Are you looking for an indoor plant to brighten your bathroom? Then look no further than the aglaonemas (pronounced ag-la-o-nemas). Commonly known as Chinese evergreens, these perennials are natives of the shady tropical forests of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Aglaonemas are grown for their striking variegated foliage, which has been hybridised into various shades of green, yellow and silvery white. The plants will sometimes produce small, arum-like flowers, and, if you are lucky, bright red berries.
What are the ideal growing conditions for aglaonemas?
* Light: Prized for their ability to thrive in conditions of low light, aglaonemas are known to become leggy if placed in bright light. Interior plantscapers use them extensively in offices as the artificial light of an office situation is sufficient for their general well-being. The more silver grey in the leaves, the greater the tolerance to low light.
* Watering and fertiliser: Keep the potting mix damp, but not soggy. Use tepid water and ensure that the plant is not standing in water that accumulates in the drip tray. Aglaonemas loathe wet feet. In winter, keep the plant a little on the dry side, but never allow the leaves to wilt. Fertilise regularly during spring and summer with an organic liquid fertiliser.
* Soil: Aglaonemas do best in a good commercial potting soil.
* Transplanting: Transplant your aglaonema in spring, using wide, shallow pots. When transplanting, remove any of the old lumps and replant only the fresh growth. - Saturday Star