If you’re a beginning gardener looking for a houseplant to boost your confidence and add
color and texture to your home, then you are going to love the Silver Queen
Plant. Also called the Chinese Evergreen, or Aglaonema, this plant
boasts gorgeous, textured leaves and isn’t picky about light, humidity, or
watering!
Keep reading to learn more about how to care
for Silver Queen plants and get ready to look like a houseplant pro!
Sizes and Types of Aglaonema
This plant comes in many varieties, although
the three most common are the Silver Queen, Roebellini, and Chinese Evergreen.
The differences between these plant varieties are mainly seen in the leaf color,
which can range from silver to brilliant green, as well as red speckles in
certain varieties. Well-tended Silver Queen Plants and other Aglaonema can
range in size, but mature plants can grow up to 4 feet tall. Keep in mind that
this plant is slow-growing, so you have time to tend your plant before you need
to re-pot it.
Set Up Your Soil for Success
Although this plant isn’t fussy, it does
better when rooted in the right soil. Your best bet for happy Aglaonema
and Silver Queen Plants is to use an equal mix of potting soil, perlite, and
sand. This mixture drains well and will yield greater growing results for
fuller, more vibrant plants.
Light Requirements
Each variety of Aglaonema will require
slightly different light requirements. Darker-leaved varieties will require
less sun, and the lighter the variegation on your plant’s leaves, the more
light it will require. Do keep in mind, however, that no aglaonema will do well
in full-sun, so set your plant up accordingly, or it will burn.
Watering & Fertilizer
Your plant’s watering needs will change
slightly with the temperature outdoors. In the warmer summer months, you’ll
want to water every 7-9 days or when the soil feels dry. However, in the winter
months your plant will require less water, so you may only need to water every
2-3 weeks. You should fertilize your Silver Queen Plants in the spring with a
balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer, and reapply later in the summer, if
needed.
Temperature
and Humidity
Remember that your Aglaonema is a tropical
plant, so don’t place it in a cool or drafty area as colder temperatures may
kill it. Mist your plant often during the summer to ensure a humid atmosphere
around the leaves.
Other
Tips and Information
If you need re-pot or transfer your Aglaonema,
wait until the weather is warm – generally spring to summer in most zones. You
can also divide it at this time, gently pulling the roots of the plant apart,
using a clean knife if needed. Transfer each new plant into potting soil and
water well. Remember that these plants are considered toxic to pets so take care if your pet seems
overly interested in your Silver Queen Plants.
Do you have any Silver Queen Plants in your
home? Share your tips and tricks with us in the comments section below.
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Photo by Mark Bosky on Unsplash
