Aglaonema 'Silver Bay'

A University of Florida hybrid released in 1992

Richard J. Henny, Robert T. Poole and Charles A. Conover developed Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’ through the University of Florida foliage breeding programme. Its parents were Aglaonema ‘Manila Whirl’ and Aglaonema nitidum ‘Ernesto’s Favorite’. The cultivar was introduced in 1992 and combines horticultural material ultimately derived from wet tropical Asian Aglaonema.

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.
• Watering: Let the top portion of the mix dry before irrigating the large clump, then water from several points so the centre and outer roots are wetted without remaining waterlogged.
• Temperature, humidity and airflow: Keep Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’ 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.

Problems and solutions for Aglaonema 'Silver Bay'

• Creased leaves: Broad blades fold when pressed under pressure, against a wall or furniture. Keep a damaged leaf while it remains healthy and provide more room around the crown.
• Yellow lower leaves: One old leaf can age naturally. Several yellow leaves together, especially with a heavy pot or loose shoots, indicate root-zone stress.
• Confirmed root rot: Soft dark roots require action: photograph their extent, inspect the lower root ball and preserve every firm pale root before disturbing the plant. After every dead root has been identified, remove dead roots and use fresh aerated substrate in a pot only slightly larger than the remaining healthy roots.
• Pests: Use the broad undersides to check for thrips and spider mites, then inspect the crowded petiole bases for mealybugs and scale.

Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’ is toxic to pets

• Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’ 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.