Aglaonema Chinese Evergreen Maintenance & Care Checklist
1. Plant Family Overview: Aglaonema
Aglaonemas are the "chameleons" of the corporate office. They are highly valued for their ability to bring vibrant colour (from silver to bright pinks) into low-light areas where other plants would fade. While they are famously tough, they are tropical and don't like cold office drafts.
Appearance: Low-growing, bushy plants with large, oval, pointed leaves. They often feature striking patterns in silver, cream, or even red and pink.
Common Varieties: Silver Bay (large, silver-green), Maria (dark green with silver flecks), and Crete (striking red/pink edges).
Office Characteristics: One of the best plants for "dead zones" with low natural light. They grow slowly, meaning they won't outgrow their desk or planter quickly.
Key Sensitivities: Cold intolerance. They are sensitive to temperatures below 15°C and cold air from AC vents. They can also suffer from root rot if the soil remains waterlogged.
2. Ideal Conditions
Light: Low to Moderate indirect light.
Target: 2 to 4 metres from a window.
Tolerance: Green/Silver varieties are very low-light tolerant. Red/Pink varieties need slightly more light to keep their colour. Avoid direct sun.
Temperature: Standard office climate.
Ideal: 18°C – 24°C.
Limit: Never below 15°C.
Humidity: Tolerates standard office air (40%), but leaf edges may brown if air is exceptionally dry.
Water Quality: Tepid (room temperature) water. If possible, let tap water sit in an open container overnight to allow chlorine to evaporate.
Potting Mix: (soil plants) Well-draining, peat-free, bark-based mix.
Feeding: Light feeder. Use standard liquid houseplant fertiliser at half-strength.
3. Weekly / Fortnightly Maintenance Checklist
Perform these tasks on a consistent day (e.g. every Wednesday).
Watering Check (Soil Plants): (The "Finger Test")
Insert a finger into the soil up to the second knuckle (approx. 2–3 cm deep), or use a moisture meter.
Action:
If soil is moist/cool: DO NOT WATER. Check again next week.
If soil is dry: Add water slowly around the base.
Quantity: Moderate. Aim for the soil to be "evenly moist" but never swampy.
Sign of Overwatering: If the stems feel soft or look yellow at the base, stop watering immediately.
HydroCare Plants: Leave for 7-10 days on minimum before topping up, never go above optimum on the water level indicator.
Cleaning:
Dusting: The broad, flat leaves can attract dust. Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth or dust gloves. This keeps the colours vibrant and the plant healthy.
Debris Removal: Pick out any fallen leaves or spent flower "spikes" (which look like small green/white sticks) from the soil to prevent mould.
Positioning & Environment:
The Cold Check: Ensure the plant is not in the path of a cold AC draft or near an entrance door that opens to the street in winter.
Quick Health Scan:
Scan for Drooping: If the leaves are wilting but the soil is dry, the plant needs water.
Scan for Yellowing: One old leaf at the bottom is normal. Multiple yellow leaves mean too much water.
4. Monthly / Bi-Monthly Tasks
Fertilising (Feed):
When: April to September only.
What: Soil Plants; General-purpose liquid houseplant food. HydroCare Plants; Hydroponic liquid plant food.
Frequency: Once every 2 months.
Warning: Never fertilise if the soil is bone dry; water the plant first.
Soil Surface Loosening:
Use a small fork to gently stir the top 1 cm of soil. This prevents the soil from "crusting" and helps air reach the roots.
Rotation:
Give the plant a 180° turn to ensure the back doesn't become "bald" from lack of light.
Pot Maintenance:
Wipe down the exterior of the decorative pot.(Soil Plants) Lift the inner plastic grow pot to check for standing water in the liner.
5. Seasonal Adjustments
Spring / Summer (Active Growth)
Watering: Increase frequency. Check weekly.
Heat Stress: If the office reaches 30°C+, the plant may need light misting to stay cool.
Autumn / Winter (Dormancy)
Watering: Reduce significantly. In lower light and cooler office temps, Aglaonema uses very little water. Check every 10–14 days.
Cold Protection: This is the high-risk season. Ensure plants are moved away from windows if the glass gets freezing cold at night.
6. What NOT to Do
Don't let the plant sit in water. This is the fastest way to cause rot.
Don't use ice-cold water. Aglaonemas are tropical; use room-temperature water.
Don't place the plant directly in front of an AC unit or heater.
Don't use "Leaf Shine" waxes. These clog the large pores of the Aglaonema leaf.
Don't move the plant frequently; they prefer a stable, consistent environment.
7. Red Flags & Early Warning Signs
Use this troubleshooting guide to catch and treat issues.
Translucent/Grey leaf patches
Cold Shock / Drafts
Move to a warmer spot immediately.
Yellow, mushy stems
Overwatering / Rot
Stop watering. Allow to dry for 3 weeks.
Drooping leaves (soil dry)
Underwatering
Water immediately.
Drooping leaves (soil wet)
Root Rot
Stop watering. The roots can no longer drink.
Brown crispy leaf edges
Dry air or hard water
Mist leaves. Switch to filtered water.
Fading leaf colour
Too much light (sun)
Move further away from the window.