March 2019 - 26

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GROWING AGLAONEMA
Aglaonema are typically propagated by cuttings.
These cuttings are typically shoots coming from the
base of the mother plant. The plants can also be
developed from tissue culture and seed, but cuttings
are the most popular propagule.
Production of aglaonema is typically done in 4-inch,
1-gallon and 3-gallon pots. In general, the colored
aglaonemas will require a longer grow time than the
green varieties, although that can differ between the
different cultivars.
Pot Size
4 Inch
1 Gallon
3 Gallon
Plants
Per Pot
1
1-2
3
Green
Grow Time
Colored
Grow Time
3-4 Months 4-5 Months
5-6 Months 6-7 Months
8-10 Months 9-12 Months
Aglaonema grow naturally in the bottom layer of
the rainforest, so they will need shade for production.
The green varieties tend to handle sun better than
the colored varieties, but it does differ between the
cultivars. Typical shade levels are between 73 and 90
percent, resulting in light levels between 1,000 and
2,400 foot-candles.
Aglaonema should be planted in a soil mix that has
excellent aeration. Plants that are in heavy, wet mixes
are prone to rot. Consider using a peat/perlite or a
peat/coir mix.
Temperature levels are very important on this crop.
The best growth for them will be when their soil and
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air temperatures are between 70 and 85° F.
If the soil temperature drops below 65° F,
growth will come to a crawl and stop as the
temperature drops lower. Make sure that the
air temperature is always maintained above
55° F as chill burn can occur. As with the grow
times, there is a difference between the green
and the colored aglaonema with a little more
resistance to cold for the green cultivars.
Aglaonemas can be very sensitive to higher
salt levels, causing tip burn on the leaves
as well as root burn. They are far better off
receiving more frequent, yet lower EC levels of
feed. In general, they prefer a feed with a ratio
of 3-1-2. Be sure to watch your copper levels
in the tissue as deficiency can be a problem.
Unfortunately, aglaonemas can be susceptible
to both bacterial and fungal issues. A good
monitoring and spray rotation can keep them
clean. The most common bacterial issues
for them are Erwinia and Xanthamonas. The
most common fungal issues are Fusarium,
Colletortichum, Myrothecium and Pythium.
These beautiful plants are also attractors
of insects as well. It seems we aren't the
only ones that love them! The most common
issues on aglaonemas are mealybugs, but it
is possible to occasionally see scale as well.
SUMMARY
Although they can initially seem to
be a challenging plant to grow, proper
monitoring can make them simple. They
are an incredible foliage plant that can
survive indoors for a long period of time.
The popularity of them has grown from
1 percent of the foliage production in the
1960s to over 6 percent currently. There
are many more interesting cultivars being
developed as we speak. I anticipate seeing
them in the " new products " section of our
trade shows every year.
Andrew Britten is product development manager
with ForemostCo Inc. He can be reached at
andrewb@ foremostco.com.
http://www.oricultura.com http://www.GPNMAG.COM
March 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March 2019
