How to Care for Silver Queen Plants (Also Called Chinese Evergreens)

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