Aglaonema ‘Green Bowl’ is a popular indoor plant admired for its distinctive, deep green, bowl-shaped leaves. This variety features broad, glossy foliage with subtle silver and darker green veining, creating a full and lush appearance. It is known for being relatively straightforward to care for, making it suitable for both novice and experienced plant owners.
Aglaonema ‘Green Bowl’ Care
Light
Aglaonema ‘Green Bowl’ thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. Placing the plant near an east or west-facing window is often ideal to provide suitable light exposure. While it can adapt to lower light environments, growth may slow, and leaf coloration might be less pronounced. Direct sunlight should be avoided as prolonged exposure can scorch the leaves, causing them to burn and appear yellow or pale. If direct sun is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can help diffuse the light and protect the plant.
Watering
Proper watering is important for the health of Aglaonema ‘Green Bowl’, which prefers its soil to be consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry to the touch. Water until liquid drains from the bottom of the pot, and always discard any excess water collected in the saucer to prevent root rot. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to yellowing leaves and mushy stems, so allowing the soil to dry out partially between waterings is helpful.
Soil
The ideal soil for Aglaonema ‘Green Bowl’ is a well-draining mix that also retains some moisture and is rich in organic matter. A suitable blend often includes peat, perlite, and vermiculite to provide good aeration and drainage while preventing waterlogging. An acidic soil pH between 5.6 and 6.5 is preferred. A potting mix designed for houseplants, amended with perlite or coarse sand, can also promote adequate drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
Aglaonema ‘Green Bowl’ prefers stable temperatures, ideally between 18-27°C (65-80°F). It is sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 13°C (55°F) can cause stress. This plant appreciates higher humidity levels, with optimal conditions between 40% and 70%. Low humidity can lead to browning leaf tips. Misting the leaves regularly or placing the plant on a pebble tray can help increase ambient moisture.
Fertilizing
During spring and summer, Aglaonema ‘Green Bowl’ benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, can be applied every four to six weeks. During fall, the frequency should be reduced, and no fertilizer is needed in winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Propagating Aglaonema ‘Green Bowl’
Aglaonema ‘Green Bowl’ can be propagated through stem cuttings or division.
Stem Cuttings
To propagate using stem cuttings, select a healthy stem that is 4-6 inches long and make a clean cut just below a leaf node. The cutting can then be placed in a glass of water, ensuring that the leaves remain above the water surface, or directly into a well-draining potting mix. If rooting in water, change the water weekly, and once roots are about 2.5 cm long, transfer the cutting to soil. For soil propagation, dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can promote root development before planting.
Division
Division involves carefully separating offshoots with their own roots and leaves from the parent plant, and planting them individually.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves on an Aglaonema ‘Green Bowl’ often signal improper soil moisture, with overwatering being a frequent cause. If leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy, it suggests too much water, and the plant needs less frequent watering and improved drainage. Conversely, if older leaves become dry and papery, it may indicate underwatering, requiring more consistent moisture.
Browning leaf tips are commonly linked to low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increasing ambient humidity through misting or using a humidifier can help alleviate this issue.
Pest infestations, such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects, can also cause leaf discoloration and damage. Regularly inspecting the plant and treating infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil can help manage these problems.
Toxicity
Aglaonema ‘Green Bowl’ plants are considered toxic if ingested. This toxicity is due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals found throughout the plant. It is advisable to keep these plants out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.