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Red Chinese evergreen can add extra Yuletide bling.
Photo by L.A. Jackson
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Grow amaryllis in a proper pot.
Photo by L.A. Jackson
“Aglaonema” is the alt-name for a common, easy-to-find houseplant called “Chinese evergreen.” But even though the five syllables can be a tongue-twisting mouthful, I still prefer to use “aglaonema” because, to be honest, it ain’t easy to find a green Chinese evergreen.
Let me explain. Aglaonema is the genus name of Chinese evergreen, but it has more than 20 species, which, along with their numerous cultivars, offer a ton of visual variations. Shades of yellows, silvers, whites, reds and pinks are streaked, splattered or swiped in many mixes on elongated leaves, with some looking like an explosion in a paint factory.
In the middle of this cacophony of color, yes, green can be found, too—though, in spite of its “evergreen” tag, selections dressed in a singular green hue aren’t typical. But with all the dazzling color combinations of aglaonema available, who wants another solid green houseplant anyway?
One of the more popular aglaonemas is red Chinese evergreen. Besides being an obvious oxymoron, this is the collective name for several cultivars that sport festive blends of red and green hues, which are seasonably suitable now because they can bring extra Christmas bling to holiday decorations.
Aglaonema is not only easy on the eyes, but it is easy to grow, too. For the best color and a fuller shape, place this houseplant in a room brightly lit by natural light, taking care not to expose it to direct sunlight. This pretty will also do well in strong artificial light, such as in a typical office setting.
Although it will tolerate dry indoor conditions, occasionally misting aglaonema’s leaves will make it happier. Also, the pot’s soil should be moist but not soggy, so when the top half-inch of dirt is dry to the touch, it’s time to water. Adding a diluted houseplant fertilizer about every two months is another good maintenance practice.
Pruning requirements are easy—see a faded leaf, snip it. Finally, aglaonema is slow-growing, so it only needs to be repotted about every three years, at which time you can also take divisions for more plants.
As pretty as an aglaonema is, look but don’t eat. In other words, it should not be in reach of inquisitive kids or pets because, like many other houseplants, the leaves are toxic in a tummy. Make sure it is in a safe, out-of-reach location.
DECEMBER IN THE GARDEN
• The first Friday in December is Arbor Day in South Carolina. But this is way earlier than National Arbor Day, which is pegged for the last Friday in April. Still, South Carolina’s date makes more sense for planting perennials and woody ornamentals because late fall is a great time to introduce them to gardens in our state.
• Whether spray painted or left natural, the dry seed pods of such common garden plants as milkweed, redbud, magnolia and okra can add an earthy texture to your holiday/winter arrangements and decorations. Ditto for pine cones, acorns and gum balls.
TIP OF THE MONTH
Receive an amaryllis bulb as a Christmas present? If it is not already in a pot, find a container around 6 to 8 inches deep that is about 2 inches in diameter wider than the bulb for a cozy cubby that encourages flowering. Since amaryllis leaves and bloom spikes can easily top out at 2 feet or more, don’t use a light plastic pot. Instead, ceramic or clay containers have enough anchoring heft to help prevent a tip over just as this beauty is reaching its prime showoff time. Also, drain holes are mandatory because amaryllis will suffer in swampy soil.
L.A. JACKSON is the former editor of Carolina Gardener magazine. Contact him at lajackson1@gmail.com.