Aglaonema ‘Silver Moon’

A self-pollinated seedling of ‘Silver Bay’

Marian W. Osiecki selected Aglaonema ‘Silver Moon’ at Altha, Florida, in 1994 from seedlings produced by self-pollinating ‘Silver Bay’. Its features remained stable through cuttings from 1995 onward and was established in cultivation by 2002. Its species background is inherited from ‘Silver Bay’, a cultivated hybrid of wet-tropical Asian Aglaonema lines.

Leaf and cane care for upright aroids

• Leaf and crown care: Remove spent lower leaves cleanly. If an old cane becomes bare, it can be shortened above a healthy node to encourage new growth.
• 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: Use a lighter pot and a dry upper layer as the cue to water; drench the root ball once, drain it, and avoid topping up a still-damp centre.
• Temperature, humidity and airflow: Keep Aglaonema ‘Silver Moon’ 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.

Troubleshooting Aglaonema ‘Silver Moon’

• Stuck or misshapen new leaves: Changes in moisture or temperature while a leaf develops can leave it folded or distorted. Check the enclosed surfaces for pests and follow the new-leaf guide; do not pull it open.
• Softness in the crowded centre: Water held around concealed stem joints can start root or stem decay Keep water out of the crown and determine how far the softness extends. Trace the softness through the crown before cutting, remove only collapsed tissue and preserve every firm stem section with a viable node.
• Sparse growth: Increasing gaps between leaves and weaker branching can indicate insufficient light once root health has been confirmed. Move the plant gradually towards brighter filtered light.
• Pests: Inspect inside the dense crown as well as beneath the leaves for thrips, spider mites, mealybugs and scale.

Aglaonema ‘Silver Moon’ 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.

About the name Aglaonema

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.