Aglaonema: care, varieties and growing tips
Aglaonema care guide
A burst of colour, without the flowers!
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, Aglaonemas naturally grow beneath the forest canopy, sheltered from direct sunlight.
What makes them so fascinating is their incredible variety of foliage! From deep green to silvery shades, pink, red, cream and even combinations of several colours, each variety has its own unique charm.
Their leaves can be broad, elongated, marbled, spotted or edged in contrasting colours. Some varieties have patterns so intricate that they almost look hand-painted!
And the best part? Despite their exotic appearance, many Aglaonemas are surprisingly easy to care for.
Explore the varieties available in our Aglaonema collection at Zarits.
Aglaonema at a glance
How to care for an Aglaonema
Aglaonemas are great plants for both beginners and experienced collectors. They're relatively easy to care for when you meet their needs for light, water and temperature.
How much light does an Aglaonema need?
Aglaonemas appreciate medium to bright indirect light.
Varieties with mostly green foliage can generally tolerate lower-light conditions, while those with pink, red or very pale leaves need brighter indirect light to maintain their beautiful colours.
Avoid intense direct sunlight, which can burn their leaves.
If your colourful Aglaonema seems to be losing some of its vibrancy, take a closer look at the light it receives. A slightly brighter location, without intense direct sunlight, might do it some good!
To better understand different lighting conditions, explore our guide to choosing the right light for houseplants.
How often should you water an Aglaonema?
Allow the top few centimetres of the potting mix to dry out between waterings.
Aglaonemas appreciate consistent moisture, but they don't like having their roots constantly waterlogged.
Watering frequency can vary depending on light, temperature, season, pot size and the type of growing medium you use.
Before reaching for your watering can, always check the moisture level of the potting mix. You can also read our article How to water your plants: potting soil, perlite and Stratum.
What is the best potting mix for an Aglaonema?
A light, rich and well-draining mix is ideal.
A tropical plant potting mix containing perlite and bark can provide a good balance between moisture retention and aeration.
The most important thing is to avoid overly compact soil that holds too much water around the roots.
If you're unsure which growing medium to choose, check out our article Repotting: how to choose the right potting mix for your houseplants or explore our potting mixes and growing media.
How much humidity do Aglaonemas need?
Aglaonemas generally adapt well to normal household humidity, although they appreciate moderate to higher humidity levels.
Very dry air can sometimes cause brown leaf tips.
However, they don't necessarily need a plant cabinet or greenhouse to thrive. A stable environment and proper care are often enough.
What temperature is best for Aglaonemas?
They prefer temperatures between 18 and 28°C.
Watch out for cold drafts and low temperatures. These are tropical plants that enjoy a little comfort!
In winter, avoid placing them against a freezing window or directly in the draft from an exterior door.
How fast do Aglaonemas grow?
Their growth is generally slow to moderate, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Over time, they develop fuller foliage and can become beautiful, bushy houseplants.
Good indirect light and relatively stable conditions help encourage steady growth.
Are Aglaonemas safe for pets?
Aglaonemas are toxic if ingested. They should be kept out of reach of pets and young children.
Are Aglaonemas easy to care for?
I'd place them in the easy to intermediate category, depending on the variety.
Many Aglaonemas are fairly forgiving and easy to add to a tropical plant collection. However, highly colourful varieties may require a little extra attention when it comes to lighting.
Foliage colours that make all the difference!
Aglaonemas have a wonderful ability to transform a space simply through their foliage.
Some varieties have leaves that are almost entirely silver, while others feature pink veins, red edges or gorgeous marbled patterns.
And contrary to what you might think, those beautiful colours don't necessarily mean the plant is difficult to grow!
The key is choosing a variety suited to the light available in your home. Highly colourful varieties generally need a little more light than green ones.
That makes Aglaonemas a fascinating group for beginners and plant collectors alike.
From subtle foliage patterns to vibrant colours, every variety has something unique to offer. Explore our Aglaonema collection to discover the plants available at Zarits.
An interesting little fact
Their inflorescence consists of a spadix surrounded by a spathe, a structure typical of this botanical family.
Their flowers are usually quite subtle compared to their spectacular foliage.
Let's just say that with Aglaonemas, the leaves are the real stars of the show!
What to avoid if you want a happy Aglaonema
Green Aglaonemas may tolerate lower light, but highly colourful varieties need good indirect light to maintain their vibrant colours.
Aglaonemas appreciate some moisture, but their roots need oxygen too. Let the top layer of the growing medium dry out a little before reaching for your watering can again!
A cold draft near a door or window can quickly make your Aglaonema unhappy. It's a tropical plant, after all!
For more advice on protecting your plants during the colder months, explore our winter houseplant care guide.
Excess growing medium around the roots can hold moisture for too long. It's better to increase pot size gradually.
A little note from Roxanne
What I particularly love about Aglaonemas is their incredible variety of colours. I find it fascinating that one group of plants can offer such different foliage!
Some varieties are more understated, with beautiful green and silver patterns, while others instantly catch your eye with bright pink or red leaves. And personally, I love plants that have lots of character without necessarily requiring complicated care.
I also think Aglaonemas are often underestimated. We hear so much about the more popular collectible plants, but this group really deserves more attention.
So, if you're looking for a plant that brings colour to your collection without making your life complicated, I think Aglaonemas might just surprise you!
