Aglaonema ‘Cleopatra’

Background of Aglaonema ‘Cleopatra’

Aglaonema ‘Cleopatra’ is a cultivated Chinese evergreen. The genus Aglaonema is native from north-eastern India to Papua New Guinea, where many species grow as evergreen herbs in humid, shaded tropical forest.

Growing Aglaonema ‘Cleopatra’ well

• Light: Medium indirect light suits the broad green-and-silver leaves. Avoid prolonged direct sun on the pale centre, and move gradually if you are increasing light.
• Watering: Use pot weight and a check below the surface to time watering. Water thoroughly once the upper root zone has dried, then let the pot drain.
• Root mix: Choose substrate that holds some moisture but regains air quickly, with bark and mineral particles to prevent compaction around the grouped stems.
• Temperature, humidity and airflow: Steady room warmth of roughly 18–27 °C works well. Protect it from cold draughts, keep gentle air movement around the crown and rely on ordinary household humidity in most homes.
• Leaf care: Clean one broad blade at a time while supporting its petiole. Leave stable old creases or scars alone and judge recovery by new foliage.
• Feeding: Use regular light feeding during active growth, avoid strong doses and flush the mix if mineral deposits begin to build up.
• Propagation: Divide established basal shoots during repotting, or root healthy stem sections in warm, lightly moist substrate.

Diagnosing problems on Aglaonema ‘Cleopatra’

• Brown leaf spots: A dry tan patch often follows direct sun or physical damage. Soft spots that keep enlarging need closer attention. Keep the foliage dry, improve airflow and remove a badly collapsing leaf with clean tools.
• Drooping leaves: Check the root ball before watering. Rehydrate thoroughly if it is dry; if it is still wet and the plant remains limp, improve drainage and inspect root health before watering again. When root damage is confirmed, retain firm roots, remove only roots that are soft, hollow, slippery or foul-smelling, and repot the viable roots into fresh airy mix when needed. The watering guide gives practical moisture checks.
• Aphids: Soft green, brown or black insects and sticky residue on new growth indicate aphids. Isolate the plant and rinse or wipe off the colony, then apply a treatment labelled for aphids to the young growth, leaf undersides and petiole bases. Repeat it at the intervals stated on the label for the full course, and continue checking until new growth stays clean.
• Fertiliser salt damage: Brown tips together with a pale crust on the substrate point to salt build-up. Flush the mix thoroughly with fresh water and reduce the fertiliser concentration at the next feeds.
• Root rot: Yellowing or collapse while the pot remains heavy can indicate damaged roots. Inspect only when those signs persist, remove clearly soft dark roots and repot into fresh open substrate; follow the root rot guide.

Aglaonema ‘Cleopatra’ 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.

Who first published Aglaonema, and what does the name mean?

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.