Chinese evergreens (Aglaonema) are among the fastest-growing houseplants, with lush foliage that is perfect for many homes and offices. They require minimal care and attention, with occasional watering and the occasional trim of branches, and they are noted for their stunning beauty.
To keep them growing quickly and to promote their health, it is recommended to provide their soil with micronutrients, such as iron and manganese. This can be supplemented with a slow-release fertilizer in the early spring and late fall.
Additionally, they are known to do well in humid climates and environments, and a humidifier can help keep their growth rate high. With attention and regular care, Chinese evergreens will easily reach their full potential and grow to be a beautiful and vibrant addition to any space.
What is the lifespan of a Chinese evergreen?
The exact lifespan of a Chinese evergreen is highly variable, as it depends upon the conditions in which they are grown. While it is expected that a Chinese evergreen will live up to 10 years, life expectancy varies greatly in different conditions.
For example, in a humid environment and with proper care, Chinese evergreens can live for more than 15 years, and have even been known to survive for 20 years in ideal conditions.
Moreover, Chinese evergreens are incredibly resilient and hardy plants, and can handle a wide range of temperatures and retain their beauty year-round. However, for a Chinese evergreen to live up to its full potential, the most important factor is providing them with proper care.
All plants, including Chinese evergreens, require adequate light, water, and fertilizer to remain healthy and retain their long life. Additionally, keeping the plant away from extreme cold is essential as Chinese evergreens can suffer from shock and die in arctic temperatures.
On the other hand, if the evergreen is kept in a temperature controlled environment, it is common for them to live up to 10 years.
Where should I put my Chinese evergreen?
If you are looking for a spot to put your Chinese evergreen, it depends on a few things. Ideally, your Chinese evergreen should be placed in an area that is partially shaded and away from large temperature fluctuations.
It should also get sufficient brightness from indirect light, so don’t put it somewhere that gets extremely bright sunlight for long periods of time. If you can, try to keep the plant near an east- or north-facing window that doesn’t get direct sunlight.
This can help keep the room the Chinese evergreen is in from drying out too quickly.
Although it’s less important, the Chinese evergreen also enjoys humid climates, so if humidity is something that you can control in the environment, it might be beneficial to do so. Additionally, keep in mind that the Chinese evergreen enjoys moist, well-draining potting mix and shouldn’t be exposed to cold drafts or waterlogged soils.
In summary, the best place to put your Chinese evergreen is somewhere that gets bright, indirect sunlight, away from large temperature fluctuations, and with the ability to keep the environment relatively humid.
Is a Chinese evergreen the same as a peace lily?
No, Chinese evergreen and peace lily are two different types of plants. Chinese evergreen is an easy to care for and low maintenance shade loving perennial. It has leathery leaves with yellow and silver variegation that can vary in color.
The air-purifying plant is an evergreen and is usually grown indoors. It grows well in high humidity, making it a perfect choice for moist and shady locations.
Peace lily, on the other hand, is a flowering tropical plant. It has glossy, dark green leaves and white, waxy, cup-shaped flowers. It is grown both indoors and outdoors and requires moderate water and light for its proper growth.
Peace lilies are also known for their air-purifying qualities, as it has the capability to filter toxins from the air. The plant is sometimes thought to be an excellent choice for mild to heavily shaded areas and prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
Do Chinese evergreens like to be root bound?
Chinese evergreens typically prefer to be root bound, meaning the roots of the plant should fill the entire pot with little to no room to spare. Although they can survive if the pot is slightly larger than needed, they tend to do best when the roots are tight and snug.
Chinese evergreens are a slow-growing plant, so it’s best to repot them every two or three years instead of every year as we would with other plants. During this time, you should prune the roots back slightly and provide some fresh soil for them to grow into.
When done properly, this can help your Chinese evergreen thrive and look beautiful for years to come.
Is Aglaonema fast growing?
Aglaonema plants grow very slowly, usually around 6 inches per year. Some particular varieties such as Aglaonema Modestum, Aglaonema Simplex, and Aglaonema Prince of Orange will grow faster, but they still tend to stay in the 6 inch range.
The speed of growth can depend on the specific variety and growing conditions, such as proper fertilization, soil moisture, and sunlight. With the right conditions and regular care, it is possible for an Aglaonema to grow a bit faster than average, but it will never reach the growth speed of other houseplants like Monstera or Philodendron.
Why are the leaves of my Chinese Evergreen turning yellow?
The leaves of your Chinese Evergreen may be turning yellow for a few reasons. It could be an indication of the plant being overwatered, as the roots may not be able to absorb enough water to sustain itself.
To help mitigate this, make sure the soil is allowed to completely dry out between waterings and reduce how much water you are giving the plant in general.
Additionally, you may also be seeing yellowing leaves due to your Chinese Evergreen getting too much light. In bright, direct light, the Chinese Evergreen may experience sunburn, leading to the yellowing of some leaves.
To help combat this, make sure the plant is being kept in an area where it is getting bright but indirect light. You can also think about utilizing a light diffuser, like a curtain, to help regulate the amount of light the plant is receiving.
Lastly, your Chinese Evergreen could be experiencing nutrient deficiencies, like lack of magnesium and calcium. To help ensure the plant is receiving optimal nutrients, you can feed your Chinese Evergreen a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the active growing season.
With proper care and attention, your Chinese Evergreen should be back to its normal self in no time!.
When should I water my Aglaonema?
Watering your Aglaonema should be done when the top inch or two of the soil has become dry. Water your plants slowly and deeply, until you see the water start to run out of the drainage holes of the pot.
Try to avoid wetting the foliage. During the winter, Aglaonemas will not require as much water as they do during the warmer months. When in doubt, it is better to err on the side of lesser water rather than overwatering.
Also remember to use lukewarm water as cold water could harm the plant.
Can Chinese evergreen get too much sun?
Yes, Chinese evergreen can get too much sun. Over-exposure to direct sunlight can cause the plants foliage to turn yellow and brown, as well as cause scorching and sunburn. If the Chinese evergreen is placed too close to windows and other sources of direct sunlight, or if it’s left outside during hot summer days, it could get too much sun.
Additionally, reflex growth (yellowing of the tips due to heat or drought stress) can be accelerated with too much sun. To prevent this from happening, it’s best to find a spot where the plant will get bright, indirect light and protect it from direct sun.
When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not place the plant in direct sunlight.
