Aglaonema ‘Cleopatra’

Root care for clumping aroids

• 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: Wait until the upper few centimetres feel dry, then wet the root ball evenly and discard runoff so the cane bases do not remain saturated.
• Temperature, humidity and airflow: Keep Aglaonema ‘Cleopatra’ 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.
• Substrate and repotting: Use coco coir or peat, small bark and perlite or pumice in a stable draining pot. Let a newly delivered plant settle before repotting.
• Leaf and crown care: Wipe the broad blades from below, supporting their full weight and keeping the leaf stalks straight.

Troubleshooting Aglaonema ‘Cleopatra’: normal changes and damage

• Brown leaf spots: Dry, fixed marks commonly record sun or physical damage. Soft spots or patches that continue to expand need dry leaves, separation from nearby plants and closer investigation. The brown-spot guide helps compare the patterns.
• Drooping in wet substrate: Persistent limp growth in a heavy pot, especially with a loose base or sour smell, points to root damage. When the root check confirms active decay, remove only soft dead roots and use a pot only slightly larger than the remaining healthy root system.
• Pests: Inspect the patterned leaves from both sides. Silvery scars with black specks suggest thrips, fine stippling or webbing suggests spider mites, and cottony or raised insects around the petiole bases indicate mealybugs or scale.

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.