The Adaptable Chinese Evergreen Plant Aglaonema

It is a popular indoor plant reputed for removing toxins found inside the house. Formaldehyde and Benzene are toxins that are found in everyday domiciliary items such as paints, plastics, rubber and ink. Benzene is used in manufacturing industry in dyes and detergents. It has some use in pharmacy too. The plant also absorbs formaldehyde.

A beautiful looking plant, it is easy to maintain in low light conditions and if at all requires very low maintenance. Some of the species are adaptable to sunlight but most of them prefer shades or morning sunlight of 2,3 hours.

They cannot withstand scorching sunlight and soon start withering away. In India, they are loved and cherished as indoor plants. I have kept some of the bigger and sun tolerant plants in partial sunlight outdoors. I am careful to change their location during harsh summer months of India. In Bangalore the summer lasts 2 months, one can start seeing early monsoon shots in April and May.

Best time to water aglaonema is when the top inch dries out. I usually water my plants when my thumb cannot easily permeate through the soil in the pots. All my plants are in pots. The advantage of having them in pots is they can be relocated whenever I want.

One can multiply the plants after a while when they start outgrowing the pots. Propagating Aglaonema is through root division and stem cuttings. It is a slow growing plant and my observations with propagation are that some species are difficult to propagate. One can find no movement, no offshoots in the freshly propagated cuttings for weeks together. It is, however; very rewarding to see offshoots sprouting from the young seedling. My advice – be patient and do not disturb the cutting because beneath the soil, it is slowly developing the root system.

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No part of the Aglaonema plant should be consumed. People having pets should take extra care. The sap of this plant can cause soreness and inflammation. People having sensitive skin should keep away from the juice of this plant. No medicinal properties are discovered yet.