Aglaonema 'Maria Christina'

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: Allow a modest dry-down at the surface, then water slowly across the pot until runoff appears; never keep water standing around the fleshy cane bases.
• Temperature, humidity and airflow: Keep Aglaonema ‘Maria Christina’ 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: Check the compact crown occasionally and lift loose dead material away gently and keep developing leaves undisturbed.

Repeatedly small new leaves and root stress in Aglaonema ‘Maria Christina’

• Small new leaves: One undersized leaf after transport can be temporary. Successive small leaves call for a check of usable light and root condition; increase filtered light only after confirming that the roots are healthy.
• Brown tips: Use pot weight and deeper moisture to check for uneven drying, then look for direct airflow from a heat source and salts on the substrate.
• Soft dark roots: Persistent wilting in sour-smelling wet mix confirms root decay Inspect the lower root ball and stem base first, and disturb the plant only after soft dark roots or a sour smell confirms decay. If the inspection confirms dead roots, remove dead roots and use a pot only slightly larger than the healthy root system.
• Pests: Check the leaf undersides and petiole bases for thrips, spider mites, mealybugs and scale.

Aglaonema ‘Maria Christina’ is toxic to pets

• Aglaonema ‘Maria Christina’ is toxic to cats and dogs.
• Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause immediate mouth pain, drooling and difficulty swallowing.
• Contact a veterinarian promptly after suspected chewing, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Aglaonema: a shining filament in Greek

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