Aglaonema 'Ivy Green'

Care for aroid canes, roots and new growth

• Propagation: Division is simplest: separate a basal shoot after it develops its own roots. Cane sections with at least one healthy node can also root in warm, lightly moist substrate.
• Light: Medium to bright indirect light is suitable. Lower light slows growth and keeps the pot wet longer; strong sun through glass can scorch the leaves.
• Temperature, humidity and airflow: Keep Aglaonema ‘Ivy Green’ in steady indoor warmth and away from chilling temperatures, especially when the substrate is wet. 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: Clean the dark leaves with a soft damp cloth when dust becomes visible; avoid leaf-shine products.

Root, stem and leaf problems in Aglaonema 'Ivy Green'

• Surface film: Dust and dried water lift from the pearly surface with a damp soft cloth. Stop wiping once the deposit is gone; a mark that remains in the tissue is not dirt.
• Heavy pot with limp growth: This combination points to poor root aeration If the base is loose or roots are soft and dark, photograph the problem, inspect the entire root ball and remove only tissue that is clearly dead. After confirming that roots are dead, remove only dead roots and replace dense wet substrate.
• Pests: Inspect both leaf surfaces and the protected stem joints for thrips, spider mites, mealybugs and scale. Move an affected plant away from the rest of the collection while the cause is checked and treatment begins.

Aglaonema ‘Ivy Green’ 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.

When was Aglaonema first published, and what does it 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.