Aglaonema modestum (Chinese Evergreen) is an evergreen rhizomes plant. It has large, lance-shaped, waxy, undulate, medium green leaves 8-inch (20cm) long and 4-inch (10cm) wide. Mature plants may produce greenish or white arum-like flower spathes in Summer. Chinese Evergreen is on NASA’s list of air-purifying plants. They are proven to remove Benzene and Formaldehyde toxins present in home environments and help reduce the irritant side-effects to humans. It is toxic to dogs, cats. So keep it away from your pets.
Scientific Name: Chinese evergreen, Aglaonema
Common Names: Aglaonema modestum
How to grow and maintain Aglaonema modestum (Chinese Evergreen):
Light:
It thrives best in low to bright light but no direct sunlight. Because direct sunlight will scorch the leaves.
Soil:
It is easily grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained, peaty potting mixture.
Water:
Water your plant regularly, Keep the soil slightly moist during the summer and in the winter the topsoil should be dry out between each watering.
Temperature:
It prefers ideal temperatures of 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 75 degrees Fahrenheit / 15 degrees Celsius – 21 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit can cause chilling injury to the Aglaonema, which appears 3 – 7 days after the cold exposure as gray, greasy-looking leaf spots.
Humidity:
It can endure less humidity than some other plants, yet it will still appreciate your efforts to improve surrounding humidity levels, either via regular misting or using a pebble tray.
Fertilizer:
Fertilize once a month from spring through summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted by half.
Re-potting:
Re-pot your plant once every two years during the spring season.
Propagation:
Chinese Evergreen can be easily propagated from stem cuttings and by plant division during spring and summer.
Pests and Diseases:
It has no serious pest or disease issues. Chinese Evergreen is occasionally attacked by aphids, mealybugs, spider mites or scale. Rots may occur if plants are over-watered. Leaves may brown up if plants are grown in very dry air or placed in a drafty area.
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