The Aglaonema ‘Silver King’, also known as Chinese Evergreen, is a popular indoor plant. It is prized for its striking silver-grey foliage with unique patterns and streaks over a dark green surface. This plant is easy to care for, enhancing the aesthetic of offices, living rooms, or shaded home corners.
Aglaonema Silver King Care Requirements
Light Needs
The Aglaonema ‘Silver King’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near a north or east-facing window provides ideal filtered sunlight. While it tolerates lower light, the distinctive silver variegation may become less pronounced. Avoid direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can lead to leaf scorching and discoloration.
Watering Practices
Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out completely before watering. Water thoroughly until excess liquid drains from the pot’s bottom, then discard any standing water to prevent root rot. Overwatering causes yellowing leaves and mushy stems, while insufficient watering results in drooping or crispy foliage. Use room temperature water to prevent root shock.
Soil Preferences
A well-draining, aerated potting mix provides the ideal environment for the Aglaonema ‘Silver King’. A good blend includes peat moss, perlite, and bark to ensure proper drainage and prevent compaction. The plant does not tolerate soggy conditions and can quickly develop root rot in heavy, wet soil. An average houseplant potting soil works well, especially when amended for aeration.
Temperature and Humidity
The Aglaonema ‘Silver King’ prefers consistent temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F). It is sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 16°C (60°F), which can lead to stress and leaf damage. This plant appreciates moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 40-60%. Low humidity can cause brown tips on the leaves, so increase moisture with misting, a pebble tray, or a humidifier.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), the Aglaonema ‘Silver King’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength every four to six weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to root burn and salt buildup. Reduce or stop fertilization entirely during the cooler, dormant months of fall and winter when growth slows.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing leaves often indicate improper soil moisture. Overwatering causes leaves to turn yellow and mushy, while underwatering leads to yellowing with dry, crispy textures. Adjust your watering routine to ensure the soil dries adequately between waterings. Yellowing can also stem from insufficient light, nutrient deficiencies, or the natural aging process of older leaves.
Browning leaf tips or edges signal low humidity, cold drafts, or inconsistent watering. Increasing ambient humidity can help alleviate this issue. Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects can infest Aglaonemas, appearing as webbing, white cottony masses, or small brownish bumps. Regular inspection, especially of undersides, allows for early detection. Infestations can be managed with insecticidal soap or by wiping pests away with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Leggy growth, characterized by elongated stems and sparse foliage, indicates insufficient light. Move the Aglaonema to a brighter location with indirect light to encourage more compact, bushy growth. Transplant shock, from a sudden environmental change, can also cause temporary yellowing or browning of leaves.
Propagation and Repotting
Propagating Aglaonema ‘Silver King’ is achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy, mature stem several inches long with at least one node, where new roots develop. Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a well-draining potting mix. Once roots are several inches long, pot the new plantlets into their own containers.
Repotting is necessary when the Aglaonema ‘Silver King’ outgrows its container, typically every two to three years. Signs of a root-bound plant include roots emerging from drainage holes or slowed growth. When repotting, choose a new container one to two inches larger in diameter. Gently remove the plant, inspect the root ball for unhealthy or mushy roots, and trim them if necessary. Place a layer of fresh, well-draining potting mix at the bottom of the new pot, center the plant, fill with more soil, then water thoroughly to settle the mix.