Aglaonema, commonly known as Chinese Evergreen, is a favored houseplant due to its visually appealing foliage. Proper watering is important for its health and appearance. This article guides you on effectively watering your Aglaonema.
How to Determine When to Water Your Aglaonema
To determine when to water an Aglaonema, assess the soil’s moisture and environmental factors. The most reliable method is the “finger test”: insert your finger one to two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If moisture is present, recheck in a few days.
Several factors influence how quickly soil dries and your plant’s watering needs. Plants in brighter, indirect light use water faster than those in lower light. Higher temperatures and lower humidity accelerate drying, while cooler, more humid environments slow it. Pot size and material also contribute; smaller pots and porous materials like terracotta dry faster than larger, non-porous ones. Well-draining soil mixes dry faster than dense, water-retentive ones.
Plants need more water during their active growing season (spring and summer) and less during dormant periods (fall and winter). While the finger test is primary, subtle cues like duller leaves or a slight droop can indicate a need for water.
Best Practices for Watering Aglaonema
Once your Aglaonema needs water, proper application is important. Thoroughly soak the plant until water drains from the bottom, ensuring the entire root system receives moisture. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and root rot. If using a cache pot or saucer, always empty standing water after 15-30 minutes to prevent roots from sitting in excess moisture.
Aglaonema plants are sensitive to chemicals and minerals in tap water. Room temperature, filtered, or distilled water is recommended. If using tap water, let it sit out overnight to dissipate chlorine. Misting leaves increases humidity, which Aglaonemas appreciate, but it is not a substitute for watering the soil.
Troubleshooting Common Watering Issues
Recognizing symptoms of incorrect watering allows for timely adjustments. Overwatering manifests as yellowing leaves, especially on lower portions, and mushy stems; a musty soil odor can also indicate root rot. Despite wet soil, the plant might wilt because roots cannot absorb water effectively. To address overwatering, reduce frequency and ensure drainage. If root rot is suspected, gently remove the plant, inspect roots, and trim any soft or black ones before repotting in fresh, well-draining soil.
Conversely, underwatering presents with different signs. Leaves may droop, wilt, or become crispy and brown at the edges; the soil will feel very dry, possibly pulling away from the pot sides, and the pot will feel noticeably lighter. If underwatered, thoroughly soak the plant until water drains from the bottom. For severely dry, hydrophobic soil, bottom-watering can be effective, allowing the plant to slowly absorb water from a tray. Adjusting watering frequency to ensure the top one to two inches of soil dry out between waterings prevents both over and underwatering.