How to cut aglaonema. We grow a plant from the tropics, aglaonema, on a window sill. Changeable or changeable

Despite the fact that the main character of our article is a tropical plant, caring for an aglaonema at home is not difficult. It is enough to follow a few rules regarding lighting, watering and temperature, and your flower will delight you and your guests for many years. Next, we will analyze each rule separately, and touch on all the nuances. Also, in this article, we will not bypass the problems that some flower growers have with poor-quality care for aglaonema. But first things first.

The plant needs to create conditions close to natural. In the wild, aglaonema grows in the shade of tall trees, so placing a room specimen in the open sun is contraindicated. Direct sunlight falling on the leaves can cause burns. At the same time, the required amount of light and the length of daylight hours depend on the cultivated variety. Some varieties (for example, Crete) like to grow in the shade, while others, more often variegated (for example, the Silver Queen), prefer bright light throughout the day. If this is not ensured, they will lose their decorative effect, and their color will fade. In winter, the plant needs a little additional lighting with a phytolamp.

Based on the foregoing, the ideal location for the aglaonema is the sill of the east window. Protect the plant from drafts. It loves fresh air, so try not to place the pot in the kitchen. Ventilate the room more often, but do not let the flower stand in a draft.

In summer, the air temperature is considered to be 20-25 degrees. In winter, it is better to lower the temperature to 16-18 degrees, but not lower. Avoid sudden temperature changes.

Watering and humidity

For irrigation, only soft water (settled, rain, melt), room temperature is used. During the growing season (spring and summer), aglaonema should be watered abundantly as soon as the topsoil is dry. In the autumn-winter period, watering is reduced and is carried out a couple of days after the topsoil dries out. But it should be remembered that overflow is as detrimental to the plant as drought. Monitor the condition of the plant closely.

Like all tropical guests, Aglaonema likes high humidity. If the humidity in the room is too low, the leaves will slow down and the tips and edges will begin to dry out. Spray the plant periodically with a spray bottle. It is also recommended to put the pot on a pallet with damp expanded clay or pebbles. Just make sure that the bottom of the pot does not touch the water, otherwise the roots may rot.

In winter, aglaonema should be sprayed if the air temperature in the room has not dropped to 16-18 degrees and heating devices are working nearby. If you were able to arrange a cool winter for the flower, and it still stands on a pallet with wet expanded clay, you do not need to spray it.

Top dressing

Aglaonema is fed only during the period of active growth - from early spring to late summer. Fertilizers must contain nitrogen and potassium, and must not contain lime. Organic fertilizers alternate with mineral fertilizers, they need to be applied once every 2 weeks. The permissible concentration should be indicated in the instructions on the fertilizer package.

Top dressing should be done immediately after watering. It is recommended to apply top dressing not only by watering method, but also by spraying. But in this case, during the feeding, the aglaonema should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

The first plant transplant is required within a week after purchase. Aglaonema needs to be transplanted from the store soil into the "correct" home soil. Then young specimens are transplanted every spring, and adults every 4-5 years. Every time the roots of the aglaonema are completely entwined with an earthen ball, you need to take a pot 2-3 cm larger. The pot must have drainage holes, and it must be high enough to accommodate a thick layer of drainage. At the same time, the volume of the pot should not be large - so the plant will give more energy to the formation and growth of leaves, and less to the formation of roots.

Please note that aglaonema is poisonous, so carry out all work with the flower in gloves, or wash your hands with soap and water after work. Otherwise, the skin may become irritated.

Aglaonema loves loose sour soil. You can prepare the soil yourself, observing the following proportions:

• leaf land - 6 parts;
• sod land or humus - 1 part;
• sand or perlite - 2 parts;
• peat - 2 parts;
• charcoal - 2 parts.

Step by step transplant process

1. We fill the selected pot with drainage (pebbles, broken brick, expanded clay) by about a quarter.
2. We fill up the prepared substrate so that it, together with the drainage, takes up half the volume of the pot.
3. Remove the aglaonema from the old pot and gently shake the roots off the ground.
4. After spreading the roots, place the plant in a new pot in the center.
5. We fill up the earth so that only the trunk is visible.
6. Water abundantly.

Anti-aging pruning

When the aglaonema is old, its trunk will be exposed. This will be a sign that the plant needs anti-aging pruning. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the top so that a bare stump remains in the pot. Treat the cut with crushed coal. Continue grooming the hemp and new buds will soon appear on it. After a while, aglaonema will again become a beautiful lush bush.

The cut off part can be used for propagation. We will discuss this below.

How to make aglaonema more bushy

To make your specimen more bushy, there are a few rules and tricks you need to follow.

1. The pot should be quite tight. First of all, the aglaonema gives all its strength to ensure that its roots fill the entire volume of the pot, and only then the rapid growth of foliage begins.
2. To stimulate the growth of additional leaves, you can pinch the upper buds.
3. You can cut off shoots at a distance of 5 cm from the ground, root them in water and plant them in a pot next to the mother plant.

Reproduction of aglaonema

The plant reproduces well in almost all popular ways: cuttings, seeds, root division.

Propagation by cuttings

Reproduction in this way is best done in the spring. The apical stalk cut off during pruning can be used for propagation. To do this, divide it into several parts 10-15 cm in length, so that each part has leaves. Treat the cuts with crushed charcoal. Leave the cuttings in the fresh air overnight to dry. Then place the planting material in a container with a moist substrate (consisting of peat and sand), deepening by 5 cm. It is recommended to cover the cuttings with a transparent bag or a glass lid to create greenhouse conditions. Place the container in a warm place with a temperature of 22-25 degrees. Remember to ventilate the greenhouse and moisten the substrate if necessary. After about a month, the cuttings will give roots. When this happens, transplant them into separate pots filled with soil for adult plants, the composition of which we wrote about in the "Transplant" paragraph, and take care of all the rules of caring for aglaonema.

Cuttings can also be rooted in water, as shown in the video.

This method does not guarantee the safety of the varietal characteristics of the parent specimen. Aglaonema seeds can either be bought in a store or obtained on their own, because it happens that the plant self-pollinates. In this case, after a nondescript flowering, fruits in the form of berries are formed on your flower. Their color can be any shade from yellow to red, depending on the variety. Do not pick the berries until they are ripe.

There are seeds in the pulp of the fruit. After ripening, remove them and rinse well with water. Just do not rinse them over the sink, otherwise you risk losing the planting material, which will easily slip through your fingers. We recommend sowing seeds immediately, because they quickly lose their germination.

Fill a container with a 1: 1 mixture of peat and sand, water, and sow seeds into it. Place the container in a warm place and wait for shoots to emerge. They will appear relatively quickly. As soon as the first real leaves appear on them, cut the seedlings into separate cups. When they grow up, they can be transplanted into separate pots with a substrate for adult specimens. They will become full-fledged fluffy bushes after 3-4 years.

Reproduction by dividing the root

For this method of reproduction, adult highly overgrown specimens with a healthy and well-developed root system are suitable. It is convenient to propagate aglaonema by dividing the root during transplantation.

1. After removing the bush from the pot, shake off the earthen ball, rinse the roots with water and inspect them carefully. Remove damaged areas, if any.
2. Using a sharp knife or scissors, divide the rhizome into the required number of parts so that each of them has healthy shoots and at least 3 leaves.
3. Sprinkle the cut sites with crushed activated charcoal or charcoal.
4. Plant each of the received specimens in pre-prepared pots according to the rules specified in the paragraph "Transfer", water well.
5. Place in a warm place, water and spray.
6. Evidence that the plant rooted normally and did not get sick will be the appearance of young leaves. Then you can put the pot in its permanent place.

What will lead to mistakes in leaving

If you carefully look after the aglaonema, observing all the rules and nuances of cultivation, diseases and pests will most likely bypass your pet. And yet, you need to be prepared for any situation, so we recommend that you familiarize yourself with this paragraph, in which we will indicate what certain care errors can lead to.

• Aglaonema's stem rots. This is caused by prolonged stagnation of moisture in the pot. You may be watering your flower too much. The best way out of the situation is to prune the top, non-rotting part of the stem, root it and plant it in a new pot.
• The leaves turn black and curl. This happens when the room temperature is too low or the aglaonema is in a draft. Increase the temperature of the flower maintenance and the problem will disappear.
• The leaves turn pale, the plant loses its decorative effect. Your flower lacks light or nutrients. Observe the correct feeding regime and move the pot to a more illuminated place.
• Dry spots appeared on the leaves, sometimes yellow and white.Most likely, these are sunburn. Reposition the aglaonema out of direct sunlight.
• The tips of the leaves turn brown. The plant lacks moisture in the air. Spray more often, place on a pallet with wet expanded clay.
• There are dark spots on the leaves. You are most likely watering the plant with cold or hard water. We remind you that the water should be settled, at room temperature or slightly higher. Add 0.2 g citric acid to 10 liters of water and water the flower with this solution for a while.
• The lower leaves turned yellow. This is normal. Gradually, with age, the lower leaves turn yellow and fall off, exposing the trunk. The problem can only be solved by rejuvenating the bush, described in the paragraph "Anti-aging pruning".
• The edges of the leaves dry and deform. This happens when there is insufficient watering. Water the aglaonema a little more often and the problem should go away.
• Wet droplets on the tips of the leaves (aglaonema "cries"). Your copy gets rid of excess moisture. You may be spraying the plant too often or the air in your room is too humid.
• The flower grows very slowly or does not grow at all. Do not forget to remove spoiled leaves, they take away the strength of the plant. If it's not about them, then, most likely, a lack of lighting or watering with cold hard water affects. But we will remind you that aglaonema is a slow growing flower, so it may be early to sound the alarm.

Aglaonema diseases and pests

If gray or brown soft spots appear on the leaves and stem of your pet, then most likely she is sick gray mold... While the disease is in its initial stage, you can try to cure it by spraying with Topaz or a 1% solution of Bordeaux liquid. If the disease has already affected most of the plant, it is necessary to remove all aboveground and underground affected parts and transplant the aglaonema into a new soil and pot.

Quite often, aglaonema is affected by a fungal disease - rust... You will recognize it by its golden-yellow spots on the top of the leaf and orange velvety pads on the bottom. The affected parts of the plant will have to be removed, and ground sulfur should be sprayed on the rest.

If aglaonema grows weak, pests can attack it.

• Mealybug.White fluffy pests on stems and leaves. As a result of their invasion, the leaves dry, curl and fall off. Insecticides such as Actellik, Fitoverm, Fazol will help in the fight against them. Use them strictly following the instructions on the packages.
• Spider mite.Recognizable by the small cobweb on the lower part of the leaf and sinuses. Spray the bush with Aktara or Zolon, according to the instructions. You can try to get by with the folk method - to bathe aglaonema under a hot shower (about 45 degrees), manually washing off all the cobwebs and insects.
• Aphid.Aphids can be easily spotted on the underside of the leaf. Use Actellic, Aktara, Lannata.
• Shield.It can be seen with the naked eye. These are brown bumps located on the leaves and stems of the plant. The scabbard should be removed manually, removing each copy with a damp cloth soaked in soapy water. The procedure must be repeated several times with an interval of 3-4 days, since after the first time larvae may remain.
• Thrips.These are very small insects located on the back of the leaf. The thrips larvae are in the soil, so the first step is to remove and discard the topsoil from the aglaonema pot. Then wipe the leaves and stems with a sponge with soapy water, and after 4 hours spray with Fitoverm solution.
• Whitefly.Small flying insects of white color. They live on the back of the leaves. Use Confidor, Mospilan (1 treatment) or Actellik (up to 4 treatments in 5-6 days). Conventional flying insect repellents such as a fumigator and duct tape can help.

Conclusion

Aglaonema is able to decorate any home, thanks to its expressive, fluffy foliage. This plant is so unpretentious, and it has so many species and varieties that most gardeners do not limit themselves to just one copy, but immediately start a whole collection. We will gladly help you to choose a variety to get acquainted with this amazing flower, or to replenish your collection with the help of an article.

Aglaonema is a large plant with long, leathery leaves that range in length from 10 to 30 centimeters. They are evergreen flowers with short, thick stems. Young herbaceous shoots do not have a prominent stem.

Translated from Greek, the word "aglaia" means shine. Flowers have been growing for over 50 years. They love warmth, grow slowly, which is why they need to be repotted frequently. Flowers do not tolerate smoke and draft.

The homeland of Aglaonema is South and East Asia, islands in the Indian and Pacific Ocean, the Philippines. Today, American and European breeders have developed a huge number of varieties of flowers that differ in the color of the leaves depending on the species.

Aglaonema fills the air with freshness and purity, releasing substances that destroy microbes. However, along with this, you should know and remember that the juice and berries of the plant are poisonous. Therefore, if there are children in the house, you need to make sure that they do not touch the flowers. When handling the plant, it is best to use gloves and remember to wash your hands.

Basic requirements for the care of Aglaonema

The flower, like many indoor plants, is not picky about care, unpretentious to environmental conditions. However, you should pay attention to how to properly organize watering for the plant at home, how to fertilize it and where to put it so that it grows quickly and turns green.

Location and lighting

Aglaonema is a flower that is indifferent to light. Direct sunlight can harm, leaving burns on the leaves. It is optimal to choose a semi-dark place for the plant.

Indoor Aglaonema home care photo

However, some varieties of flowers with a variegated color (aglaonema with silver-marble leaves), it is better to put on a window where there is diffused lighting.

Temperature regime

Even small drafts and temperature drops are not allowed for the plant. In winter, the temperature in the room should not reach below + 16C. The optimum temperature for flower growth is + 20-25C.

Watering and spraying

In nature, Aglaonema receives abundant watering every day and grows in soil with good moisture. Therefore, indoor plants are also moisture-loving. The soil in the flowerpot should not be dry.

In winter, the flower is watered sparingly, and the leaves are sprayed with cool soft water. Sometimes you can wash the plant in warm water under the shower. This will have a good effect on her growth.

Top dressing and fertilization

Aglaonema responds well to organic and mineral feeding, as a rule, they alternate. Lime fertilizer is best avoided. You need to feed the plant during the growing season every 15-20 days.

It is not recommended to feed aglaonema in winter.

Foliar feeding will also be useful for the plant. They are carried out every ten days by spraying with a weak fertilizer solution. The procedure is performed on cloudy days to avoid leaf burns.

Caring for Aglaonema at home during the rest period

The dormant period for a flower lasts from September to February. It is characterized by growth retardation.

During this period, the temperature of the plant should be at least 16-18 degrees Celsius, the flower is not fed, watering is provided regularly. Dry hot air from batteries should also be avoided.

Aglaonema's venom

The flower attracts the attention of those around it with berries. Aglaonema belongs to the aroid family and, like most of them, is poisonous. The flower is considered dangerous to human health. Its juice and berries can irritate the skin and mucous membranes.

If you do not neglect the precautions, then in general Aglaonem does not pose a great danger. It is important to place it correctly and monitor the children closely. After that, you will not need to worry, and you can enjoy the lush and beautiful leaves of the flower.

Propagation of Aglaonema by cuttings

The plant reproduces throughout the growing season. It must be healthy and tall. Most often, reproduction is carried out by root suckers, dividing the mother plant, seeds and stem cuttings. We will talk about the last of the types of reproduction.

So, the propagation of aglaonema by cuttings is considered a laborious and time-consuming process.

First, the upper part of the shoot is cut from the stem. On the cut, the plant is treated with charcoal. You can also use activated charcoal (2-3 tablets). In a previously prepared mixed in equal proportions, moistened peat and sand, a cutting with two buds is planted to a depth of 4-5 cm.

It is better to root aglaonema in small greenhouses with fertile soil. Therefore, at home, the containers where the sprout is located are covered with cellophane or a transparent cap. At room temperature, adventitious roots will be formed after 30 days.

After the cuttings have taken root, they are planted in or in different flowerpots separately.

Cutting is best done in spring and summer. Placing flowerpots with young seedlings on the windowsills, it is better to choose the northeast or northwest.

Diseases and pests

Aglaonema is resistant to infections. However, improper home care can lead to flower infection.

The plant has the following problems:

• Spider mite. The pest settles under the leaves, forming a thin web. The tick is dangerous because it drinks the juice of the plant. you can treat the flower with insecticides, in other words, with chemicals, or pouring hot water over it for two minutes.
• The appearance of gray rot... The disease appears on the sheets of aglaonema in the form of gray spots, soft to the touch. A solution of copper sulfate will help to remove rot, as well as the removal of the affected parts of the flower.
• Root rot... Over-watering, low temperatures and cold water can be the cause. The problem can be solved by the following actions: increase the temperature, reduce watering, remove the affected roots, water the plant only with warm water.
• Aphid attack... If you observe that the leaves begin to curl, then most likely the aglaonema is attacked by aphids. Usually this pest does not hide, but forms its colonies on the underside of the leaf. To get rid of aphids, you need to acquire such drugs: Lannata or Aktara. You can use folk remedies, for example, spray the plant with an infusion of garlic or onions.
• Rust formation... This is a kind of fungus that infects the leaves of the aglaonema with orange growths, soft to the touch. The upper part of the leaf is covered with golden spots. In this case, the diseased leaves are cut off, and the bush is completely treated with young sulfur.

In nature, there are many varieties, species and subspecies of plants. Most of the flowers have glossy leaves with pronounced veins. Read more about crops below.

Aglaonema Crete

A popular aglaonema flower variety among florists for its red and green flowers. Its height reaches 70 cm. The stems of the plant are erect, the leaves are brightly colored.

An undemanding crop that grows in the lower tiers of tropical forests, on shallow bodies of water and on river banks. The flower takes out the shadow. It is characterized by dark green leaves with a silvery edging. The shape of the leaves is oval, 25-30 cm long. For ease of care, the plant can often be seen in offices.

Stripes

Slow growing plant, easy to care for. Aglaonema is prized among gardeners for its patterned, leathery leaves. The culture blooms in summer, forming inflorescences in the form of cobs, which are not of decorative value.

The variety is distinguished by small leaves growing up to 15 cm. They are green with a silvery pattern.

Curly

The popular aglaonem species grows up to a meter in height. The stem of the flower is covered with silvery leaves. Typically, the length of the leaf reaches 30 cm. The edges of the leaves are wavy.

Aglaonema the Silver Queen

Silver Queen grows up to 40 cm in good light. The leaves of the crop are usually silver-blue in color.

Aglaonema the Silver King

The small dimensions of the Silver King flower allow you to put it in any interior. The plant has leaves of a green-silver color, brightening up in the center of the leaf plate with a light pattern.

Aglaonema Ribbed

This type of aglaonema flower is still found in the southwest of Malaysia in the humid tropics. The species is recognized by scientists as the smallest among its relatives. Oval leaves grow up to 20 cm.Dense leaf plates are green with white strokes of different sizes.

Aglaonema Cutlass

The shrub has long leaves of a light green hue with a central vein and edging of a dark green color.

Caring for an aglaonema at home requires simple but effective rules. Adhering to all the tips and tricks, a flower will appear in your home that will thank you for your care and attention with bright colors and lush growth.
Aglaonema is the ideal plant choice to create a cozy atmosphere in your home or office, whichever variety you choose. Hiding from the rays of the sun, she will remain in the shade.

It is considered the closest relative of Dieffenbachia and has a similar description with it. It is an evergreen herb with an erect fleshy stem. In some types of aglaonema, the trunk branches almost at the very base.

Young specimens do not have a pronounced stem. In adult plants, a short stem is formed, on which the remains of the bases of fallen leaves are well preserved.

The plant has dense leathery large leaves covered with a pattern, reaching a length of 25 to 30 centimeters and placed on long petioles. Different varieties of Aglaonem have different leaf colors. Aglaonema is slow enough, and therefore it will not be able to please the owner with an intensive pace of development.

We create optimal conditions for successful cultivation

Aglaonema is a representative of the Aroid family. In its natural environment, the bush chose the lower tiers of tropical forests as its habitat; it can also be found on the banks of rivers, lakes and swamps. The moderately shade-tolerant aglaonema, due to its unpretentiousness, will not create problems when leaving at home even for novice growers, but its glossy, dark green leaves with a silvery edge will easily become the main decoration of any apartment.

Location and lighting

Aglaonema prefers northern or eastern window sills. Also, specimens with green leaves will feel great when installed away from windows, in places with insufficient lighting.

Did you know? Instances with variegated leaves love bright, diffused light, but at the same time they must be protected from direct sunlight. If the bushes of the variegated aglaonema chronically suffer from lack of light, they may lose their decorative qualities.

The plant tolerates partial shade well, and too bright sun rays can cause the appearance of burns on its leaves.

The photophobia of aglaonema is explained by the fact that in its natural environment it hides under the branches of tropical trees, where sunlight practically does not penetrate. This allows aglaonema pots to be placed in the darkest corners of the house where other plants cannot survive.

Temperature regime

Aglaonema is insensitive to temperature fluctuations: in summer, the plant easily tolerates temperatures up to +30 degrees, and in winter it is not afraid of a drop in temperature to +15 degrees. Despite the wide temperature range, the plant feels comfortable at temperatures from +20 to + 25 degrees.

Carefully caring for aglaonema

By choosing the right place for the aglaonema in the house and providing it with the appropriate lighting, temperature, air humidity, feeding and watering, you can be sure that the plant receives everything it needs for a comfortable life.

Watering and humidity

Aglaonema is quite hygrophilous, and therefore, when growing it, it is necessary to ensure that the earthen lump in the pot never dries out in the warm season, as this will negatively affect its development.

To make the plant feel comfortable in summer, you will need to spray the bush every day and regularly clean its leaves from accumulated dust.

Important! Aglaonema has beautiful glossy leaves. But to improve their decorative qualities, you should not clean them with a solution to add shine, as this will negatively affect the development of the bush and may even cause the death of the entire plant..

However, for the normal development of the bush with the onset of cold weather, it is very important that the soil between watering is almost completely dry, which will help prevent the development of fungal phytoinfections.

In the cold season, the bushes are watered every two weeks. In winter, the plant does not need to be sprayed: it is enough if you give him a warm shower once a month or wipe the leaves with a damp sponge. If brown spots appear on the leaves of the pet, then this is a clear sign that she is suffering from improper watering.

Plant feeding

Aglaonema needs feeding all year round. During active vegetative growth, the bushes are fed at least twice a month. In winter, fertilize is applied once a month. Fertilizers are used for feeding, which contain nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, as well as zinc, magnesium, manganese, B vitamins and phytohormones.

Aglaonema toxicity

Aglaonema is very poisonous, and therefore, when caring for the bushes, try to carry out all manipulations with rubber gloves, since even a slight contact of juice on the skin or its contact with the leaves and fruits of the plant in sensitive people can cause severe irritation.

Especially it is necessary to take responsibility for the choice of the place of installation of the pet, if there are small children in the house.

Disease and pest control

Aglaonema has excellent immunity, but still sometimes you have to save it from diseases and pests that can cause significant harm to the plant.

Most often, aglaonema bushes suffer from thrips, aphids and scale insects.

If you noticed that for some reason the leaves of your aglaonema began to curl, then study their reverse side: you will probably notice there red spider mite. On infected bushes, the leaves are deformed, turn yellow and fall off, and with massive seeding, the plant can begin to lag behind in growth and even die.
In order not to miss pests, it is necessary to systematically inspect the bushes for infection with insect pests. When aphids are found you should rinse the bushes under running water and treat its leaves with a strong soapy solution. When infecting pets with a shield you should wipe their leaves with a sponge dipped in an alcohol solution.

In case of massive seeding, the bushes are treated with "Aktellik" or "Fufanon" at the rate of 15 or 20 drops of the drug per liter of water. When a plant is infected with a spider mite, it is sprayed with "Pegasus" or "Decis".

Aglaonema is resistant to most phytoinfections, but at the same time it is absolutely defenseless against gray mold and leaf spot. If you notice traces of the disease on the leaves, then you must immediately treat the plants with any fungicidal agent, for example, "Acrobat" or "Euparen".

Many breeders are tormented by the question, why do Aglaonema leaves turn yellow? The thing is that the leaves of this plant are an indicator of its health and comfortable conditions. If the leaves turn yellow and sluggish, it means that the aglaonema is suffering from cold. In the event that their edges have acquired a brown color, and the plant itself began to significantly lag behind in growth, this is a sure symptom of being watered with cold and hard water.

Also, sometimes, if the basic rules of cultivation are not followed, the tips of the leaves of the aglaonema may shrink and turn brown.

This suggests that the bush suffers from too dry air. More frequent spraying of the plant will help solve the problem and return it to a healthy look.

The appearance of white spots on the leaves of the bush - a sign that the plant has been exposed to direct sunlight.

All about Aglaonema transplant

An important part of the successful cultivation of aglaonema is considered to be transplanted after purchase. The thing is that a bush cannot grow in low-quality soil, which is not able to meet all its nutrient needs.

Important! Be careful when handling, replanting and breeding aglaonema, as the juice protruding from the incisions is very toxic. If it comes into contact with the skin, mucous membranes of the mouth or the cornea of \u200b\u200bthe eye, it will cause pain, redness and inflammation. In this regard, all manipulations with the bush should be carried out with rubber gloves.

Aglaonema is not capricious, but the choice of soil for transplanting should be taken very responsibly, since it prefers to grow on light and loose soils, characterized by good aeration and moisture permeability. In order for aglaonema to grow and develop normally, it is advisable to use a soil substrate for its cultivation, consisting of peat, sand and leafy earth in a ratio of 1 x 1 x 2.

To prevent the defeat of the bushes with a fungal infection, it is recommended to add a little crushed charcoal to the substrate.

In addition to the correct selection of the substrate, it is imperative to equip a good drainage layer in the pot, which will prevent water stagnation and soil acidification. The plant does great when grown hydroponically or in an aquarium.

For good leaf growth, it needs limited space for roots, and therefore when choosing a new pot, pay attention to the fact that it should be only a couple of centimeters larger in volume than the previous one.

Aglaonema grows very slowly, and therefore young bushes need to be replanted annually. When the pet reaches the age of three - no more than once every two or three years. It is better to transplant in the spring at the beginning of the active growth stage, which will increase the bush's chances of survival.

Aglaonema breeding methods

If you are going to start breeding an overseas beauty, then you should know how aglaonema reproduces. Reproduction of aglaonema at home can be done in three ways:

• cuttings;
• sowing seeds;
• dividing the bush.

Which method to choose depends on the preferences of the grower and the availability of free time.

Growing from seeds

Growing aglaonema from seeds is ideal for those who plan to get a large amount of planting material in a short period of time.

Did you know? Aglaonema seedlings grow much more slowly than cuttings, and therefore this method is not suitable for those who want to get several mature plants as soon as possible.

You can simply buy aglaonema seeds, or you can collect them yourself if you have an adult flowering plant in the house. When collecting seeds, make sure that the berries are well separated from the cob and have a deep red color.

After picking the berries, seeds are immediately removed from them, thoroughly washed and dried. Fresh seeds have excellent germination, but during storage, their quality will be steadily reduced.

Seeds are sown in containers with prepared substrate, covered with glass or foil and placed in a warm, dark place. As the substrate dries up, it is recommended to irrigate it from a spray bottle.

The containers are ventilated once a day to prevent mold from covering the seeds. After the seedlings have acquired a pair of true leaves, they can be transplanted into separate containers.

Aglaonema reproduces well by cuttings. Due to its simplicity and high degree of efficiency, this method is considered the favorite of many plant breeders. To obtain cuttings, lateral and apical shoots, as well as trunk segments, are used.

For fast rooting, the trunk sections must have at least a couple of leaves. The place on the bush where the stalk was cut should be treated with chopped charcoal, which will dry the wound and prevent infection from entering it.

The resulting cuttings are planted in a prepared substrate and watered well. To increase the likelihood of rooting, the sprouts can be covered with jars or parts of plastic bottles. Containers with cuttings are placed in a warm place until rooting is complete.

Cuttings need systematic hydration. To prevent mold infection of plants, they are ventilated daily, which also provides them with an influx of fresh air.

Division of rhizomes

Dividing rhizomes is another convenient and easy way to propagate aglaonema. When performing this operation, the grower will only need to handle the bushes as carefully as possible, since this plant is poisonous.

In the process of growing aglaonema, the plant breeder may notice that as it grows up, his bush has grown very much, and young shoots have appeared on it. In this case, young shoots are separated and used as planting material.

Seedlings with healthy leaves and a well-developed root system are suitable for planting. The seedlings are covered with jars or plastic bags until they are fully rooted, which makes it possible to create the most comfortable microclimate for the formation of roots. Further care for the sprouts consists in timely watering and regular spraying.

Aglaonema is a small attractive plant that stays green all year round. Today, indoor aglaonema is not so common in homes, but knowing the benefits and rules of caring for this unpretentious plant will definitely settle in your soul the desire to acquire it. Let us examine these points in more detail later.

Characteristics and types of aglaonema

It is believed that this plant has an amazing property to cleanse the air of toxic substances released from low-quality furniture and fights streptococcal bacteria (for example, Aglaonema is modest).

Let's talk about the appearance of a plant like aglaonema. It has a short, thick stem, in some cases, the trunk has branches. The leaves are 10-15 cm long and have a smooth texture. The color is most often green, but multi-colored blotches and a pattern of stripes are also found.

In addition to its attractive appearance, aglaonema can bloom with proper and gentle care. The flowers are small, and later red berries form in their place.

• Aglaonema modest - has a green color, can grow in the shade;
• Aglaonema changeable has standing leaves in the form of an elongated ellipse;
• Aglaonema curly - the variety that has the largest number of ears and branches;

Home care for aglaonema

We list the necessary conditions for the successful growth of aglaonema:

This plant grows well only in warmth and is intolerant of drafts. The optimum temperature for its growth is not less than 17 ° С, and not more than 25 ° С. The most comfortable environment for a slide with a flower is near the aquarium or humidifier.

For aglaonema, a high level of humidity is required. In the hot season, you need to spray the leaves and regularly remove dust from their surface. Important! Do not apply a special shine solution to the leaves.

Top dressing

Spring, summer and the first months of autumn are best suited for top dressing. Preference should be given to substances containing nitrogen, but they need to be added only according to the instructions, and not more.

The frequency of feeding is about twice a month. Otherwise, you risk harming the plant instead of strengthening it. The cold season is not suitable for feeding.

The best soil for aglaonema is a mixture of peat, sand, and leafy soil. The soil must be able to pass water easily for effective irrigation.

Diseases

Breeding rules

Reproduction. The plant propagates using cuttings, seeds and detachments from plants. We will tell you more about the rules for plant propagation below. Aglaonema is not easy to propagate, since it grows and adapts to new conditions for a long time. Freshly planted aglaonema will not soon begin to bloom and bear fruit.

The best solution for replanting a bush is to separate the shoots with 4-5 leaves. Separation can be done after branching appears on the stem.

The top of the aged plant can also be cut off and used as a cutting. After 2-3 weeks, the cutting will start to take root. By the way, the plant needs to be propagated only in the warm season.

Let's talk a little about sowing seeds. Experienced and persistent farmers will give preference to this option. The first month of spring and the last month of winter are the best times to plant seeds in light soil. After planting, you need to moisten the ground and cover with glass.

It is necessary to constantly maintain the moisture of the soil and remove the glass daily to ventilate the soil. It is necessary to shade the seed pot a little.

Transfer

Young bushes need to be transplanted into new pots annually to create comfortable conditions. Adult plants do not need constant soil renewal and feel great in cramped pots, so a plant can be transplanted every 3-4 years.

Too large pots are also not suitable for the bush: in this case, excess moisture can stagnate in the soil. When conditions are right, your Aglaonema will bloom flowers that will delight you for a long time.

Conclusion

Aglaonema is a beautiful plant with an interesting appearance and a lot of varieties. In order to choose the most suitable plant, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the photo of the aglaonema on the Internet.

In addition, the plant is not too picky to care for and can be a great decoration for your room.

Aglaonema photo

Florists often grow houses of representatives of the distant tropics of East India. Aglaonema home care does not require heavy, but it is important to follow the rules for growing a plant so that it pleases with its decorative, variegated foliage of different colors. There are many varieties of the plant. Whichever variety you choose to grow at home, it is important to know how to care for aglaonema.

Brief description of the plant

Evergreen herbaceous plants have erect short fleshy stems. Young aglaonemas have almost no discernible stem. Adults release a short stalk.

Long or short petioles are dotted with dense, leathery, whole-cut leaves that have a broad-ovate or oblong-lanceolate shape. The color of the foliage depends on the type and variety of the plant. In the upper leaves, inflorescences are formed with a green-white veil. Inflorescence cobs can be thin, cylindrical, thick, clavate.

Within six months, the fruits ripen - juicy, bright orange berries with a ruby \u200b\u200bsheen. The fruits are oblong with one seed inside.

Aglaonema is grown in greenhouses with moderate air temperatures as a decorative leafy plant. But, most often the flower can be seen on the windowsills of houses when it is grown at home.

The plant comes in different varieties, among which there are the following types:

• modest (moderate) aglaonema grows to only 35 centimeters. It grows and develops very slowly. During the year, only 6 leaves are formed on the stem;
• aglaonema Maria Christina has large leaves of a silvery-gray shade curved outward. The plant grows up to 70 centimeters. Grows well in a shaded place, not whimsical to care for;
• aglaonema changeable has large dark green glossy oval leaves. The trunk is straight and grows up to 70 centimeters. Aglaonema variable grows best and reproduces indoors with diffused light;
• aglaonema crete or red is a compact plant with bright red-green leaves. Grows up to 30 centimeters in height;
• painted aglaonema reaches 60 centimeters in height. The trunk is strongly branched at the bottom. Leaves are densely located on numerous shoots. The foliage is elongated-elliptical, dark green with grayish spots. Some leaves are sometimes covered with silvery white spots;
• curly aglaonema grows up to 120 centimeters. On the vertical stem, there are semicircular leaf plates, the length of which reaches 30 centimeters. The leaves are silvery-matte, but glossy in the middle and along the edges.

Features of planting and transplanting a plant

The pot for planting a plant should be appropriate for its size. Florists recommend choosing a pot that is slightly cramped for a flower. With the formation of free space around the stem, the aglaonema begins to build up the root system, as a result of which the splendor and beauty of the plant will have to wait for a long time.

Read also: Perennial verbena, varieties and care

When buying a pot, choose a shallow and narrow container.

Soil preparation

The plant grows best in light, loose, moisture and air permeable soil. When buying soil from the store, choose a violet or azalea mix. To prepare a substrate for a flower, mix leafy soil (two parts) with red peat (one part), coarse sand (1 part). Additionally, add crushed charcoal to the mixture to drain the substrate.

Mature plants are transplanted every four years; it is recommended to change the topsoil in pots every year.

Landing instruction

Aglaonema flowers are planted in a pot as follows:

1. Fill the selected container with a two-centimeter layer of drainage: foam plastic, brick chips or expanded clay.
2. Fill the pot halfway with the soil prepared in advance.
3. Place the aglaonema in the center of the pot. Gently straighten the roots, and shake the ground slightly.
4. Pour the substrate into the pot up to the root collar of the plant. Proceed carefully so that soil does not fall on the outlets.
5. Moisten an earthen lump and place on a windowsill with partial shade or diffused light penetration.

The planted flower needs further care according to the rules. How to care for him, you can ask experienced florists.

Before you start caring for aglaonema, it is important to remember that it is dangerous to animals and children. The plant has poisonous berries and acrid sap that causes swelling of the mucous membranes. If juice gets into your eyes, see your doctor immediately.

But the plus in growing a flower is that it successfully fights streptococci, removes phenolic and other harmful impurities from the air, and releases air ions into the atmosphere.

Caring for an agla mute at home includes the following items:

• choose the right place to grow a flower;
• water and feed the plant correctly;
• carry out all hygiene procedures in a timely manner;
• transplant and form bushes on time;
• protect the flower from drafts and tobacco smoke.

Although aglaonema is not picky, since it did not grow up in our area before, it is important to provide it with conditions that are as close to natural as possible.

Feeding rules

Feeding options for aglaonema:

1. add a teaspoon of Agricola and Effekton to a liter of water;
2. in a liter of water, dilute a teaspoon of Lingnohumate and Leaf;
3. per liter of water, add a teaspoon of Fantasy.

Foliar feeding will positively affect the development of aglaonema. Spray the plant every 10 days with a mild fertilizer solution. The procedure is carried out in cloudy weather so that the sun's rays do not burn the foliage.

From early mid-spring to late summer, Aglaonema indoor plants need to be watered every day. It is important not to overdo it when watering, so as not to provoke root rot.

Read also: What care is needed for exotic bamboo indoors

Spray the leaves every day with a fine diffuse spray bottle. In winter, a foliage shower should be arranged every other day.

Use water above 27 degrees for watering and spraying the plant. The water must be settled and boiled if there is chlorine in it. If possible, it is best to water the flower with melt or rainwater.

Leaving during flowering

The plant blooms in June - August. Some experts recommend picking off the flowers as they have no decorative value. But, you shouldn't cut them off.

As soon as the flower fades, poisonous fruits are formed, which, when wrinkled, must be carefully removed along with the peduncle.

Resting care

The dormant period for aglaonema is a slowdown in growth, a reduction in watering, and a lack of fertilizing. The flower rests from October to February. During this period, it is recommended to protect it from drafts and hot air from the batteries. In the room, the air temperature should not drop below 17 degrees Celsius.

Pruning rules

You need to prune the plant. But, in the process of growth, its stem is bare. To help the flower start branching, cut off the top and dust the cut with crushed charcoal. Use the cut stalk for rooting for plant propagation.

Protection against diseases and pests

Improper care of the plant leads to the fact that it begins to hurt. Feeling unwell in aglaonema manifests itself in this way:

• if the flower is cold, the leaves are covered with gray spots;
• cold also provokes curling, blackening of the foliage. An oily coating forms on them;
• excessive lighting leads to pale foliage;
• sunburn manifests itself as dry spots on the leaves;
• in dry air, the tips of the leaves dry up;
• if the plant receives little nutrition, water, is exposed to drafts or exposure to tobacco smoke, its leaves begin to turn yellow.

Cold and accumulation of water in the roots lead to rot. Of the pests, aglaonema can suffer from attacks by spider mites, mealybugs or aphids.

Dry air leads to the appearance of spider mites. The leaves and stem are covered with a specific gray cobweb, the foliage grows dull, becomes lethargic, falls off. To cure the plant, remove all affected leaves, and also treat with actellik.

Mealybugs lead to the fact that the leaves of the plant lose their shape and after a while completely disappear. To remove pests, treat with soapy water or karbofos.

It is important to know: if you notice aphids on the leaves, a solution of pyrethrum will help remove it.

Aglaonema breeding methods

The plant can be propagated by seed, cuttings or root division. Each method has its own characteristics of breeding.

Seed reproduction

Seeds are harvested for the purpose of reproduction when they are easily removed from the fruit. You need to plant them in the soil immediately in order to get good germination.

The seed propagation procedure looks like this:

• Fill the flat boxes with peat mixed with river sand. All components must be taken in the same proportion.
• The seeds are placed in moist soil to a depth of 1.5 centimeters.
• Cover the container with a glass or bag.
• Spray the soil with a spray bottle every two or three days.
• With proper care, the first shoots will appear in three months.
• As soon as two or more leaves appear, the seedlings can be planted in separate pots.