Aglaonema – How to Grow Chinese Evergreen in Australia

What is Aglaonema?

Aglaonema is a genus of plants in the Araceae family that includes over 20 species. These plants are evergreen, herbaceous, and have attractive foliage that can range from green to variegated shades of white, pink, or even silver.

Chinese Evergreen's Natural Habitat

Aglaonema plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. They grow naturally in the understory of tropical forests and are adapted to low light conditions and high humidity, making them ideal for bathrooms, and even around ponds in warm, humid parts of the country.

24 Best Aglaonema Varieties to Grow in Australia

Aglaonema is a great indoor plant that is easy to grow and care for. It is known for its beautiful foliage and makes an excellent addition to any space.

How to Grow Aglaonema in Australia

Best Conditions for Chinese Evergreen

Aglaonema is relatively easy to grow and can thrive both indoors and outdoors in Australia. When planting Aglaonema, choose a well-drained pot or container that is slightly larger than the plant's root ball and add rocks to the base so that the drainage holes remain open. 

The soil should be moist and well-drained, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add perlite or sand to the soil to improve drainage if needed.

Soil & Drainage

Aglaonema plants prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Use a peat-free potting mix that is designed for indoor plants, regardless of where you plant it. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as overly wet soil can lead to root rot.

Water Requirements

Aglaonemas require moderate watering, and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the winter months, stop watering entirely unless the soil completely dries out.

Light & Temperature

Aglaonema prefers low to medium light conditions and can be placed in shaded areas or rooms with indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can damage their leaves, so avoid placing them in north-facing windows.

Aglaonema plants can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefer temperatures between 18-27°C.

Propagating Aglaonema

Aglaonema plants can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, but while Aglaonema can be propagated through seeds, they take a very long time to germinate and can be difficult to find. 

To grow your own at home, we’d strongly advise starting from cuttings to reduce time and produce healthier plants.

Propagating Aglaonema from Cuttings

The easiest and most common method of propagating Aglaonema is stem cuttings. Please, it's incredibly easy to do!

1. Take a 10-20 cm stem cutting with a few leaves attached.
2. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone.
3. Plant the cutting in moist soil and keep it in a warm, bright spot with high humidity.
4. The cutting should root within a few weeks.
5. Once rooted, plant into a slightly larger pot and treat it like any other Aglaonema.

Caring for Aglaonema

Aglaonema is a low-maintenance plant that requires very little attention. However, low maintenance doesn't mean no maintenance, so check out our tips below to keep your Aglaonema happy and healthy.

What Fertiliser to Use

Fertilising your Aglaonema is essential to keep it healthy and promote growth. It is best to fertilise your plant during the growing season, which is from spring to summer, and stop feed and fertiliser when active growth stops in late autumn.

Choose a balanced liquid feed - we use Baby Bio, but any foliage-focussed house plant feed will do. Feed your Aglaonema plant once a month during the growing season, and avoid fertilising through winter when the plant is dormant.

Pruning 

Pruning is an essential aspect of maintaining the health and appearance of your Aglaonema plant. The plant can grow quite tall and leggy, and the lower leaves may start to yellow and drop, leaving you with bare stems, and a leafy top (particularly in dry and overly bright conditions).

It is essential to remove these yellow leaves regularly to keep the plant looking healthy and to prevent any potential diseases from spreading. To prune your Aglaonema, use clean and sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Cut back any yellow or brown leaves as close to the stem as possible. Be careful not to damage any healthy leaves or stems while pruning.

Repotting Aglaonema

Repotting your Aglaonema is essential for its overall health. Aglaonema plants prefer to be slightly root-bound though, so repotting every three years is more than enough. To repot your Aglaonema, choose a pot that is about 2” wider than its current pot. 

Fill the pot with fresh, well-drained compost, mixed with perlite or grit, leaving enough room for the root ball. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, and tease out the outer roots.

Place the plant in the new pot and fill in the space around the roots with the potting mix. Gently tap the pot on the table to remove air pockets, and fill in any empty gaps.

After repotting, give your Aglaonema plant generous water and place it in bright, indirect light. It may take a few days for the plant to recover from the repotting process, so be patient and wait for a week or so before watering, or disturbing the roots again.

Aglaonema Pests and Diseases

Spider mites

These tiny pests can cause yellowing and speckling of the leaves. To control spider mites, spray your plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them, or use an insecticidal soap.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are small, white, cotton-like pests that feed on sap. They can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. To control mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe them off the plant, but rinse any residual alcohol off leaves afterward.

Scale insects

These pests appear as small, raised bumps on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To control scale insects, use an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

Root rot

Root rot is a general term for a wide range of fungal diseases, but all are largely caused by overwatering or poor drainage. It can cause the plant's roots to rot, leading to wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To prevent root rot, make sure to use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

Leaf spot

This fungal disease appears as brown or black spots on the leaves of Aglaonema. It can be caused by overwatering, poor air circulation, or high humidity. To prevent leaf spot, make sure to avoid overwatering, provide adequate air circulation, and avoid misting the leaves.

Aglaonema Frequently Asked Questions

Can Aglaonema grow in low light?

Aglaonema can tolerate low light conditions, making it an ideal plant for indoor growing. However, the plant will grow best in bright, indirect light, so avoid full shade, and stick to bright rooms, either on the north, east, or west-facing sides of the house.

How often should I fertilise my Aglaonema?

You should fertilise your Aglaonema once a month during spring and summer, and feed in autumn if there is still active growth. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser and dilute it to half-strength.

How do I know if my Aglaonema needs to be repotted?

You should repot your Aglaonema every three years, or when the plant outgrows its current container. Signs that your plant needs to be repotted include roots coming out of the drainage holes, yellowing leaves, and a general lack of growth.