The Aglaonema ‘Spilt Milk’, also known as Chinese Evergreen, is a popular houseplant. Its unique variegated foliage makes it a favorite among plant enthusiasts, adding natural beauty to indoor spaces. Its ease of care makes it suitable for both novice and experienced plant owners.
Distinctive Features of Aglaonema ‘Spilt Milk’
The ‘Spilt Milk’ Aglaonema is known for its distinct visual characteristics. Its dark green leaves feature an irregular pattern of milky-white, cream, or silver splashes, creating a marbled effect. This unique variegation appears as though white paint has been spilled across the foliage, with each leaf often displaying a distinct design. This variety is a cultivated selection from the diverse Aglaonema genus, originating from Southeast Asia’s tropical rainforests.
Caring for Your ‘Spilt Milk’ Aglaonema
Light Requirements
Aglaonema ‘Spilt Milk’ thrives in bright, indirect light, similar to its natural understory habitat. Placing it near a north or east-facing window is ideal, as direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. While it tolerates lower light levels, optimal exposure enhances its variegation. Insufficient light may cause colors to fade.
Watering Practices
Allow the top 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of soil to dry out partially before rewatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering may cause leaves to wilt. Ensure water drains thoroughly from the pot’s bottom to prevent moisture accumulation.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining potting mix prevents waterlogging for Aglaonema ‘Spilt Milk’. An aroid mix or a blend of peat, perlite, and bark provides good aeration and drainage. The container should have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Choose a pot size appropriate for the plant’s root ball to prevent the soil from remaining too wet.
Temperature and Humidity
This tropical plant prefers consistent warm temperatures, ideally 65-85°F (18-29°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. While it adapts to average household humidity, it benefits from higher levels (50-60%). Increase humidity using a pebble tray, grouping plants, or a humidifier.
Fertilization
During its active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize Aglaonema ‘Spilt Milk’ every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to nutrient burn and damage the plant’s roots. Fertilization is not necessary during its dormant period in fall and winter.
Propagation Methods
Propagate Aglaonema ‘Spilt Milk’ using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section 4-6 inches long with at least one node and a few leaves. Make a clean cut below a leaf node using a sterilized blade. Remove any lower leaves that would be submerged.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a well-draining soil mix. For water propagation, place the cutting in a jar of clean, room-temperature water, ensuring only the stem is submerged. Change the water every few days to maintain freshness. Roots typically form within weeks; once about an inch long, transplant to soil. When rooting in soil, insert the cut end into a moist, light potting mix and keep it consistently damp until new growth appears.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Yellowing leaves can signal overwatering or underwatering; consistently wet soil often leads to root rot, while dry, crispy leaves indicate a need for more moisture. Adjusting watering habits is often the solution. Browning leaf tips or edges frequently point to low humidity or salt accumulation from tap water or over-fertilization. Increasing humidity or using filtered water can help. Pests like spider mites and mealybugs can affect Aglaonema ‘Spilt Milk’. Regularly inspecting leaves, especially the undersides, aids early detection. If pests are found, manage them with insecticidal soap or neem oil treatments.
Safety Considerations
Aglaonema ‘Spilt Milk’ contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation if ingested. If consumed by pets or humans, symptoms may include oral irritation, burning, swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing. Contact with the plant’s sap can also cause skin irritation. Keep this plant out of reach of children and household pets to prevent accidental ingestion. Wear gloves when handling the plant, especially during repotting or propagation, to prevent skin irritation.