Aglaonema Schismatoglottis roebellini

Aglaonema Schismatoglottis roebellini

This particular Chinese Evergreen has a name that we always enjoyed pronouncing for curious plant buyers at the first plant store I worked at in the 1970's. We pronounced it as Shish-mu-glottis. That is the horticultural name of this plant. Its botanical name is Aglaonema crispum. 

Most plants are sold under their botanical name. I do not why official names in botany and horticulture sometimes vary. Scientists often disagree on things. Common names sometimes vary from area to area and it is up to the discretion of the grower which common name to use. You can call this a Chinese evergreen. Quite a long time ago, one of its common names was Painted droptongue!

What is most helpful to a plant owner is how to care for it so that it will live with you for a long time. The family of Chinese evergreens has the reputation of being among the hardiest of houseplants. With regular good care they rarely have problems. If their care is off-track for awhile, they usually recover well. 

My friend, Suzy, graciously allowed me to take this picture of her plant when I stopped by for a visit. 

Care Instructions:

• Chinese evergreens tolerate fairly low light but bright indirect light or right in front of a north-facing window is best. Some direct morning sun is good; full afternoon sun is too much. The leaves will fade in color with too much light.
• Aglaonemas in 8" (20cm) diameter or smaller pots should be very dry on the top of soil or up to about 1" below the soil line before watering.
• Water with up to a pint of water for 6" (15cm) diameter containers.Use about 1 quart of water for Aglaonemas in an 8" (20cm) diameter pot 
• Plants in 10" (30cm) diameter containers or larger can dry out up to about 2" below the soil surface. Water with about 1-1/2 to 2 quarts for a chinese evergreen in a 10" (25cm) or 12" (30cm) diameter pot.
• Plants in a 14" (35 cm) diameter pot should dry out about 2" or more below the soil surface, then water with about 1 gallon of water.
• Fertilize regularly for best growth.
• Dust or clean the leaves with water occasionally. The spring can be a great time to get houseplants outdoors for a gently washing. A shower in the bathtub works, too.

Propagation:

• The stems root well in water.
• The plant can also be divided by taking the plant out or the pot, and gently pulling apart and separating the root ball into two new plants.Repot each plant section into separate containers..

~~~~~

**Be sure to see the video clip about the Aglaonema 'Maria' on The Indoor Garden TV YouTube Channel:

   The Aglaonema 'Maria"

***To watch short video clips from the 1990's "The Indoor Garden" TV series, click below:

   The Indoor Garden TV show

 

 

©2020