maintaining Your Aglaonema

Aglaonema is a favorite among houseplant collectors because of its unique and lush foliage, easy care, and its ability to adapt to almost any indoor space. Also referred to as Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema is native to the forest floors of tropical Asia, and as such, loves lower light conditions.

Sunlight: Provide a space for your Aglaonema that has plenty of filtered indirect light—direct sun can burn its delicate leaves. Aglaonema adapts well to fluorescent lighting, so it is perfect for placing in offices.

Water: Aglaonema like to dry out between waterings, so make sure you check the soil with your index finger to ensure a proper level of soil dryness before watering. (Sink your finger into the soil to the depth of your finger and then pull your finger out—if your soil sticks to your finger, let the plant dry out a bit more.) If your Aglaonema is in a bright spot, then water when the soil is partially dry. In lower light conditions, refrain from watering your Aglaonema until the soil is fully dry.

Humidity: Colorado is a dry state with humidity levels much lower than the native environments in which Aglaonema inhabit. To help create a more humid environment for your Aglaonema, consider adding a fine mist humidifier to the room(s) in which you have your Aglaonema. You can also place trays filled with stones and water nearby your Aglaonema to increase local humidity. Misting your Aglaonema with a hand sprayer will also help raise the local humidity level. Although the more humidity the better, a constant relative humidity of 50-55% will promote your Aglaonema’s growth and health.

Temperature: Like most houseplants, Aglaonema prefers temperatures in the range of 65-85 degrees F (18-30 degrees C). Avoid having your Aglaonemas experience temperatures below 60 degrees F (15 degrees C).

Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. We recommend either Fertilome or Fox Farm Potting mix.