What is Aglaonema (Aglaonema commutatum)?
Aglaonema (Aglaonema commutatum) is a flowering plant of the genus Aglaonema in the family Araceae. According to studies, this plant, native to tropical areas of Asia, was traditionally used in Chinese medicine with a wide range of health benefits.
It is commonly known as Chinese evergreen because of its shiny green leaves. Its name in Vietnamese is cải thâm tiên which means dragon’s tongue.
Aglaonema has over 24 species that have been identified so far. They are perennial herbs or evergreen shrubs that can grow on rocks or at the base of trees.
Appearance and characteristics
The Aglaonema leaves are dark green and may have white and sometimes pale yellow spots on them; they also feature a pattern of silver-black spots. They don’t have aerial roots as most other houseplants do. Instead, the Aglaonema plant has roots at the nodes of leaves on stems.
It has small flowers which last for about three months. The plant rarely flowers indoors but will occasionally produce small white flowers that can be a pleasant surprise. It can be kept indoors for about three years because it has a long life.
Quick summary
Botanical Plant name: Aglaonema commutatum
Native to: Tropical areas of Asia
Care: Can thrive in indirect light and can also adapt to low light.
Size: 1–2 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
Common problems: Tipping, curling of leaves and leaves turning brown, root rot
Toxicity: Toxic to both cats and people
Plant inspiration tip: looking for an ivy plant, then check out the evergreen Jade pothos.
How to care for Aglaonema (Aglaonema commutatum)
With proper care, the Aglaonema plant will give you the best results. Follow the tips below on how to take appropriate care of it.
Sunlight
The plant requires low light to grow or indirect sunlight with no direct sun. It will adapt to lower light if it has been in high light before being moved to a shadier location.
Watering
Aglaonema’s require daily watering with room temperature or slightly warm water. It’s vital that the roots are never exposed to cold temperatures because this could cause them to rot. The soil should always be moist, but it is best not to let it become too soggy.
Humidity & Temperature
Keep humidity levels high by misting the leaves regularly or standing the pot on a tray of damp pebbles. Aglaonema can be placed outside near a gentle water source during warmer months to increase humidity around them.
If planted in the ground, they also appreciate frequent watering outdoors during summer. It needs a temperature of +20 °C +25 °C (68 – 77 °F). The temperature should not drop below +16 °C (60 °F)
Cleaning
Aglaonema plants are low-maintenance and considered easy to grow. However, their leaves can sometimes become dusty from being in the air all the time.
The best way to remove dust from Aglaonema leaves is to sprinkle them with water, wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth and then allow the plant to dry out. However, if you don’t want to remove the dust, clean the leaves with water.
Fertilizing & Soil
When the plant is actively growing, make sure you feed it with liquid mineral fertilizer.
Feed it twice a month. In the winter, fertilize it monthly.
Repotting
Aglaonema takes some time to grow, so you need to repot young plants each year in Spring. You can repot the white adult plants after every 3-5 years. The bottom of the pot should have proper drainage for growth.
Plant inspiration tip: does your home need some ferns, then check out the evergreen Golden pothos.
How and when to prune Aglaonema (Aglaonema commutatum)
When growing indoors, Aglaonemas are low-light houseplants that prefer to stay relatively compact and don’t require much pruning. As the plant matures, however, it will begin to take on a tree-like shape, and the lower leaves, as well as those located further up the stem, will die off.
This can be a natural process, or it could result from an unfavorable environment. For instance, a plant exposed to drying air currents will quickly brown and begin dropping leaves. Pruning this way may also allow you to propagate your plant.
The best time to prune an Aglaonema is after it finishes blooming and a new stalk has begun growing. Doing so too early or late might shock the plant and reduce your chances of successful propagation.
It can be pruned by pinching back the new stems or cutting off whole branches. If you are pinching it back, take care not to damage the leaves. Here’s more information on how to prune Aglaonema.
Aglaonema is not hard to trim, and it should be possible to get a second growth without too much difficulty.
Problems with Aglaonema (Aglaonema commutatum)
One of the most common diseases of Aglaonema is root rot. First, if you suspect root rot, you can check the roots for any signs of decay. You should gently pull your plant out of the pot and check if the roots are slimy or mushy. If they look rotted, you should report with new soil and a stricter watering schedule.
Root rot symptoms include yellowing leaves, browning leaf tips, curling or withering leaves, and stunted growth. If the roots are rotten, the entire plant will start to decline.
How to propagate Aglaonema (Aglaonema commutatum)
Aglaonema commutatum may be propagated in a few ways, with the easiest being leaf cuttings.
How to take leaf cuttings:
- Take a leaf (or leaves) from the Aglaonema with a sharp, clean-cutting implement. If you can remove the leaf from the stem with a clean break, this is best. You may also use scissors or shears to cut the leaf.
- Once you’ve separated the leaf, place it on a flat surface or cutting board with the cut side up and the petiole (the small stem that connects the leaf to the plant) pointed towards you.
- Make a diagonal cut on the lower portion of the petiole, just deep enough to pierce through the skin. Make sure not to cut too deeply because you do not want to damage the leaf veins.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, then place it into a container filled with moist, well-drained rooting medium.
- Place the container in an area that will receive indirect sunlight and temperatures between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit (20-30 degrees Celsius).
- Once you have placed the leaf in the container, add enough medium to the container so that the leaf is not sitting in water if it does not touch any surface of the rooting medium.
Common FAQs
How much light does a Aglaonema (Aglaonema commutatum) need?
Aglaonema (Aglaonema commutatum) needs bright and moderate indirect sunlight.
What is so special about Aglaonema (Aglaonema commutatum) ?
Aglaonema commutatum is an excellent indoor plant that loves to be in the background (yes, it is also called “the perfect office plant,” but it is not only beautiful, it also has quite some benefits for your health).
Are Aglaonema (Aglaonema commutatum) good indoor plants?
Yes. Aglaonema (Aglaonema commutatum) is an excellent indoor plant and can be grown as a houseplant.
Can Aglaonema (Aglaonema commutatum) grow in low light?
Yes. It is an indoor plant that thrives in low light conditions.
Plant recommendation tip: need a umbrella-like tree then check out the beautiful Dragon tree from Madagascar.
Summary
Aglaonema is an excellent, low-maintenance plant that can be grown in just about any environment. With its bright green leaves and ability to grow on trees or hang from the ceiling, it’s a perfect houseplant for anyone who would like to bring some greenery into their home without sacrificing space.