Aglaonema plants, commonly known as Chinese Evergreens, are cherished houseplants primarily for their vibrant and diverse foliage. Native to tropical and subtropical Asia, these resilient plants display an array of colors and patterns on their leaves, making them a popular choice for indoor décor. While their striking leaves are the main appeal, Aglaonemas can also produce flowers. This article explores the nature of these blooms, the conditions that encourage their appearance, and how best to manage them.
Understanding Aglaonema Flowers
Aglaonema flowers are distinct and generally inconspicuous, unlike the typical blooms many expect. These plants belong to the Araceae family, similar to Peace Lilies. Their flowering structure, called an inflorescence, consists of a central stalk (spadix) bearing tiny flowers, encased by a modified leaf (spathe). The spathe is light green or greenish-white and can sometimes be mistaken for a new, unfurling leaf.
For indoor Aglaonema plants, blooming is not always common. While they can bloom at any time of year, flowering is often observed during late winter, spring, and summer. The presence of flowers can indicate a plant is mature and receiving appropriate care, or it can be a response to environmental stress as a final effort to reproduce.
Factors Influencing Aglaonema Blooming
Several environmental and cultural conditions influence whether an Aglaonema plant produces flowers, as optimal conditions support its overall health and ability to bloom. A primary factor is light; Aglaonemas thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their native habitat where they receive dappled sunlight under a dense canopy. While they can tolerate lower light, variegated varieties maintain their vibrant colors and are more likely to flower in brighter, indirect conditions. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch their leaves.
Consistent watering practices also contribute to a plant’s vigor and potential to bloom. Aglaonemas prefer their soil to be consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches or 50% of the soil feels dry to the touch. Adequate drainage is important to prevent root rot, which can hinder blooming and overall plant health.
Humidity also influences Aglaonema health and flowering, as these plants originate from humid tropical regions. They prefer humidity levels between 60% to 70%; lower humidity can lead to issues like crispy leaf margins. Increasing humidity can be achieved by using a pebble tray, a humidifier, or by grouping plants together to create a more humid microclimate.
Proper fertilization during the growing season (spring to summer) provides the necessary nutrients for robust growth and potential flowering. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength and applied monthly, is suitable. Avoiding fertilization during winter, when the plant’s growth naturally slows, prevents nutrient buildup and potential root burn.
Maintaining stable temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C-27°C) is beneficial, as Aglaonemas are sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can cause damage. While Aglaonemas prefer to be slightly root-bound, occasional repotting every two to three years into a pot one size larger can refresh the soil and provide room for continued growth, indirectly supporting blooming.
Managing Aglaonema Blooms
Once an Aglaonema produces a bloom, plant owners often wonder what action to take. It is a personal choice whether to keep or remove the flowers, as they are not grown for their aesthetic appeal.
Leaving the flowers on the plant can redirect its energy away from producing new leaves and maintaining vibrant foliage. The process of flowering and potential seed production consumes significant energy and nutrients. This energy drain can result in the plant producing smaller, distorted, or paler new leaves, impacting its overall appearance. Therefore, many plant enthusiasts choose to remove the blooms to encourage the plant to channel its energy back into developing more of its characteristic lush foliage.
To remove the bloom, simply snip off the flower stalk close to the main stem using clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors. If left on the plant, the inflorescence will naturally dry out and wither after several weeks. Aglaonema flowers rarely produce viable seeds indoors without manual pollination, so leaving them on does not lead to new plant propagation through seeds.