Learn How to Propagate an Aglaonema With These 3 Easy Methods
August 16, 2024
Aglaonema or Chinese Evergreen is among the most vibrant, colorful, and easy-going plants you can grow at home. They tolerate varying growing conditions and add an elegant, tropical touch to any modern living space, office, bedroom, or kitchen. But there's more to these aesthetically appealing indoor plants.
Not only do they purify the air around them, but they also make thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. So, naturally, you may wonder how to propagate Aglaonema at home and multiply it into new plants.
This article will explore three simple Aglaonema propagation methods to help you expand your collection and enhance your space.
About Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
Aglaonema, commonly known as the Chinese Evergreen, is an exotic plant, native to the tropical regions of Asia. Known for its broad, glossy, lance-shaped leaves and ease of care, this plant is a favorite among both beginner and seasoned plant enthusiasts. Aglaonema comes in several varieties, each with unique leaf patterns and colors.
Some gorgeous Aglaonema plants include the red-leaf plant variety - Aglaonema Red Siam (Aglaonema commutatum ‘Red Siam’) with its vibrant coral-red tinted leaves and the classic Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum), which showcases light-green foliage with pink variegation.
Besides its aesthetic appeal, the Aglaonema plant also purifies indoor air by removing toxins, especially formaldehyde, making it a practical addition to any home. However, it's important to note that this plant is toxic to pets, so it should be kept out of reach of your curious furry companions. Additionally, Aglaonema is considered a lucky plant, symbolizing good fortune, prosperity, and success in the Chinese practice of Feng Shui.
So, no wonder that it’s a great idea to propagate Aglaonema, considering its air-improving benefits, decorative appeal, and ability to lift your mood anytime.
What Is the Best Season to Propagate Aglaonema?
The best time of the year to propagate Aglaonema is spring or summer when plants are actively growing. These seasons provide optimal temperatures and increased daylight to mimic the plant's tropical habitat, thus encouraging healthy root development and faster growth.
Propagating an Aglaonema in the spring or early summer gives the new, young plants plenty of time to establish in their new environment before the cooler months. Furthermore, the parent plant will recuperate better from potential stress in these conditions that promote new leaf growth.
Propagating Aglaonema: What Materials and Tools You Need
Gather the following supplies to get started with Aglaonema propagation:
- Any cutting tool (knife, scissor, or pruning shear)
- Well-draining potting soil mix
- Rooting hormone (optional but recommended)
- New potting containers
- Glass jar
- Chemical-free water at room temperature
Remember to sanitize your cutting tool(s) with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of pests or diseases to new plants.
How to Propagate Aglaonema Successfully in 3 Ways
Source: Plantalogy
Chinese Evergreen propagation is possible through the following 3 techniques: in soil, in water (both from stem cuttings), and by division (using the offsets).
Let's see how each of these work.
1. How to Propagate Chinese Evergreen in Soil
Propagating Chinese Evergreen from stem cuttings in the soil is the best way to create new plants, ideally with higher chances of survival than any other method.
- Snip a healthy 4-6 inch long stem cutting just above a node of your Aglaonema plant.
- Dip its cut end in the rooting hormone. Although this step is optional, we still recommend it, as it ensures that the cutting develops roots successfully.
- Layer a new pot with fresh, well-draining potting soil mix, leaving at least an inch of space between the soil surface and the pot's rim.
- Gently push the stem cutting into the soil, and pat the surrounding soil to remove the air gaps.
- Place the pot in a warm area with bright but indirect light, and water it regularly.
New roots should develop in a few weeks with appropriate care and patience.
2. How to Propagate Aglaonema in Water
You can also propagate the stem cuttings of the Aglaonema plant in water, as discussed below:
- Again, cut a healthy 4-6 inch long stem below a leaf node. It should have at least a couple of leaves and one node for sprouting.
- Fill a glass jar or container with ‘overnight’ water and submerge the stem cutting into it. The leaves should stay above the water surface.
- Move the jar to a warm spot that receives bright but indirect sunlight. Change the water once or twice a week.
- Monitor your Aglaonema cuttings over a few weeks until the new roots show.
- Transplant the stem cuttings into pots with fresh soil once the roots are about 2.5cm long.
Water your baby Aglaonema plants regularly and protect them from direct sunlight.
3. Aglaonema Propagation by Dividing the Offsets
Aglaonema propagation through division involves carefully separating the new offsets from the parent plant.
- Gently remove the plant from its pot.
- Locate the offsets growing at the base.
- Carefully separate the offsets from the parent Aglaonema plant using a clean knife if needed.
- Layer a new pot with fresh soil mix and plant these offsets.
- Water thoroughly and place in a warm, indirect light for further growth.
Chinese Evergreen: Post-Propagation Care Tips
Young Chinese Evergreen plants demand more attention than mature plants. They are still fragile and prone to infections or stress issues if not taken care of.
Hence, take advantage of these quick post-propagation care tips for your newly propagated Aglaonemas:
Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) Propagation: FAQs
Q: Can you propagate Aglaonema from a leaf?
A: You can't propagate an Aglaonema plant from a leaf. Unlike other plants that can grow roots from their leaves, the Chinese Evergreen requires a stem with a node or a portion of the root system to be successfully propagated.
Q: How do you separate Aglaonema?
A: The easiest way to separate Aglaonema is to locate its offsets and carefully detach them from the mother plant, ensuring each section gets some portion of the roots attached to it.
Q: Where do I cut Aglaonema for propagation?
A: The best practice to cut Aglaonema for propagation is to locate a healthy stem towards the upper part of the plant and make an angled cut with a sharp sterilized knife, just above a node. The cutting should be about 4-6 inches long.
Q: How long does it take for Aglaonema to root in water?
A: Typically, your Aglaonema may take up to 4-6 weeks to root in water, spending on the care and conditions you provide. In the right growing environment, the roots may start developing as early as 3 weeks.
Q: What is the best plant food for Aglaonema?
A: All-purpose fertilizer that contains a sufficient amount of nitrogen and phosphorus, diluted to half strength, is the best food for Aglaonema.
Conclusion
Propagating Aglaonema is a cool way to expand your collection of these beautiful and relatively rare plants. Whether you choose the offset division, water, or soil propagation technique, you’ll enjoy watching your new plants thrive within a few weeks.
To create a harmonious indoor garden, consider pairing Aglaonema with companion plants like the Peace Lily, Golden Pothos, or Peperomias. These plants not only complement Aglaonema's aesthetics but also share similar care needs, making them perfect partners. Plus, their combined air-purifying properties contribute to a healthier living environment.