Aglaonema ‘Sunray Green’

Cultivated form and natural range of Aglaonema ‘Sunray Green’

‘Sunray Green’ is a horticultural Aglaonema cultivar. Aglaonema is native across tropical and subtropical Asia to New Guinea.

Care for Aglaonema ‘Sunray Green’

• Filtered light: Medium indirect light suits this cultivar, and brighter filtered light is also suitable. Keep the leaves out of prolonged direct sun.
• Warmth: Stable warmth around 18–24 °C suits the plant. Protect it from cold windows, draughts and temperatures below 15 °C.
• Humidity: Aim for 50–60% humidity.
• Watering and potting mix: Check the root ball before watering and wait until approximately its upper third has dried. Then wet the mix throughout and let the excess drain. The potting mix should stay open and airy without becoming difficult to rewet.
• Feeding: Feed lightly while new growth is active.
• Repotting: Give the roots extra space only after they have filled the pot; a small increase in diameter is enough.
• Propagation: Separate a basal shoot once it has roots of its own, or root a sound section of stem.

Troubleshooting Aglaonema ‘Sunray Green’

• Normal lime midrib or yellowing: A clear yellow-lime midrib surrounded by firm green tissue is the cultivar’s normal pattern. Whole-leaf yellowing or softening together with a pot that stays wet for days points to root stress. Increase the drying time and confirm that drainage is clear. If symptoms continue to spread, inspect the roots; keep firm roots, remove only soft dark decay and renew the mix when rot is confirmed.
• Crisp curled margins: Crisp, curling margins usually point toward a root ball that has dried too far or repeated exposure to hot dry airflow. Rewet a dry mix thoroughly, then water more evenly and move the plant away from direct heating.
• Sun scorch: Bleached tan areas on the most exposed side of the plant are consistent with sun scorch. Move it back into filtered light and leave healthy green tissue intact.
• Distorted or stippled growth: Fine pale stippling with webbing indicates spider mites; distorted new leaves alone do not confirm a pest. Isolate the plant, rinse the foliage and inspect the undersides closely. If you confirm spider mites, apply a treatment labelled for spider mites to both leaf surfaces, the new growth and petiole bases. Repeat it at the intervals stated on the label for the full course.

Aglaonema ‘Sunray 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.

How did Aglaonema get its name?

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.