Aglaonema reproduction. Aglaonema is a glossy visitor from the tropics. Why does it bloom

Native to the tropical regions of southeast Asia, aglaonemas are evergreen plants that are both very unpretentious and attractive. The species discovered and described at the end of the century before last were exported to Europe, where aglaonema plants began to be successfully grown in greenhouses.

By this time, Europeans had domesticated many different exotic plants that captured the imagination with their bright blooms or unusual appearance. The richness of tropical flora has invariably aroused the interest of botanists and gardeners, but what attracted them to Aglaonema?

Aglaonema plant: description of indoor culture

If you read a dry description of a culture in a reference book, it may seem that the plant is unremarkable. Aglaonema has erect or lodging stems as it grows. When the aglaonema plant is young, the stem is almost invisible, then it lengthens, and leaves on small petioles remain only at its top. Depending on the type and variety, the leaf blades can be variegated, edged or evenly colored. The oval, heart-shaped or pointed leaves are quite dense, with a glossy upper side and a depressed central vein.

If the striking inflorescence is the reason for the appearance of this plant in the collections of indoor plant lovers, then the flowering of aglaonema is sometimes even difficult to notice. Peduncles crowned with medium-sized inflorescences with a white or cream-colored ear and a light or greenish veil also develop at the top or in the axils.

After aglaonema blooms, small juicy orange or scarlet berries containing cream or brownish, oval seeds are formed in place of the cob.

In nature, reproduction of aglaonema occurs through root shoots or seeds, and at home, vegetative methods are more often used to obtain new specimens.

Even at home, aglaonema blooms often and readily, which distinguishes this crop from its closely related species, Dieffenbachia. It is this plant that Aglaonema resembles most. But this impression is deceptive and is formed only with a superficial acquaintance with the culture.

The main advantage of the culture is that it is bright, combining all shades from dense green to carmine foliage. It makes the aglaonema plant a bright decoration for anyone all year round, and maintaining its visual appeal does not require special knowledge or effort.

Conditions for the aglaonema plant

Aglaonema, as a resident of the tropics, prefers to stay in a warm room. If in summer the air temperature can vary from 21 to 26 °C, then in winter, when growth slows down a little, the plant is kept at 18–20 °C.

It is important that at any time of the year the air does not cool below 12–15 °C, since such temperatures can negatively affect the condition of the plant.

Particularly dangerous:

• draft and cold flow coming from windows or balconies;
• hot dry air from heating appliances.

Aglaonema's love for warmth also worries breeders. Therefore, when obtaining modern varieties and hybrids, special attention is paid to the plant’s ability to tolerate low temperatures. An example of such a variety is Silver Queen, an aglaonema plant with silver-green foliage that has earned an award from the Royal Horticultural Society for its decorativeness and hardiness.

Both winter and summer require long daylight hours, at least 11–15 hours. By forcing a green pet to grow with a lack of light, you can cause it to become overly elongated, and:

• internodes lengthen;
• the foliage becomes smaller and loses its decorative effect;
• Aglaonema plants absorb moisture more slowly and.

Although aglaonemas are shade-tolerant, variegated plants need diffused light to maintain the brightness and color quality of their leaves. In summer, at midday, pots with aglaonemas are shaded, protected from direct rays, and in winter, artificial lighting is provided if necessary.

Watering plants varies depending on the time of year, air temperature and the condition of the plant. In warm weather, the soil needs to be moistened more abundantly than in winter or late autumn. If the room is cool, then the amount of water is also reduced. At the same time, you should not be guided by the widespread but erroneous opinion about the unconditional love of moisture of all people from the tropics. Aglaonema can more easily tolerate dry soil than constant waterlogging.

For irrigation, you need to take only settled warm water. And the substrate in a pot with aglaonema must be allowed to dry to a depth of 2–4 cm between waterings. Aglaonema responds well to irrigation with water and washing the foliage with warm water. This procedure helps:

• restore the attractiveness of foliage by cleaning it from dust;
• protect the plant from insect pests;
• ensure the respiration of aglaonema;
• increase air humidity.

We must not forget that aglaonema requires regular feeding during the growing season. They are carried out from early spring until October, using compositions for decorative foliage crops.

Aglaonema transplant

The peculiarity of the aglaonema plant is that young specimens grow quite quickly, and then growth slows down. Therefore, at first, the gardener will have to replant the aglaonema annually. And an adult specimen is usually transferred to a larger pot no more often than after two or three years.

It is better to carry out the procedure in early spring, carefully transferring the plant along with the soil into a new pot. In parallel with transplanting an adult plant, the bush is often divided - one of the most popular and simplest ways to propagate aglaonema.

Of all the aroids, Aglaonema is probably one of the most unpretentious crops. In this case, there are no special requirements for the soil for transplanting aglaonema. The main thing is that the substrate for filling the pot is light, structured, easily allows air and moisture to pass through, but does not retain excessive amounts of water.

If the density of the substrate turns out to be high, this will negatively affect the development of the root system, weaken it and, possibly, provoke the development of fungal or bacterial root rot.

The following mixture is used as soil for replanting aglaonema:

• 2 parts of turf land;
• 1 part humus;
• 1 part;
• 1 part perlite.

When you cannot mix the components yourself, you can use ready-made substrates for orchids and ornamental crops. They are mixed in equal parts, adding a little crushed charcoal.

It is better to choose a pot for aglaonema, a plant with a shallow root system, that is not too voluminous. The larger the container for the plant, the longer the roots will entwine the lump of substrate, which will delay the development and flowering of aglaonema.

When choosing a pot for aglaonema, be sure to take into account the need to create a powerful drainage layer, but a deep container is still not needed.

Reproduction of aglaonema

At home, you can get young aglaonema plants by dividing an adult specimen, using cuttings taken from the stem, as well as seeds. Vegetative methods, as a rule, are less labor-intensive and allow you to quickly acquire a viable independent plant.

In addition to the fact that as a result of such reproduction of aglaonema, daughter specimens completely inherit their parental traits, they are already adapted to the created conditions and tolerate acclimatization more easily.

When growing aglaonema from seeds, there is a risk of seeing seedlings on your own windowsill with foliage that is radically different from the parent.

During growth, some types of plants lose their compactness over 3–4 years, become excessively elongated and require renewal. In this case, it is convenient to use the stem for cuttings.

Cuttings are cut from a healthy plant so that there are a couple of nodes on a piece of stem. The apical cutting is also used for propagation of aglaonema. All planting material on cuts is treated with crushed charcoal, then dried for 24 hours and rooted in water or a substrate consisting of a mixture of equal parts of perlite and peat.

For rapid formation of the root system and to avoid rotting of the planting material, the cuttings should be kept at a temperature of 22 to 26 ° C and constant humidity.

If all conditions for the propagation of aglaonema are met, roots sufficient for planting will form in 20–30 days. You can replant aglaonema into regular soil for adult plants, not forgetting about drainage and careful treatment of the still weak roots.

When replanting aglaonema, if the plant has grown greatly and has sprouted lateral shoots, it can be divided into several independent divisions. In order not to harm the root system, the procedure is carried out by first watering the soil well. After removing the pot, the aglaonema is cleaned of the remaining substrate, the roots are disassembled and the daughter layers are separated with a sharp knife.

It is important that all new plants have their own roots and growing point. It is imperative to sprinkle the cut areas with charcoal or activated carbon powder.

Aglaonema is planted in the same soil as during transplantation. Before planting, the soil is moistened, and during acclimatization the plants are provided with moist, warm air. Rooting ends when new bright leaves appear on the bush.

From the seeds of aglaonema, which ripen even on domestic plants, you can also obtain seedlings and young specimens. True, this method will require enviable patience and hard work from the grower.

Since all aroid seeds quickly lose their viability, it is better to use fresh seed material from ripe red berries. The washed seeds are embedded in moist sphagnum to a depth of 1–1.5 cm, where they should be kept at a temperature of 20–26 °C. Reducing the temperature with this method of propagating aglaonema directly affects the quality and speed of germination. We must not forget about maintaining high humidity in a homemade greenhouse.

If the aglaonema seeds are fresh, sprouts can be expected after 20–25 days, otherwise the process will take up to 3 months. After the formation of a rosette with a diameter of 5–7 cm, the aglaonema is picked several times, transferring from a smaller pot to a larger one, and using a substrate of peat, universal soil and perlite. Small pieces of steamed bark and charcoal can be added to the soil for replanting aglaonema.

Features of caring for aglaonema - video

It is impossible to imagine any home or office without indoor flowers. Houseplants not only decorate the room they are in, but also create and maintain a special atmosphere.

It is very easy to see that flowers will grow beautifully in a house with a good aura. But in a room devoid of comfort, love and warmth, indoor plants feel terrible. This means that flowers are very sensitive to the energy of the people around them.

Today we’ll talk about the signs associated with aglaonema - this is a popular houseplant native to Southeast Asia. It gained such fame not only because of its beauty, but also because of the good omens associated with it.

Popular beliefs

In Malaysia and India - the homeland of Aglaonema - the plant is considered a flower of good luck. This belief comes from the following story. One person had aglaonema growing in his garden. One day a man saw drops of dew on its leaves, which were laid out in the form of numbers, and bought a lottery ticket with such a combination. The ticket won and the story of aglaonema, which brings good luck, spread throughout the world.

Of course, aglaonema will bring good luck to your home, and will also attract prosperity to the owner’s house: the plant purifies the air in the room where it is located.

Why does it bloom?

Aglaonema is very sensitive, and its leaves will turn yellow not only if placed in the wrong place, but also if it grows in a house with a heavy atmosphere.

Aglaonema will wither, turn yellow and stop growing and blooming in a house whose owners often quarrel and create scandals. And, on the contrary, if aglaonema blooms, it means that happy times await your family hearth.

What do they say about the Maria variety?

Aglaonema variety Maria has calm green leaves. This type of aglaonema is purchased by dysfunctional families, as it brings peace to the house and makes the environment comfortable.

What will other species bring to their owners?

• Aglaonema Round- a very beautiful flower. It has become a favorite indoor plant due to the unusual color of the leaves and the pink stripes on them. If you place a plant in the bedroom, the feeling of love in the couple will strengthen, the flame will reappear in the relationship, and the partners will become more relaxed.
• Aglaonema Crete differs from other species in its rich red or pink color; The plant is best suited for lovers who want to strengthen their relationship.
• Aglaonemas with unusual coloring- on the leaves of which there is a white stripe or light green spots - will help attract good luck to your side and improve your financial condition.

Why do you dream about a plant?

If you dreamed of aglaonema, it means that, with some effort, you will finally achieve a long-standing goal, and will not stop there. Also, seeing aglaonema in a dream means your cherished dream will come true.

Is it possible to keep her in the house?

Despite the fact that aglaonema has long been known as a houseplant, some people are wary of it. The flower would be even more popular if it were not for the belief of many people that it is poisonous.

But Aglaonema can, and even should, be kept in the house. The fact is that when it comes to air purification, it is in no way inferior in efficiency to modern filters. Every day, toxic compounds of phenol, benzene and formaldehyde evaporate from plastic or polished surfaces into the air.

Aglaonema leaves absorb these harmful substances like a sponge; in addition, they produce phytoncides, which are fatal to streptococcus.

Benefits of the flower

Aglaonema is certainly a very useful houseplant.

1. Like all house flowers, it saturates the air with oxygen and negatively charged ions. This significantly improves air quality.
2. Aglaonema leaves absorb dangerous compounds that are present in the room.
3. Bioenergy specialists are sure that aglaonema has positive energy. Therefore, if you place a flower pot near the workplace or in an office where a person is engaged in heavy mental work, aglaonema will promote concentration and it will be easier to collect thoughts.
4. Looking at the bright foliage of Aglaonema, it is quite possible to get rid of stress, reduce tension and concentrate on work.

How can it be dangerous?

Aglaonema belongs to the Araceae family and, like many of them, contains poisonous juice. For this reason, many people think that it poses a danger to human health. But that's not true. To be poisoned by a flower, you need to eat several leaves.

The berries of the plant are highly toxic; They are very bright, which can attract the child's attention and be tempted to taste the berries.

Feng Shui meaning

The teachings of Feng Shui classify aglaonema as an element of Wood. Like all plants of this type, aglaonema is intended to restore vitality to a person. And this is a scientifically proven fact. Scientists have found that leaves release negatively charged ions into the air, which are reliable allies in the fight against stress, help to cheer up and improve brain function. In order for the flower to fulfill its purpose, it must be placed in the eastern part of the house.

Where is the best place to place the pot?

All plants related to the Wood element must be placed in the eastern part of the house, and aglaonema is no exception.

In the teachings of Feng Shui, there are two categories of plants: Yang and Yin. Yang is a strong, masculine type. Aglaonema, on the other hand, belongs to the female type, which is characterized by softness and tenderness. Female flowers will be most beneficial in the bedroom.

Some believe that you should not place indoor plants in the bedroom, but if you turn to Feng Shui, it becomes clear that aglaonema has a beneficial effect on a person even during sleep. It has bright green round and soft leaves, looking at which a person can lift his spirits. The main thing is not to place the plant too close to windows or the bed.

You cannot place more than two plants in one room with aglaonema. The corner of the room is the most advantageous location for a flower. This way, no extraneous forces will appear in the sharp edges of the bedroom; Instead, aglaonema promotes the spread of positive energy “Qi”.

Aglaonema will be the best solution for both the office and home. This indoor plant will help employees tune in to work and feel better. The fact is that aglaonema leaves release negatively charged ions into the air, which improve the well-being of people working with equipment. For this reason it would be correct to place a pot with a plant next to a computer, laptop or TV.

It must be remembered that aglaonema does not favor people who are skeptical and do not believe in its properties.

When you have just purchased a plant, you first need to determine the most comfortable place in the house and wait for positive life events and changes.

• If a bright streak begins in life, it means that aglaonema has absorbed negative energy and made the house warm and cozy.
• If nothing has changed, you need to move the pot to another part of the house or room.

The most important thing is to tune in to a cozy homely atmosphere, then aglaonema will bring you luck, health, and will contribute to well-being in your home.

Young plants - annually, adults - every 2-3 years In summer - 20-25, in winter - not lower than 16-18 From spring to autumn - 2-3 times every 7-10 days, in winter - no more than 1 time per week In summer - at least 2 times a week East windows, in winter they can be placed on the south side

Lighting

The light is diffused, bright. The most suitable would be an east window, and in winter the plants can be placed on the south side.

Some varieties with variegated leaves require some direct sun in the morning and evening so as not to lose the decorativeness of the color.

In summer and spring, plants need to be shaded from direct rays of the sun (they can lead to leaf burns).

Aglaonema is a shade-tolerant plant, so it can easily adapt to darkened places in distant areas of the room.

Red plant varieties require brighter lighting.

By the angle of inclination of the leaves (relative to the stem) you can find out about the correct lighting. If the angle is from 45 to 90 degrees, the lighting is normal, lower readings indicate excessive lighting.

Temperature

Aglaonema is a heat-loving plant. In summer, the optimal temperature is 20–25° C, and in winter no lower than 16–18° C.

Aglaonema loves fresh air, so you need to ventilate the room more often, but at the same time avoid cold drafts - the flower may die from them.

The plant can also withstand higher temperatures - up to 30°C, subject to regular, abundant watering. But for best development, it is necessary to maintain an optimal temperature in the room. It must be stable throughout the growing season, since the flower reacts very painfully to sudden temperature changes.

In the summer heat, the room temperature can be maintained using an air conditioner. But the flower must be kept away from it so that cold air does not fall on its leaves.

Aglaonema winters well in a city apartment, since it is not necessary to reduce the temperature during this period. But the plant must be removed from heating radiators to ensure normal temperature and acceptable air humidity.

Watering

Aglaonema is a moisture-loving plant. From spring to autumn, watering should be plentiful - 2-3 times every 7-10 days; in winter, watering should be moderate - no more than once a week. Watered with settled soft– warm or room temperature.

It is advisable that between waterings the top layer of soil has time to dry to a depth of at least 3 cm. Otherwise, stagnation of moisture in the soil is possible, which contributes to the development of fungal infections.

Stagnant water and waterlogging of the soil are extremely undesirable. But if the water stagnates and does not go into the pan, you need to urgently check the drainage and drainage holes.

Watering should be done very carefully so that water does not fall on the leaves of the plant. This causes unsightly spots to form on its leaf blades.

Therefore, spraying to increase humidity is not carried out for these flowers. It is advisable to wipe the leaves with water for irrigation to wash off dust from them.

Soil

The soil must retain moisture well and be breathable.

You can buy ready-made soil, for example, for violets, bulbous plants, azaleas or heather.

But you can prepare the soil yourself: garden soil - 1 part, coarse sand or perlite - 1 part, peat or leaf soil (humus) - 2 parts.

For young plants, the following composition is suitable: leaf soil - 2 parts, sand, turf soil, peat - 1 part each.

The plant does not like stagnant water, so the pot must have good drainage, for example, a layer of expanded clay, and there should be holes in it.

Fertilizer

From spring to autumn (March-September), aglaonema is fed every 15–20 days. They use special fertilizers for ornamental leafy plants - Agricola, Uniflor-rost, Kristalon, Boga Forte, Pokon, etc.

In autumn and winter, aglaonema also needs feeding. But you shouldn’t feed it often. This procedure is carried out no more than once a month and a half.

Any fertilizer for decorative deciduous plants is suitable for feeding aglaonema. Liquid complex fertilizers for indoor plants are especially popular. Due to their ease of use, the demand for them is constantly growing.

Liquid formulations are diluted with water for irrigation according to the instructions on the bottle. You should not use a high concentration of fertilizers, as you can overfeed the plant and harm it.

Fertilizing is carried out only after the main watering of the flower. After 3-4 hours, when the soil is saturated with moisture, fertilizers diluted with water are added to it. This is done to ensure even absorption of nutrients.

Humidity

The optimal humidity for the plant is 50–60%. In winter, aglaonema can suffer from hot, dry air coming from radiators. Aglaonema can be protected by covering the radiator, or by placing the pot on a wide tray of water.

It is useful to clean the leaves from dust from time to time and wash them with a warm shower.

It is forbidden to cover aglaonema leaves with special shine products.

The plant requires regular spraying with soft water.. In summer it should be plentiful - at least 2 times a week; in winter it should be sprayed very carefully (excess moisture is harmful to the plant).

Trimming / Support / Garter

In some species and varieties of aglaonema, compact bushes grow a tall vertical stem after a few years. In this case, it is necessary.

Old plants that have become significantly elongated and can no longer grow without support need to be renewed periodically. This also applies to specimens whose trunks have become very bare and have lost their decorative properties. Complete renewal of the plant is possible thanks to its radical pruning.

Radical pruning is carried out in early spring. It involves removing the top of the stem from very tall old plants. Cut it 15 cm below the remaining leaves on the trunk. It is then rooted in water and planted in a separate pot to form a young plant.

The lower part of the aglaonema should not be thrown away. The cut on the trunk is sprinkled with activated carbon, and the lower part of the trunk is continued to be cared for as if it were an adult flower. Soon new shoots appear from the dormant buds on the trunk.

Diseases

Now you will learn how to care for aglaonema during illness. Due to waterlogging of the soil, the leaves of the plant wither and turn yellow, and the roots rot. If waterlogging is accompanied by low temperatures, fungal infections may occur, leading to the death of the plant.

The most dangerous for aglaonema: thrips, aphids, scale insects, spider mites, scale insects.

Leaves damaged by pests become deformed, turn yellow, dry out and fall off. The infected plant begins to grow slowly and eventually dies.

Special products and a warm shower help get rid of pests.

The leaves and cuttings of the plant need to be inspected regularly.– this is where pests most often appear.

Problems

Aglaonema fades - the air is not warm enough. It is necessary to observe the temperature regime and protect the plant from drafts.

Why the leaves of aglaonema turn yellow - waterlogging, watering with hard or chlorinated water, low temperature, insufficient lighting.

The leaves are drying– insufficient watering, dry indoor air. It is necessary to regularly ventilate the room and increase watering.

Leaves become pale. Feeding and more intense lighting will help.

Leaves lose color– too bright lighting. Direct rays of the sun can cause burns: the leaves turn pale, and then brown or gray spots appear on them.

Leaves have dry brown tips– dry air or lack/excess of nutrients. It is necessary to increase the humidity and feed the plant.

Reproduction

Let's look at how to propagate aglaonema. Aglaonema can be grown in several ways: cuttings, division and seeds.

Dividing a bush is the simplest and most common way. The best time for this is the beginning of May.

When transplanting, well-rooted shoots with 3-4 healthy leaves are separated. In this case, you need to try to preserve as many roots of the seedling as possible.

Young plants are planted in separate pots, provided with regular watering, dim lighting and a temperature of 20-22° C.

Aglaonema can be propagated by stem and apical cuttings. The best time to propagate aglaonema from cuttings is spring and summer. Cuttings are separated when the flower becomes old and has a noticeable trunk, or when the stem branches.

The apical cutting is a section of the plant about 10 cm long with at least 5 leaves. When the lower part of the trunk is exposed or the plant is strongly stretched, pruning the top becomes necessary. The 2 lower leaves of the cutting are removed and placed in a pot with a mixture of sand and peat or in water. In the latter case, the water must be changed regularly.

Stem cutting is a piece of trunk 5–7 cm long. The cutting is placed in a mixture of sand and peat.

All cuttings - apical and stem - need to be provided with diffused lighting and regular watering.

Aglaonema seeds are propagated much less frequently. For planting, you can use seeds that ripen directly on the plant. Seeds are usually sown in February-March. Before sowing, the skin is removed from them, then deepened into loose soil, sprayed and covered with film or glass. The soil is aerated several times a day.

The germination time of seeds is about a month at a temperature of 25° C. When the seedlings grow up, they are planted in separate small pots, and later in larger containers. Seedlings are watered moderately and protected from direct sunlight.

Transfer

Plants are transplanted into wide but low pots - tight containers stimulate growth and flowering. Good drainage is necessary. Soil: leaf – 1 part; turf – 2 parts; sand – 1 part; peat – 1 part.

In order not to damage the roots of the plant, it is replanted using the transshipment method. In this case, the entire lump of earth is transferred from the old pot to the new one.

Replanting with partial soil replacement is also practiced. This procedure involves lightly shaking off the old soil from the roots of the plant. If some old soil remains on them, it is not removed. The plant is placed in a new pot, and its roots are covered with fresh soil.

Description of the plant and species

Aglaonema is native to the humid tropics of Southeast Asia. This plant has the form of a bush with several stems or a single branching trunk. The shoots are covered with bright leaves with an unusual pattern. The leaves of the plant are oval, wide, glossy with clear veins and pointed tips. They are located on small petioles. Depending on the species, they come in different sizes and colors.

In indoor conditions, aglaonema blooms profusely and for a long time. Often produces small orange or red berries. At the same time, the appearance of the plant becomes even more decorative.

Several types of aglaonema are grown in indoor culture. These are the most unpretentious and compact varieties:

• Aglaonema ribbed - a compact species with large dark green leaves covered with white streaks;
• Aglaonema changeable is a large flower more than 1 m high, with wide and long variegated leaves;
• Aglaonema painted is a small plant up to 60 cm high with large dark green leaves covered with uneven grayish spots;
• Aglaonema moderate - a flower that forms a very lush, branched bush with large leaves of a uniform green hue;
• Aglaonema shiny is a large species, the stems of which reach a height of 1 m, its leaves are up to 50 cm long, and have a glossy green surface;
• Aglaonema oblong is a flower with large oval-shaped leaves of a dark green color.

All indoor species of aglaonema have given rise to numerous varieties, distinguished by the bright variegated color of their leaf blades.

Aglaonema has won fans all over the planet, and not only thanks to the film “Leon”. This is a very bright plant, and at the same time unpretentious, not requiring complex care at home. A wide variety of varieties and colors attracts both experienced and novice gardeners. We will tell you about all the secrets of successfully growing aglaonema in this article.

Origin and appearance of aglaonema

Aglaonema is a perennial plant from Southeast Asia, it belongs to the genus of evergreen herbs and shrubs of the Araceae family. Aglaonema is widespread in India, China, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

The first description of Aglaonema appeared in 1704. It was made by a Jesuit priest who lived in the Philippines. The original name Dracunculus did not stick, and in 1829 the plant received the name by which it is still known today - aglaonema - from the Greek words aglos - bright and nema - thread. The flower owes this name to the Austrian botanist Heinrich Wilhelm Schott, who devoted a lot of time to the study of aroids.

Aglaonema - decoration of any interior

In appearance, Aglaonema is very similar to Dieffenbachia, and this is not surprising, since they are close relatives.

Aglaonema is a small decorative foliage plant with a height of 30 to 80 cm with an erect trunk. However, it becomes noticeable only in mature plants, as the leaves die. In some species the trunk branches at the base. The leaves are on short or long petioles, dense, leathery, large. The shape of the leaves varies from elongated to broad oval. The midrib is depressed and clearly stands out on the bottom of the leaf. The leaves can be a variety of shades of green, depending on the variety, and are covered with silver, white, yellow and pink spots and veins. There are varieties with leaves of red shades.

The inflorescence of Aglaonema is a spadix with a pale green veil. 1 to 3 inflorescences develop in the axils of the upper leaves. The fruits are bright red berries, sometimes white, several on the cob. They mature within 6–8 months.

Each Aglaonema berry contains one seed.

In nature, the habitat of Aglaonema is tropical and deciduous forests, wet plains, river banks and marshy peat deposits. Aglaonema is very hardy, able to grow in poor soils and tolerate lack of light. Thanks to these qualities, Aglaonema is considered an ideal plant for growing at home and in the office.

Aglaonema juice contains substances that irritate the skin. The seeds of the plant are also poisonous.

Popular varieties with different leaf colors

This plant appeared in greenhouses and homes in Europe in 1885. Books on floriculture of those times described the difficulties of maintaining the plant - it required high humidity and regular spraying. But the interest in aglaonema was so great that a large number of unpretentious hybrid varieties were subsequently developed.

There are about 50 species of aglaonema in nature. And the number of hybrids bred today is approaching 500.

Silver Queen. One of the most common Aglaonema hybrids, it was bred in the 60s of the 20th century. The length of the leaves reaches 15 cm, and the width is 8 cm. The color of the leaves is smoky-silver with a few green splashes. Very easy to care for, prefers partial shade. The bush usually reaches 70–80 cm in height.

Silver King. Just as easy to care for as the variety described above, but shorter. The color of the leaves and cuttings is silver-gray.

Crete.The variety belongs to the group of red aglaonemas. The plant is slow growing. The color of the leaves changes with age. If young leaves are completely red, then as they grow, spots appear on them, ranging in color from rich green to olive. This variety is very demanding on lighting. In a darkened room, the leaves lose their bright color and glossy shine. It reaches a height of 30–40 cm.

Aglaonema modest. The variety has good shade tolerance. The leaves are rich green in color, about 20 cm long. The plant reaches a height of 50 cm.

Treiba. It is considered the most unpretentious variety. A low bush with narrow leaves about 15 cm in length, covered with a silver-green pattern.

Maria. The most popular variety of aglaonema, which is more than 50 years old. A very shade-tolerant plant, it can grow even in rooms with artificial lighting. The lush bush reaches a height of 50 cm. The leaves are ellipsoidal, green with silver spots.

Aglaonema curly. This is a large plant - up to 120 cm in height - with a vertical stem. The leaf blade is semicircular, up to 30 cm long and 16 cm wide. The color of the leaves is silver-matte, with the exception of the middle and edge of the leaf blade.

Siam Aurora. Another representative of the red group. Unpretentious, grows quickly. With additional lighting, the leaves become brightly colored. In the sun it “fades”: red colors darken, and green colors become yellow.

Photo gallery: Crete, Maria, Treiba and other popular varieties of aglaonema

Aglaonema Siam Aurora Aglaonema curly Aglaonema Maria Aglaonema Treiba Aglaonema Modest Aglaonema Crete Aglaonema Silver King Aglaonema Silver Queen

Care

Place

Do not place aglaonema in direct sunlight, as this may result in leaf burn. Partial shade is ideal. For varieties with variegated leaf colors, bright, diffused light is preferable.

In winter, it is worth additionally highlighting the plants, because aglaonema needs light for 12–15 hours during the day.

The place where aglaonema grows must be protected from drafts and tobacco smoke. The plant loves clean air. Aglaonema will feel good in a ventilated room, but it is better not to place it in the kitchen.

Watering and fertilizing

For the good development of aglaonema, the correct watering and feeding regime is important. This plant is moisture-loving, so in spring and summer we generously water our pet. But most importantly, don’t overfill it. Do not allow water to stagnate in the pan. After watering, the water should be completely absorbed into the soil. The next watering is carried out when the top layer of soil is slightly dry. You can understand when the time for watering has come by probing the soil to a depth of 5 cm. If the soil is dry, water it; if it is wet, postpone watering. In the fall, before the onset of cold weather, we water abundantly, but as the temperature drops, we reduce watering. In winter, watering is carried out after the earthen clod dries.

Water for irrigation is used soft, room temperature, settled. In winter, it is better to heat the water slightly.

During the growing season from March to August, fertilizing is done once every two weeks. Mineral fertilizers alternate with organic ones. In autumn, the growth of aglaonema slows down and feeding is reduced. In winter, a period of rest begins - feeding is not needed during this period.

Aglaonema does not like lime fertilizers.

Differences in care during flowering and dormancy

Under natural conditions, aglaonema blooms from June to August. Making aglaonema bloom is very simple. To do this, you need to create good conditions for it: a wide and shallow pot, regular spraying and watering, a comfortable temperature in the room without sudden fluctuations.

To speed up flowering, you can include bone meal in the fertilizing.

The aglaonema flower is not of particular decorative value and many gardeners remove it, especially on young plants. You can leave the peduncle: sometimes self-pollination occurs and fruits are set. If this does not happen, then after the flower dries, it must be carefully cut off. But if you prefer the decorative qualities of foliage, then it is best to remove the flowers: flowering contributes to the shrinkage of the leaves.

Aglaonema flowers are not particularly decorative

Like most houseplants, the dormant period for Aglaonema occurs in winter.. During this period, the active growth of the plant slows down. The periods between watering increase, feeding stops altogether. We maintain high humidity and spray the plant with slightly warm water.

If the room temperature does not drop below 20 degrees, aglaonema may not go into “winter mode.”

Table: seasonal care for aglaonema at home

Aglaonema leaves should never be treated with shine sprays. It is enough to simply wash them regularly with water at room temperature.

How to transplant a flower correctly

Young aglaonema is replanted annually in the spring. An adult plant feels great in a cramped pot when the root system is limited, so replanting is done every 2–5 years, but as necessary, replace the top layer of soil with a new one. To do this, carefully remove about 2 centimeters of old soil and add new soil.

The ideal soil for planting would be a mixture of 3 parts leaf soil, 2 parts peat, 1 part humus and 1 part sand. Aglaonema prefers loose, uncrowded soil with good air and water permeability.

We pay special attention to the planting pot. Aglaonema has a superficial and fibrous root system, so a deep pot is undesirable. We will give preference to a wide one, taking into account the appearance of new young plants, and a shallow one. Aglaonema grows better if its roots are limited to a small space. When choosing the size of a planting pot, keep in mind that approximately a quarter of its volume will be taken up by drainage.

1. Pour a layer of drainage into the selected pot: small pebbles, broken shards or expanded clay.
   

   Drainage is necessary to avoid stagnation of water in the root system.

2. Fill the prepared soil to approximately half the volume.
3. Carefully straightening the roots, place the aglaonema in the center of the pot.
4. We fill up the soil. If the plant is young, then it does not need to be buried. An old plant with a bare trunk can be slightly buried.
5. After planting, water the aglaonema abundantly.

Store-bought aglaonema is not immediately replanted. She is given 2 to 3 weeks to adapt, and then she is transplanted, observing all the rules listed above.

Aglaonema also grows well in a nutrient solution without soil - hydroponics.

Droplets, brown spots and other problems

Table: errors in care and their elimination

Table: diseases and pests of aglaonema

How can aglaonema reproduce?

Reproduction of aglaonema does not present any particular difficulties. There are three ways: seeds, cuttings and root division. Aglaonema is not propagated by leaves.

Seeds

This method is suitable for those gardeners who love surprises. The fact is that plants grown from seeds often do not resemble their parents. You can collect seeds only when they are easily separated from the fruit at the slightest touch. If you need to make an effort when extracting the seeds, it means they are not yet ripe.. Seeds must be planted immediately.

The longer you wait to plant the collected seeds, the less likely they are to germinate.

Process description:

• A mixture of peat and river sand in equal proportions is poured into wide flat pots or boxes; sphagnum moss is also suitable.
• The seeds are not deeply buried - a maximum of 1.5 centimeters into moist soil.
• The planting container is covered with polyethylene or glass.
• Every 2-3 days the soil is sprayed with a spray bottle.
• Under favorable conditions, the first shoots appear after 3 months.
• After a pair of true leaves appear, the aglaonema can be transplanted into a separate pot.

Plants grown from seed are usually vigorous but grow slowly. Varietal characteristics are almost never preserved. This is especially true for highly decorative varieties bred through selection.

Cuttings

As cuttings, you can use apical, lateral shoots of aglaonema or parts of the bare trunk of an adult plant that have growing points. The length of the cutting should be at least 3–5 centimeters, and the presence of at least one leaf guarantees almost 100% rooting.

Rooting parts of the trunk can be done all year round, but it is best to do this in March-April.

1. Powder the chopped parts of the trunk with crushed activated carbon and dry for a day.
2. We lightly press a piece of the trunk into the wet substrate, if it is small, and if the piece is larger, we deepen it vertically to the growth point.
3. Cover with a plastic bag and place in a warm, bright place.
4. The temperature should be from +24 to +26 degrees. You need to ventilate the cuttings once a day, slightly lifting the bag. Keep the soil moist.
5. In a month, roots will appear.

Rooting of apical or lateral shoots occurs as follows:

• We cut off the shoots and tie the leaves on them into a bundle to reduce moisture evaporation.
• We dip them for a few minutes in a solution of Epin or Zircon for better root formation (you don’t have to do this, aglaonema usually takes root well without this procedure).
• Sprinkle the sections with crushed activated carbon and dry for 8 hours.
• Prepare the pot: pour drainage and soil in half with sand. We moisturize well.
• Using a pencil or stick, make a hole in the ground.
• We plant the cutting to the base of the leaf, compacting the soil around it.
• Using a frame and cellophane we make a greenhouse.
• Place in a warm, bright place. Ventilate periodically.

Rooting apical and lateral shoots is one of the most popular methods of propagating aglaonema

You can root apical cuttings and side shoots simply in water with the addition of growth stimulants (Zircon, Epin). Dip the cutting into the solution and place it in a warm and bright place. The water needs to be changed every 3-4 days. In direct sunlight the water may turn green.

Dividing rhizomes

An adult, heavily grown plant, which is divided into several bushes, is best suited for this method.

1. Remove the aglaonema from the pot.
2. Shake off excess soil and wash the roots in water.
3. Using a sharp knife or scissors, separate the young shoots with a formed root system.
   

   The plant to be separated must have at least 3 leaves.

4. Sprinkle the cut areas with activated carbon, crushed into powder.
5. Immediately plant the separated shoot in a pot prepared in advance and water well.
6. Place in a warm place for a week. Spray periodically.
7. When a young leaf appears on the aglaonema, which indicates normal rooting, place the pot with the plant in a permanent place.

Dividing the rhizome of aglaonema during transplantation is the easiest method of propagation

The gorgeous Aglaonema plant reproduces easily. It propagates in different ways, most often by cuttings. It is important for a gardener to know how to properly care for a plant so that it has a beautiful appearance and harmoniously decorates the area. Although the bushes do not require special care. Therefore, anyone can grow them successfully. But when propagating a flower, it is important to take into account its variety and type.

Briefly about the plant

The permanently green plant has erect, short, fleshy branches, but there are aglaonemas with trunks branching at the base.

Young plants have almost no stem, but in older ones you can see a short stem with traces of fallen leaves. The shrub has dense, leathery, broadly ovate leaves. The color of the foliage depends on the species and variety.

The inflorescence of the flower itself is a spadix of greenish color and with a white tint. The cob can be thin, cylindrical, or thick, club-shaped. Over the course of six months, bright orange or ruby ​​fruits are formed, having an elongated shape with seeds inside.

Varieties

Aglaonema can be modest, changeable, shiny, ribbed. The humble Aglaonema has oval-shaped foliage, blunt at the base and pointed at the apex. The color is uniform green. The fruits are red, similar to dogwood.

Variable Aglaonema has pale green foliage and red berries. Foliage can be of any shape.

The shiny aglaonema has stems that can reach one meter. The leaves are dark green and shiny on top. The fruits are white.

When choosing an aglaonema for planting, it is important to carefully study the information on how it can reproduce.

Features of cultivation and care

To successfully grow aglaonema, it is important to provide it with proper care. The plant loves shade, high humidity, timely watering and fertilization. Needs protection from pests and diseases. From time to time the bush is replanted. In order for a flower to grow well and be suitable for propagation, it is important to correctly form the composition of the soil for planting it.

This flower loves shade. Aglaonema with green leaves can grow in low light anywhere in the room, but in bright light the leaves quickly age, lose color and their decorative effect.

Variegated types of aglaonema need moderate lighting, which will support a bright and contrasting leaf pattern. In summer, it is important to protect the flowerpot from direct sunlight, as it can cause the foliage to burn. It is recommended to grow aglaonema on northern windowsills.

Watering rules

In order for the plant to develop well, it is important to ensure that the soil in the pot is always moist, especially in summer. It is important to wipe dust from the foliage every day, as well as spray it.

The glossy leaves of aglaonema must not be wiped with special solutions to give them shine, as they can lead to the death of the flower.

During the winter season, it is important to let the earthen lump in the pot dry completely to avoid fungal diseases. During this period, it is recommended to water the flowerpot once every 14 days. Once a month, wash the foliage in a warm shower or wipe with a sponge to remove dust.

Read also: Features of home care for aspidistra

Temperature and humidity

In order for aglaneoma to look gorgeous and not die, you need not to exceed the temperature in the room where it grows. In summer, the upper air limit in the room should not exceed 30°C, and in winter, at least 15°C. But, the plant develops and blooms best at an air temperature of 20 - 25 degrees Celsius.

To admire aglaonema, you need to provide it with comfort in terms of humidity in the room - the flower loves high air humidity. To do this, it must be systematically sprayed with water. If the air is too dry, the tips of the leaves will turn brown and curl.

• mix leaf soil with humus in equal quantities, add the same amount of sand and charcoal, as well as two parts of peat;
• dilute two parts of leaf soil with one part of peat, turf soil and sand;
• dilute the leaf soil with turf soil, add a little sand and peat.

Sand in all options can be replaced with perlite. It is important to sprinkle the bottom of the pot with a five-centimeter layer of expanded clay or pebbles, which will serve as drainage.

Features of feeding

From spring until autumn, once every 14 days, aglaonema needs to be fed with complex mineral fertilizers. In winter, fertilizers are applied to the soil once a month. After transplanting, you can feed the flowerpot for the first time only after 30 days.

Rejuvenation

Every year the plant loses its decorative effect. Its lower leaves turn yellow, its trunk becomes bare and crooked. To restore the beauty of aglaonema, it is recommended to rejuvenate it on a stump. The procedure is carried out in the spring, during the transplant process.

The top with foliage is rooted, and the remaining stump is watered from time to time. Later it will be covered with root shoots, which are also separated and rooted.

1. Aglaonema is often attacked by thrips, aphids and scale insects, and spider mites. Therefore, it is important to monitor its appearance and, if pests are detected, take timely measures to combat them.
2. When you curl the foliage, you can see that a red spider mite has settled on it. If it is not removed in time, the foliage will become deformed, turn yellow and disappear altogether. With a very strong attack of pests, the flower begins to lag in growth and may die after some time.
3. If aphids are noticed on the leaves, wash the flowerpots under running water and treat the foliage with a soapy solution.
4. If the flower has been damaged by scale insects, the leaves should be wiped with an alcohol solution. If there are too many pests, the plant is treated with special means, for example, Actellik. How to dilute and use it, you can ask a specialist or read in the instructions for the product.
5. Pegasus or Decis help to destroy spider mites.
6. With improper watering and uncomfortable indoor humidity, aglaonema is susceptible to the development of gray rot or leaf spotting. If these problems are detected, the plant is treated with a fungicidal preparation.

Everything you need to know about transplantation

Young branches of aglaonema grow rapidly, while older branches grow more slowly. Therefore, a young plant needs annual replanting. Adult flowers are transplanted into large containers every three years or as needed.

Read also: Horizontal cotoneaster - will be a real highlight of your garden

The transplant itself is done with the onset of spring, and the plant is carefully transferred along with the soil into a new pot. During the transplantation process, the bush is often divided in order to propagate aglaonema.

The soil mixture for replanting should be light, which easily allows moisture and air to pass through. If the soil density is very high, the root system will develop poorly and weaken. Not only fungal, but also bacterial root rot can develop.

The soil for the flower is prepared from turf soil, humus, peat and perlite. Charcoal is also added to it.

Problems when growing a plant

When growing and propagating aglaonema, you may encounter the following possible problems:

• if the air is too dry, the leaves wrinkle and the tips turn brown;
• excessively cold air or constant draft causes curling of leaves with brownish tips;
• if the sun's rays burn the leaves, they will become covered with white-yellow spots;
• when watering a plant with hard and cold water, it begins to grow slowly, the foliage along the edges becomes covered with brown spots.

To eliminate the problems that have arisen, move the flowerpot to the shade. When it cools down, spray with water. In the future, protect from direct sunlight.

It is better to water the flower with settled water. To reduce its hardness, many gardeners add oxalic acid to the water (for 10 liters of water you need to take 0.2 grams of the product). This infusion should sit for at least a day before watering. You can water the flowerpot only with the upper transparent part of the water. Citric acid is also used to reduce water hardness.

When growing aglaonema at home, it is important to remember that its juice and berries are poisonous. They can irritate the skin and mucous membranes, so it is recommended to place the flower away from children and pets.

Plant propagation methods

This method of propagating aglaonema is considered convenient and simple. When performing the procedure of dividing the rhizomes, you must act carefully so as not to damage them and not to get burned by the harmful and dangerous juice of the plant.

• The procedure is carried out when the adult, overgrown plant begins to be covered with young shoots. It is important to separate young shoots and plant them separately.
• Plant seedlings with healthy leaves and a well-developed root system.
• Until the seedlings take root, they must be covered with jars or bags to provide them with the most comfortable atmosphere that affects the formation of roots. Rooted shoots must be watered promptly and sprayed regularly.

Cuttings

Cuttings of any variety of aglaonema are rooted only in warm soil. Varieties of plants with a vertical stem must be propagated by cutting off a large part of the stem for further planting in deep pots. Dormant buds wake up and begin to form roots, and new shoots develop from the aboveground part of the plant. The planted cuttings are watered in such a way that they can take root completely and not be lost due to excessive watering. It is important to plant cuttings in as loose soil as possible.