Aglaonema is a member of the aroid family and is considered a close relative of Dieffenbachia and Anthuriums, however, it is not yet so popular. Its homeland is the tropical moist forests of Southeast Asia (India, Malay Archipelago). It grows under the cover of trees, in humid conditions, as well as along the banks of various reservoirs. Find out which species and photos of aglaonema there are, as well as how to care for this amazing flower at home.
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Description of Aglaonema
Aglaonema has many oblong leaves, usually no more than 15 centimeters in length, and the plant itself rarely reaches 70 centimeters in height. The color of the leaves in different species can vary significantly. Aglaonema blooms profusely, but this requires special conditions, which are very, very difficult to achieve while living in an apartment..
Aglaonema types
It is impossible not to say about the benefits that she brings, being in the apartment. The fact is that the plant can kill streptococci, which can cause various diseases. However, in contact with aglaonema, you should be careful – such contact can lead to irritation of the mucous membranes, so it is recommended to keep the plant away from pets and small children..
How to properly care for Aglaonema at home
When growing at home, Aglaonema needs well-drained soil with the addition of rippers (coconut fiber, perlite, sphagnum moss, vermiculite, and so on). It is not difficult to make your own soil for aglaonema: you need to take leafy soil, peat and one of the cultivators listed above and mix in approximately equal proportions. If it is not possible to create a substrate for aglaonema yourself, you can buy soil for bulbous plants in the store..
Simple types of aglaonem, with green foliage, are not very demanding on lighting and can grow both on the windowsill and indoors, where there is not so much light. Variegated Aglaonema species require diffuse and bright lighting. It must also be remembered that when growing a plant on a windowsill, you need to protect it from direct rays in order to avoid sunburn..
The most optimal temperature for uniform growth of aglaonema is 23-25 degrees. The temperature should never drop below 17 degrees, otherwise the plant may die suddenly. Also, the aglaonema should not be put on drafts at all – even the slightest draft can lead to death..
Aglaonema simply needs constant air humidity. Often, without moisture, the leaves of the plant begin to turn yellow and die off, ultimately losing its decorative effect. If it is not possible to spray the plant 2-3 times every day, you can put a container filled with water near the pot.
Watering aglaonema when grown at home should be moderate and frequent, however, an excess of moisture in the soil can lead to root rot. To prevent such a nuisance from happening, you need a good drainage layer at the bottom of the pot, which will easily remove excess water from the pot..
Aglaonems are propagated by cuttings, seeds and children. Growing a plant from seeds is laborious and time consuming. That is why the most popular methods are dividing cuttings and separating babies from the mother plant..
If you want to Aglaonema decorated your windowsill, then provide her with the correct home care. With your own hands, you can grow beautiful flowers that will refresh the interior and emphasize its uniqueness.