Aglaonema ‘Ghost’

Care for aroid canes, roots and new growth

• Propagation: Divide a rooted shoot when the plant already has several stems. Cane pieces also root from healthy nodes in warm airy substrate; keep the moisture even and use gentle filtered light until each section produces active growth.
• Light: Give the silvery leaves bright filtered light so the plant can maintain steady growth. A dark position reduces the rate at which the root ball dries, while direct rays can leave tan patches across the chalky surface.
• Temperature, humidity and airflow: Keep Aglaonema ‘Ghost’ 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.
• Leaf care: Dust is easy to see on the grey-green blades. Wipe gently with a damp cloth, inspect the undersides at the same time and keep water from collecting between the closely grouped leaf bases.

When Aglaonema ‘Ghost’ needs attention

• Brown spots: Mark the edge of a suspicious patch. A dry mark that remains unchanged is old damage; a soft area that expands needs dry leaves, separation from other plants and removal with clean tools once its cause is established.
• Curled new leaves: Review moisture and temperature during the period when the leaf formed, then inspect distorted new leaves for thrips or mites. The new-leaf guide explains when to leave them alone. Do not try to pull a leaf open by hand.
• Wilting in wet mix: Yellowing, a loose base or a sour smell indicates damaged roots. Check the lower root ball and stem base first, and disturb the plant only when softness, dark roots or a sour smell confirms active decay. If the lower root ball confirms decay, remove soft dark roots and use a pot only slightly larger than the healthy root system.
• Pests: On pale leaves, look directly for black thrips specks, webbing or raised insects, since colour change is harder to read on the pale surface. Check the undersides and petiole bases carefully.

Aglaonema ‘Ghost’ 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.

Aglaonema: where the name comes from

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.