Updated at: 12-05-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Plants in the genus Aglaonema (ag-lah-oh-NEE-muh) are certainly familiar to you. They’re a popular choice for indoor gardens.

Chinese evergreens are the most common name for these plants. Between 21 and 24 species of Aglaonema have been identified, with more than 50 different cultivars, cultivar-hybrids, and variations existing.

They can be found all the way from China to Australia, but the most popular is the Philippine evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum).

Addiction to these plants is the main drawback, since one is never enough!

It’s a good idea to consider propagating the one you already have before you buy another aglaonema.

Chinese Evergreen Care Indoors | Growing Aglaonema Houseplant

In addition to saving money, the appropriate time and method might also boost your plant’s overall health.

How To Propagate Chinese Evergreen Aglaonemas

Stem cuttings and division are the most straightforward methods of propagating your aglaonema.

Despite the fact that seeds can be used to propagate a Chinese evergreen, the approach is rarely employed because the resulting plants often fail to inherit their parent’s variegation.

Propagating Through Stem Cuttings

Using stem cuttings to propagate Chinese evergreens is by far the safest and easiest way for newbies to use.

Young shoots should be used, and you’ll want to take cuttings in midsummer.

Select a healthy sprout from the mother plant that is at least 6 inches long, has at least five leaves, and is in good health.

Younger branches are easier to root than older ones.

Cut the stem diagonally right below a leaf node with a sterile, sharp knife or small pruning scissors.

Rooting hormone powder should be dipped in at this point and the stem planted in a pot.

Pour some distilled water at room temperature into a small container and add some well-draining potting soil mix.

Your cutting can be “sticked” into the hole a few inches deep by patting the moist dirt around it.

An ambient temperature of 65° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for photography.

Place a plastic cover over the plant cutting at this time to keep the relative humidity high, which will speed up growth and reduce the frequency of watering.

After four to six weeks, gently tug on the plant and make sure the soil is moist but not soggy.

Resistance indicates that the new root system is forming properly.

Propagating The Chinese Evergreen Plant Through Division

Older plants and those that have become root-bound benefit most from division, which necessitates a little more attention.

When you repot your plant in the spring, this is the best time to divide it.

After removing the plant from its container, inspect the root ball for signs of damage, such as rot.

Cut away any diseased or damaged roots using a sterile knife, taking care not to damage any healthy ones.

Using your fingernail, gently peel the roots apart, forming two or more portions.

Use the same potting mix for each portion as you did for the parent plant.

Make sure to give the new plants plenty of water and place them in bright, indirect sunshine.

Keep in mind that the plants will be experiencing transplant shock for the next few weeks, so try not to overtax them.

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Can You Propagate Aglaonemas in Water?

Many houseplants prefer water propagation because it lets you watch the roots grow.

There is a disadvantage to growing your aglaonema in water.

This plant, unlike most others, does not perform well in soil and can even die if it’s transplanted.

In part, this can be attributed to the roots’ greater fragility.

To propagate a plant in water, choose a vase and use the stem cutting method ahead of time.

Fill the vase halfway with room-temperature distilled water (or fresh rainwater, if available) before adding the chopped stem.

If you immerse the stem too deeply, it will decay.

In order to keep the water fresh, change the water every other day and apply a liquid houseplant fertilizer every month, following the package recommendations.

Roots begin to form in around two weeks. And it will be about a month before the remainder of the plant begins to grow.

About The Chinese Evergreen Plant

  • The hue of the leaves on this resilient houseplant varies from one species to the next.
  • Asia’s tropical and subtropical regions are the source of the plant’s original form.
  • Aglaonema, a genus of Chinese evergreen plants, with more than 20 distinct species.
  • Normally, the plant can only reach a height of three feet, although it has been known to reach as high as five feet on rare occasions.
  • This plant is native to Asia and Southeast Asia, where it thrives on the shaded floors of tropical forests.
  • Specks and streaks of color like pink, white, red, and yellow can be found in cultivars.
  • The use of Chinese evergreens in both residential and commercial settings is frequent.
  • A modestum, Emerald Bay, A. commutatum, Silver Queen, A pictum, Harlequin, and many others are all common names for the Chinese evergreen.
  • Aside from pests, the Chinese evergreen is resistant to most herbicides, making it a difficult target for pesticides.
  • Dogs, horses, and cats are all poisoned by Chinese evergreen trees.
  • As a result of its ability to flourish in low light and under artificial illumination, this plant is an excellent option for those living in places with little or no direct sunlight.
  • Moderate to dry humidity is necessary for their growth, and they should be left to dry out between waterings.
  • However, until after World War I, it was mainly known in Germany, where it was discovered in Asia.
  • Repotting is recommended every two years, even though the plant can live for up to eight years in its current pot.

Chinese Evergreen Plant Features: An Overview

  • Aglaonema, a Chinese evergreen, is a hardy plant that thrives indoors.
  • They feature huge, green leaves with varying vein colors depending on the species.
  • Chinese evergreens, which can be kept on top of a table or desk, can also be placed in a window.
  • The Chinese evergreen will produce flowers that mimic cayla lilies when cultivated in a bright setting.
  • An infestation of Aglaonema bugs is limited to scale, spider mite, aphid and mealybug bugs.
  • Even though they grow slowly, mature Chinese evergreen plants can reach a height of three feet or more when placed in a large pot on the floor.
  • Chinese evergreen leaves have a textured surface that repels insects and dust.
  • For home decor, Chinese evergreens are a great option because they come in a variety of hues around the edge of their leaves.
  • The lance-like shape of the Chinese evergreen leaves, despite their differing sizes, all sit atop short stems.
  • The Chinese evergreen can suffer from root rot if it is overwatered.
  • Dogs and cats, in particular, should be kept away from this plant. If consumed, the plant is extremely harmful.
  • In light levels of less than 10 foot-candles, the plant will remain inactive. It will only grow slowly if exposed to light sources greater than 10 foot candles.

Growing The Chinese Evergreen Plant

Variegated evergreens, on the other hand, require more light to grow in low-light conditions. An region with moderate or low ambient light is ideal for Aglaonema’s placement in your home, so avoid placing it in direct sunshine. Temperatures between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for this plant, although they can also grow in temperatures as low as 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

When it comes to houseplants, Chinese evergreens are far easier to care for than most other species. Easy-to-drain soil in a pot will help it thrive. The right proportions of sand, potting soil, and perlite will keep it from getting soggy. When it comes to humidity levels, most people’s homes fall somewhere in the middle. Avoid putting the plant near a fan or a vent, since this can cause the soil to dry out and stunt its growth.

Chinese Evergreen | Costa Farms

Watering A Chinese Evergreen Plant

Despite its preference for damp soil, the Chinese Evergreen doesn’t require daily watering. Ensure that the soil is thoroughly hydrated before the next watering. Root rot can be caused by overly damp soil or stagnant water in the container, which can kill your Chinese evergreen. In order to keep excess water from waterings away from the roots, make sure your plant is housed in soil that has good drainage.

In addition to soil, sand, and perlite, you may want to add some bark to the mix. A medium-sized drainage hole on the bottom of the pot you select for your plant is also recommended. As an alternative to a decorative tray, you might use a holed pot to double pot the plant. To avoid root rot, keep the plant from being soggy. Root rot can’t be cured, so it’s best to avoid it at all costs. When the top two inches of soil are dry, water your Chinese Evergreen.

When it comes to humidity, the Chinese evergreen prefers damp soil, but it can also store water. As a result, even if the plant receives just intermittent watering, it will continue to thrive. Keep the plant away from freezing temperatures and give it weekly watering.

Pruning Your Chinese Evergreen Plant

If you don’t want to do any pruning, don’t do it. If you want to attain a specific aesthetic, you can cut the leaves accordingly. Because it is a slow-growing plant, you can leave it alone save for dead leaves. If you want your Chinese evergreen to grow horizontally, simply clip back the leaves on a regular basis. As a result, it will look more like a bush rather than a small tree.

Propagating A Chinese Evergreen Plant

It’s easy to grow a Chinese Evergreen from seed. Seeds, tip cuttings, stem cuttings, or division are all viable methods of propagation. Take a piece from the top of the plant and enable it to root in fertile soil if the lower portion of your plant has been stripped of its leaves. It is most typical to divide a Chinese evergreen plant as it grows from the root up, rather than cutting it in half.

You can start a new plant by cutting a healthy stem from an older plant. Propagating from a mature plant is essential because the cutting will be several inches long. Allow the cutting to root in fertile soil that has been treated with a rooting hormone. By placing the cutting in a jar or glass of clean water, you can stimulate roots to grow along the cutting’s bottom. It takes around three weeks for the roots of a Chinese Evergreen cutting to sprout.

If you want to propagate your plants at their peak, you should do so in the height of summer. The cutting board can be kept in the kitchen or near a soft heat source if you reside in a low-heat environment.

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In Conclusion

In reality, caring for a Chinese evergreen houseplant is a lot simpler than most people think. These plants are ideal for elderly persons who have difficulty moving around, or even for those who forget to water their plants every day. It’s important to avoid root rot by not overwatering and to keep pets away from the leaves.

It’s a good idea to apply a water-soluble fertilizer twice a year to this slow-growing houseplant. During the summer, mature plants may produce flowers, and as the plant grows, the clipped pieces can be used to propagate it. The waxy surface of the leaves will attract dust, which can be removed using a damp cloth or doused with water from a spray bottle. It’s a good idea to start with Chinese evergreens because they’re among the easiest houseplants to maintain.