- Choose a pot that is larger than the one it is currently in (typically three to four inches larger).
- With a shovel, gently dig around your Chinese evergreen to loosen the dirt and its roots.
- Wiggle the plant out of the container by carefully laying the planter on its side. It’s fine if you lose a few leaves in the process.
- Chinese evergreens, unlike many other plants, want to be a little root-bound. You can somewhat break up the roots if they’re really restricted and twisted, but for the most part, leave them alone!
- Allow it to settle into the pot and then water it and, if desired, a little liquid fertilizer.
What kind of soil does a Chinese evergreen need?
For the plant, a well-drained, slightly acidic potting soil is ideal. If your chosen soil is retaining too much water, consider adding sand or perlite to help with drainage. Make sure your Chinese evergreen is planted in a pot with plenty of drainage holes at the bottom.
When should I repot my Chinese evergreen?
The best time to repot a Chinese evergreen is in the spring or summer, when the plant is actively developing. Remember that repotting is a difficult and traumatic procedure for the plant, therefore if you repotte it while it is still growing, it will recover much more quickly.
Every two years, a mature Chinese evergreen will need to be repotted. This is a slow-growing plant, and its roots will only begin to fill the pot after a long period of time.
Even if it hasn’t been two years, if you detect any indicators that the plant is getting rootbound, such as yellowing leaves, drooping foliage, or roots growing out of the drainage holes, you should repot the plant.
The Chinese evergreen prefers soil that can maintain a small amount of moisture at all times while draining excess water efficiently.
You can start with peat-based potting soil and add perlite or coarse sand, but you can also add orchid bark if you want it to be more porous while still retaining moisture. This mix is loose enough for the plant to work with and high in nitrogen, which it will welcome.
Do Chinese evergreens like to be root bound?
Because the Chinese evergreen prefers to be little root-bound, transplant it to a larger pot. To avoid damp soil, use a container with drainage holes.
Propagation
Chinese Evergreens have always been propagated via division for me, and it has always worked out successfully. Next spring, I’ll divide my Silver Bay, and you’ll be able to witness how I do it.
Simply clip the stems down to a couple of inches above the soil level to revitalize and stimulate new growth if yours becomes lanky over time.
Cut the foliage-covered stems back to 4-8 and propagate them in a light mix.
I’ve rooted Aglaonema stems in water but have yet to plant them in the ground. I’m not sure how they make the transition from water to soil in the long run.
Pests
Mine has never received any. I noticed Aglaonemas with mealybugs and spider mites on commercial accounts. Aphids and scale should also be kept in mind. I’ve written entries about mealybugs and aphids, spider mites, and scale to help you detect and treat them early.
Pests can quickly spread from one houseplant to the next, so deal with them as soon as you notice them.
Pet Safety
Pets are known to be poisonous to Chinese Evergreens. For further information on this subject, I go to the ASPCA website and look up how hazardous the plant is. Here’s some more information on the subject. Most houseplants are hazardous to pets in some form, and I’d like to share some of my opinions on the subject with you.
How can you tell if a Chinese evergreen is overwatered?
Always check your plant’s watering requirements as soon as you get it. It’s better to check the moisture level in the soil with your finger or a soil probe before giving your plant a drink. You should also consider aerating your plant’s soil before watering it for the first time. Because we compact the soil to prevent it from shifting during transportation, aeration can assist the soil breathe and release moisture.
Aglaonema prefers to dry out between waterings, so feel the soil with your finger a few inches below the surface to make sure it isn’t wet. You should water your plant when the soil is dry midway down the root mass if it is in a bright position (if you have a taller planter, sometimes moisture can build up in the bottom of the container so keep that in mind). It’s better to let the soil dry almost all the way to the bottom of the pot before watering fully if your plant is in fluorescent or lower light circumstances.
Overwatering might cause root rot in this plant, so be cautious. Yellowing or mushy stalks or leaves are telltale indicators of overwatering. If this happens, it’s best to wait until the soil is entirely dry before watering again, and to follow careful watering patterns in the future.
Rotate your plant on a regular basis to guarantee even development on all sides, and dust the leaves frequently to ensure optimal photosynthetic activity. This is especially crucial if the plant is in a low-light environment, as lower-light conditions reduce the plant’s capacity to photosynthesize. Take advantage of the opportunity to dust the leaves and inspect the undersides for bugs while you’re at it.
Remember that each plant is a unique living organism with distinct demands, many of which are depending on the location of the plant. You’ll have a long and happy relationship with your Aglaonema if you pay attention to its condition and watering requirements.
Should I mist my Chinese evergreen?
Mrs. Jess Walton of Marlow Heights, Maryland, writes, “I’m not sure how to care for the Chinese evergreen plant I got for Christmas.” I must be doing something wrong because two of the leaves have turned yellow. Please give me some advice.
There are various types of Chinese evergreens, which differ mostly in height and leaf pattern variegation. They all thrive in dim light. A north window is an excellent choice. Chinese evergreens may thrive in both water and soil. If the plant is in the ground, properly water it before soaking it again. Mist the leaves with tepid water on a regular basis. Using a damp sponge or cloth, clean the dust off the leaves every now and then.
Your Chinese evergreen presumably came as a gift plant from the florist; if so, it won’t need fertilizer until April or May; during the spring and summer months, you can give it monthly feedings of liquid houseplant fertilizer.
The yellow leaves could be the consequence of overwatering, or they could be the effect of the decrease in light and humidity after it left the florist’s. The Chinese evergreen is a hardy plant that will quickly adapt to your home’s conditions.
Hazel Harvey of Frederick, Maryland, encloses schefflera leaves. It had been severely pruned due to a spider mite infection, but it appeared to have recovered during the summer. It has some new healthy shoots since coming inside, but the old leaves appear like the ones contained. It is fertilized every two or three weeks and watered once a week. Could you lend a hand?
Withhold fertilizer unless your plant is actively growing and producing new leaves. Plants stay inactive or mostly dormant during the winter months due to the lower intensity and length of light, and hence require little or no fertilizer. From spring to fall, apply a water-soluble fertilizer once a month. The leaves may be damaged as a result of fertilizer or a lack of light.
Celia Kaplan of Chevy Chase, Maryland, writes: Could you please tell me how to keep huge plants at a manageable size? My dracaena marginata and schefflera are both overgrown.
Keeping a plant in a small pot is one way to limit plant development and prevent it from outgrowing its allotted space. Growth is slowed by a lack of root area and nutrients in the soil. Withholding fertilizer or limiting feeding frequency can also help.
To force sprouting from lower sections of the cane, Dracaena marginata can be trimmed back. The upper portion can be utilized to grow new plants as stem cuttings. This is a fairly unconventional approach.
Do Chinese evergreens need sunlight?
It’s simple to grow Chinese evergreens (Aglaonema). Because of its ease of maintenance, this gem of a plant is one of the most popular houseplants. Chinese evergreen plants come in a variety of colors and patterns, including variegated species.
Although they are tolerant of a wide range of growth environments, they will produce better results if you follow certain guidelines. This includes planting them in well-draining soil, preferably a combination of potting soil, perlite, and sand in an equal proportion.
Indirect sunlight or medium to low light conditions are ideal for Chinese evergreen plants. You should make sure that the plant receives warm temperatures and some humidity wherever you put it in the house. If necessary, this adaptable plant will survive less-than-ideal conditions.
These plants like temperatures of no less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius), with average indoor temperatures of 70 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (21-22 degrees Celsius) being ideal, but they can handle temperatures of 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (10-13 C.). Keep Chinese evergreen plants out of drafts, which can cause the foliage to brown.
How much water does a Chinese evergreen need?
When the soil is moist, the Chinese Evergreen thrives, but it does not require daily watering. Water the soil thoroughly, then let it dry completely before watering again. Root rot can be caused by overly wet soil or stagnant water in the container, resulting in the demise of your Chinese Evergreen. It’s critical to place your plant in well-draining soil so that any excess water drains to the bottom of the pot and away from the roots.
The best potting mixture is soil, sand, and perlite, with a little bark thrown in for good measure. A medium-sized drainage hole on the bottom of the pot you choose to house your plant is also recommended. You can even double-pot the plant by placing it in a holed pot on top of a decorative dish. The plant will not become waterlogged and develop root rot as a result of this. Root rot has no cure, therefore it’s best to avoid it altogether. When the top two inches of soil have dried, water your Chinese Evergreen.
The Chinese Evergreen grows well in wet climates with moist soil, but it can also store moisture. This indicates that the plant will thrive even if watered only once in a while. It’s critical to water the plant at least once a week and keep it out of the cold.
Should I cut yellow leaves off Chinese evergreen?
Pruning and pinching are necessary for many houseplants on a regular basis, if not daily. One of the benefits of Chinese evergreens is how low-maintenance they are. These plants will grow in low-light environments with temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 23 degrees Celsius).
Trimming Chinese evergreens is not necessary due to the plant’s thick leafing. Pruning Chinese evergreen plant leaves, in reality, can harm the entire plant since new growth occurs from the plant crown.
If the plant begins to seem lanky as it matures, you may be tempted to prune it. Experts advise you to resist. Instead, fill up the bare spaces with pothos or another low-light plant.
How do you make Chinese evergreen bushy?
Due to their beauty and ease of care, Chinese Evergreens are among the most popular house plants. While there are few issues that can readily harm your plant’s health, dealing with a leggy Chinese Evergreen is not unusual. Fortunately, this is not a life-threatening situation and may be resolved swiftly.
A Chinese Evergreen can become lanky if it is put in a container that is too small for its roots or if it is exposed to poor lighting. Bare branches, visible roots emerging from the earth, and wilting leaves are all signs of the disease. Prune the plant’s lanky stems or repot it to restore its bushy appearance.
Even if caring for your Chinese Evergreen is a simple effort, a few extra pointers might help you handle problems quickly. Continue reading to learn how to maintain your plant’s appearance and health.