Aglaonema 'Arctic Lime'

Care for aroid canes, roots and new growth

• Propagation: Separate a basal shoot after it has formed its own roots, or take a cane section carrying a sound node. Root the section in warm, lightly moist substrate under filtered light and allow the first roots to establish before feeding.
• Light: Place it in bright indirect light where the lime blades receive steady illumination. The pale tissue carries less chlorophyll, so very dim conditions slow the plant and keep the root ball wet for longer.
• Watering: Let the surface dry and wait until the pot has lost a clear amount of weight, then check that the centre of the root ball is only lightly moist. A small warm pot may need checking often, while a large container in lower light can remain wet for many extra days.
• Temperature, humidity and airflow: Keep Aglaonema ‘Arctic Lime’ in steady indoor warmth and away from chilling temperatures. If the air remains very dry and edges keep drying, move the plant away from heating or use a humidifier.
• Feeding: Use a complete houseplant fertiliser at a low dose while growth is active. Feed less often whenever growth slows, regardless of the season, and never fertilise a dry root ball or a stressed plant.

Why Aglaonema ‘Arctic Lime’ develops brown tips or yellow leaves

• Window-facing scorch: Dry tan patches confined to the side nearest the window usually follow direct sun or heat through glass. Move the plant back into filtered light and judge recovery by the clean condition of the next leaves.
• Brown tips: Compare pot weight before watering, moisture deeper in the root ball and any pale crust on the substrate. Uneven drying and accumulated salts are more useful clues than the dry tip alone.
• Several yellow leaves: Check the lower root zone first. Yellowing across more than one older leaf commonly follows saturated substrate, severe dryness or recent chilling; a single ageing lower leaf is less concerning.
• Pests: Inspect pale leaves closely for silvery feeding scars, fine webbing, sticky residue or insects. Check both surfaces and the petiole bases for thrips, spider mites, mealybugs and scale.

Aglaonema ‘Arctic Lime’ is toxic to pets

• Aglaonema ‘Arctic Lime’ is toxic to cats and dogs.
• Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause immediate mouth pain, drooling and difficulty swallowing.
• Contact a veterinarian promptly after suspected chewing, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Aglaonema: a shining filament in Greek

Aglaonema combines Greek aglaos, meaning shining or splendid, with nema, meaning thread or filament.