

Aglaonema ‘Tigress’
Botanical Name — Aglaonema ‘Tigress’
Common Name — Chinese Evergreen
Plant Family — Araceae
Background
- Aglaonema are native to subtropical regions of Asia and New Guinea. In China, they are considered ornamental plants and considered to bring good luck.
Growth Requirements
Sun
- Aglaonema plants thrive in medium to bright light conditions. Place your plant in indirect or filtered light. Avoid full sun as this can burn the leaves.
- Aglaonemas can also grow in low light but foliage colors may lose some of their vibrancy.
Temperature/ Humidity
- This plant prefers mild temperatures, between 60 and 70 ºF is ideal. Avoid cold drafts and sudden fluctuations in temperature.
- Aglaonemas will tolerate low humidity but will thrive in humid conditions. Place a humidifier nearby or mist leaves regularly to improve ambient moisture. Creating a humid environment for this plant is especially important in the cooler, drier months of winter.
Water
- Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy during spring and summer. Water lightly when the top quarter of soil is dry.
- During winter months water soil thoroughly, but allow it to dry out completely between waterings.
Soil/Roots
- Aglaonemas are not picky about their soil. A high-quality, well-draining potting mix will do just fine.
- Provide a soil that is moisture-retentive and rich in organic matter. Compost is an excellent amendment to improve nutrient quality.
Flowering
- Aglaonema inflorescence bears a white spadix enclosed in a pale, green spathe. Typically flowers will bloom in late summer to early fall, though these plants rarely flower indoors.
- Flowers are inconspicuous and can be pruned to conserve the plant's energy for foliage growth.
Fertilization
- Fertilizer isn’t necessary to keep your Aglaonema happy, but you can feed them to give them a boost during the growing season. Feed your Aglaonema plants with a balanced fertilizer once a month, only during the growing season.
- Compost is a great, natural fertilizer. Add a layer about half an inch thick to the top of the soil, for a slow release of nutrients into the soil.
Propagation
- Aglaonema plants can be propagated by division when repotting the plant. Use shears or a garden spade to divide the roots. Smaller pieces can be potted up and will grow into their own plant.
Health
Diseases
- Aglaonema are sensitive to pest infestations. They are commonly affected by scale, mealy bugs, spider mites, and insects. Check stems and under leaves regularly and treat any infestations immediately.
- These plants can also fall victim to fungal and bacterial infections if overwatered. Avoid overwatering and prune away any unhealthy leaves.
Maintenance (pruning, legginess, repotting)
- Aglaonema are slow-growing plants. They’ll only need to be repotted once every other year, into a container two inches larger in diameter.
Toxicity
- Aglaonema is toxic to pets and humans. Ingestion of any parts of the plant will likely lead to stomach and mouth irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.