Aglaonema 'Silver Bay'
Tuft
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The Aglaonema is a beautiful plant known for its air-purifying qualities. The Aglaonema requires little attention and demands minimal care. An ideal plant for almost any location! Discover in this blog everything about the care of the Aglaonema and the variety of species.
Origin
The Aglaonema, belonging to the Araceae family, has its roots in Southeast Asia, mainly in Indonesia. Here, the plant grows in the shadowy jungles beneath the leaves of large trees. As a result, the Aglaonema is accustomed to a dark location and doesn't need much light to thrive. The large leaves of the Aglaonema ensure that the plant is highly air-purifying. Aglaonemas are not tall; the plant barely has a stem and the leaves grow almost directly from the ground.
Types of Aglaonemas
There are an estimated 55 species of Aglaonemas. Each is unique, with beautifully striped, coloured or spotted leaves. Some popular species are the Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’, with its distinctive silver-grey patterns, and the Aglaonema ‘Maria’, notable for its dark green leaves with light green spots. The Aglaonema ‘Stripes’, on the other hand, has striped leaves without spots. There are also several Aglaonemas known for their stunning colour variations, such as the pink ‘Red Joy’ or ‘Coco Melon’ and the yellow-green ‘Key Lime’.
Care
Location
The Aglaonema is not demanding regarding its location. The plant will grow slowly if placed in a light spot. Aglaonemas can handle a shady spot well, but in such a location, the plant will barely grow. For an Aglaonema, a spot by a north-facing window is fine. Avoid draughty locations to prevent possible diseases.
Watering
The Aglaonema is not demanding in terms of watering. Always ensure that no water remains at the bottom of the pot. When in doubt, it's better to withhold water, as the Aglaonema can handle being dry for a while. In the summer months, it's advisable to keep the soil slightly moist. In winter, the plant can easily go several weeks without water.
Discoloured leaves
The Aglaonema doesn't easily suffer from discoloured leaves, but should the leaves turn yellowish, it's advisable to move the plant further from the window. If the Aglaonema remains dry for too long, the bottom leaves can turn brown or yellow. You can simply trim these leaves about 3 centimetres from the stem.
Diseases and pests
Generally, Aglaonemas are not susceptible to many diseases. However, like other houseplants, they can be affected by pests like aphids, thrips, or spider mites. It's wise to regularly inspect the plant.
Fertilisation
Although the Aglaonema doesn't require many nutrients, it's advisable to fertilise the plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a general houseplant fertiliser for this. During autumn and winter, fertilisation isn't necessary as the plant grows less actively.
Air-purifying properties
As previously mentioned, the Aglaonema is renowned for its air-purifying function. The large leaves absorb harmful substances from the air and convert them into oxygen. This makes the Aglaonema not only an ornamental addition but also a healthy one to the interior.
Potting soil and repotting
Aglaonemas prefer a well-draining potting soil. It's advisable to repot the plant into a larger pot every 2 to 3 years, ensuring the roots have ample space to grow. Use a peat-free potting mix when repotting.