Aglaonema ‘Cintho King’

Care for aroid canes, roots and new growth

• Propagation: Divide a well-rooted basal shoot during repotting, or root a cane section with at least one healthy node in warm, lightly moist substrate.
• Light: Use medium to bright indirect light. Turn the pot occasionally if light comes mainly from one side, and protect the broad leaves from strong sun through glass.
• Watering: Use pot weight and a check several centimetres below the surface; once that layer is drying, water thoroughly rather than giving repeated small sips around the canes.
• Temperature, humidity and airflow: Keep Aglaonema ‘Cintho King’ in steady indoor warmth and away from chilling temperatures. Moderate indoor humidity is normally enough; use a humidifier only if persistently dry air causes recurring brown edges.
• 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.
• Leaf and crown care: Keep the grouped shoot bases free of dead material and wipe the broad leaves when dust becomes visible.

Soft grouped stems and cold damage on Aglaonema ‘Cintho King’

• Soft stems: Yellowing combined with a heavy pot and softness where the grouped stems meet the substrate indicates root or stem decay, not ordinary leaf ageing. Photograph the collapse and inspect the entire root system before cutting, repotting or treating; soft dark roots and sour-smelling substrate confirm that removal is needed. After the collapsed tissue has been mapped, remove only collapsed tissue and reset firm stems in an airy substrate.
• Cold damage: Grey, brown or black water-soaked patches can appear a few days after cold transport or contact with winter glass. Return the plant to stable warmth and wait until the affected area stops spreading. Keep the damaged leaf attached while the patch is changing; once its border is stable, remove only tissue that has become fully dry or soft, using a clean blade.
• Pests in the stem cluster: Gently separate the leaves enough to inspect the bases for mealybugs and scale. Check the undersides as well for thrips and spider mites, then isolate an affected plant.

Aglaonema ‘Cintho King’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Why is it called Aglaonema?

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

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Aglaonema in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 1829, page 892.