The Philippine Evergreen, also known as Aglaonema or Chinese Evergreen, is a favored houseplant cherished for its vibrant foliage and adaptable nature. These plants offer a wide array of leaf patterns and colors, from deep greens to striking reds and silvers, making them a captivating addition to any indoor space. Their undemanding care requirements contribute to their widespread appeal among both experienced plant enthusiasts and those new to gardening.
Essential Growing Conditions
Philippine Evergreens thrive in bright, indirect light. Placing the plant near a north or east-facing window provides ideal conditions, allowing it to receive ample brightness without direct sun exposure. Direct sunlight, particularly harsh afternoon rays, can scorch delicate leaves, leading to browning or fading of their vibrant patterns. Insufficient light may cause leaves to appear pale, yellow, or diminish variegation, indicating a need for a brighter spot.
Aglaonemas prefer their soil to dry out partially between waterings. Allow the top inch or two of soil to become dry to the touch before watering again. Overwatering often leads to root rot. Conversely, underwatering can cause leaves to droop or become crispy, signaling thirst.
A well-draining potting mix is important to prevent waterlogging. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite provides good drainage and moisture retention. This allows air to circulate around the roots. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ranging between 5.5 and 6.5, which supports nutrient absorption.
Philippine Evergreens prefer warm temperatures, ideally 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). They are sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 55°F (13°C), which can cause stress and leaf damage. These tropical plants also appreciate higher humidity levels. While they tolerate average household humidity, additional moisture helps them thrive. To increase humidity, use a pebble tray, group plants, or employ a small room humidifier.
Regular fertilization during the active growing season supports robust growth and vibrant foliage. During spring and summer, apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, every two to four weeks. As autumn approaches, reduce feeding frequency, ceasing entirely during winter when growth slows. Over-fertilization can lead to nutrient buildup, potentially burning roots.
Repotting and Propagation
Repot a Philippine Evergreen every two to three years, or when it shows signs of being root-bound, such as roots emerging from drainage holes. Select a new pot only one or two inches larger in diameter than the current one to prevent excess moisture retention. Gently loosen the root ball before placing the plant in its new pot with fresh, well-draining soil, ensuring it is not buried deeper than its original soil line.
Propagate Aglaonema through stem cuttings or by division, often during repotting. For stem cuttings, select a healthy stem at least 4-6 inches long and cut just below a node. Remove any lower leaves that would be submerged. Cuttings can be rooted in water, changing water weekly, or directly planted into a well-draining potting mix, with optional rooting hormone. For division, carefully separate offsets with their own roots and leaves from the main plant, then pot them individually.
Addressing Common Issues
Yellowing leaves often signal a watering imbalance. Overwatering, leading to soggy soil and reduced oxygen for roots, is a frequent cause, sometimes with mushy stems. Underwatering can also result in yellowing, especially on older leaves, as the plant conserves moisture. Adjusting the watering schedule to allow topsoil to dry out appropriately can resolve these issues.
Browning leaf tips or edges indicate low humidity or mineral buildup. Aglaonemas prefer higher humidity, and dry air can cause leaf margins to crisp. Flushing the soil periodically removes accumulated salts. Drooping leaves stem from either too much or too little water; check soil moisture to diagnose. If the soil is dry and the plant wilting, it needs water. If the soil is wet and leaves drooping, it suggests overwatering.
Lack of new growth might point to insufficient light, especially if vibrant colors appear faded. While Aglaonemas tolerate lower light, brighter indirect light promotes vigorous growth. Nutrient deficiencies can also slow growth, suggesting a regular feeding schedule during the growing season. Sometimes, a plant may be in a dormant phase, especially during cooler, darker months, where growth naturally slows.
Pest and Disease Management
Philippine Evergreens are resilient, but can encounter common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites cause stippling or yellowing on leaves, indicated by fine webbing. Mealybugs appear as small, cottony masses, often in leaf axils or on stems. Scale insects manifest as small, brownish bumps that can be scraped off. Prompt treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil is effective; manual removal with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol addresses localized infestations.
Root rot is a prevalent disease, almost always a consequence of overwatering or poorly draining soil. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and a foul odor from the soil as roots decay. Ensure the plant is in a pot with drainage holes and allow soil to dry adequately between waterings. Fungal leaf spots, appearing as dark, irregular marks, can occur with high humidity and poor air circulation; remove affected leaves and improve air movement to manage this.