Aglaonema Maryann Maria
6" Pot Size
Experience Level Needed: Low-Medium
Mature Size
Aglaonema plants have a bush-like or clumping growth and, depending on the pot size, can be from 8 inches to 4 feet or more in height.
Description
One of the most commonly used interior landscape plants is the Aglaonema 'Mary Ann' or, as it is more commonly known, the Chinese Evergreen. Easy to care for, Aglaonema 'Mary Ann' can be maintained at the lower light levels often found in the home or office environment. There are many varieties of Aglaonema plant and sometimes it can be hard to tell one variety from the other, as there are so many that are similar in appearance. New types of Aglaonema are introduced quite frequently. The different varieties vary in color from dark green, silver green and even some with pink or red leaf margins and markings.
Light Requirements
Aglaonema plants, including 'Mary Ann', are great house plants for just about any location except full sun. Full sun, especially through glass, can burn or scorch the exposed leaves. Aglaonema plant will survive in low light but for a nice looking, healthy plant, try to provide bright, diffused natural light or some artificial fluorescent light.
Watering
If you place your Aglaonema 'Mary Ann' in high light you can allow the potting mix to dry 1/2 to 3/4 of the way out before watering thoroughly. In a lower light situation, you can allow soil to dry completely between watering.
Additional Care Tips and Info
Most Aglaonema plants are variegated to some extent. Variegated plants often require more light than those without variegation. Typically, the lighter the color of a plant, the higher the light levels it needs to maintain its color and variegation.
To help keep your Aglaonema houseplant full and bushy, remove some of the new leaves as they appear. Do this by firmly grasping the stem the new leaf grows from and hold the new leaf near its base and gently pull. It should come out entirely and this is preferred. Do not use scissors. Leaves, stems etc. should be removed completely with no "stump" left behind. Wounds on a plant allow for entry of disease and can attract insects. Remove flowers or bracts in the same way.
As your Aglaonema plant ages, it will develop a stem and will most likely lose lower leaves. This will leave the stem bare. The tall stems can be cut back to encourage new growth lower in the plant, keeping your Aglaonema plant shorter and more full.