Aglaonema or Chinese Evergreen is among the most vibrant, colorful, and easy-going plants you can grow at home. They tolerate varying growing conditions and add an elegant, tropical touch to any modern living space, office, bedroom, or kitchen. But theres more to these aesthetically appealing indoor plants.
Not only do they purify the air around them, but they also make thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. So, naturally, you may wonder how to propagate Aglaonema at home and multiply it into new plants.
This article will explore three simple Aglaonema propagation methods to help you expand your collection and enhance your space.
Aglaonemas also known as Chinese Evergreens, are popular houseplants known for their stunning foliage and ease of care. Their resilience and ability to purify indoor air make them an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned plant parents. But can these tropical beauties grow in water alone? Let’s find out!
An Overview of Aglaonema Plants
Native to tropical Asian forests Aglaonemas are vibrant flowering plants with spectacular patterns on their leaves. There are over 20 Aglaonema species and numerous cultivars to choose from featuring varying leaf shapes, colors, and textures.
Some popular varieties include
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Aglaonema Silver Queen – Distinguished by its graceful, silver-gray leaves with darker green veins.
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Aglaonema Maria – Bears slender, graceful leaves in a deep green hue with striking white markings.
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Aglaonema Red Emerald – Showcases lush green leaves beautifully flushed with red.
Aglaonemas thrive in bright, indirect light and average room temperatures between 65-80°F. They prefer high humidity levels but can tolerate drier air to some extent. These plants grow slowly and rarely exceed 2-3 feet in height, making them suitable for desks and tabletops.
Can Aglaonemas Grow in Just Water?
Yes, it’s possible to grow Aglaonemas in water alone! This method of growing houseplants without soil is called hydroculture. When provided with suitable care, Aglaonemas can adapt to an all-water environment and continue growing.
However, water propagation is more challenging than conventional potting soil and carries higher risks of failure. It may take longer for plants to establish in water and requires more attentive care.
Here are some key pointers for growing healthy Aglaonemas in water:
Choose a Sturdy Vessel
Select a wide-mouthed, transparent glass vase, jar, or bottle to hold the cuttings. This allows you to monitor root development. Ensure the vessel is sturdy and holds the stems upright without toppling over.
Use Purified or Distilled Water
Tap water may contain minerals and compounds that can cause foliage burn. Use purified, distilled, or rainwater instead for the healthiest results.
Change Water Regularly
Replacing water weekly prevents it from becoming stagnant or contaminated. Roots need fresh oxygen to thrive.
Give Bright, Indirect Light
Aglaonemas need 4-6 hours of bright, filtered light daily to photosynthesize optimally. Direct sun will scorch their leaves.
Maintain Ambient Temperatures
Room temperatures between 65-80°F provide the ideal conditions for growth. Avoid drafty areas.
Increase Humidity
Boost moisture levels around the plant through a pebble tray or humidifier. Low humidity causes leaf tips to brown.
Add Liquid Fertilizer
Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks in the growing season. This provides nutrition.
Allow Time to Establish
It can take 4-8 weeks for visible roots to emerge. Have patience and care for the cuttings during this period.
Transition to Soil
Once the water roots grow 2-3 inches long, move the plant to a potting mix. This provides support and nutrients for ongoing growth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Aglaonema in Water
Follow these steps for the best results:
Select a Mature, Healthy Mother Plant
Choose a vigorously growing Aglaonema with no signs of disease or pest infestation. Pick stems with 3-5 mature leaves. Avoid flowering stems.
Make a Clean Cut Below a Node
Use a sterilized, sharp knife or shears to snip off a stem. Slice at an angle just below a leaf node.
Remove Lower Leaves
Strip off the 1-2 lowest leaves on the cutting to reduce surface area and prevent rotting.
Dip Cut End in Rooting Hormone
Quickly dip the cut end in water-soluble rooting hormone. This stimulates faster root growth.
Suspend Stem in Vessel
Place the cutting in the vase/jar, suspending it an inch above the base. Roots grow best in air.
Top Off Water as Needed
Replenish water as it depletes. Ensure stem base stays submerged while leaves remain above the water line.
Position in Bright, Indirect Light
Keep the vessel in a warm spot with 4-6 hours of filtered sunlight daily.
Change Water Weekly
Replace water weekly with fresh distilled or rainwater to oxygenate roots.
Monitor Root Growth
In 4-8 weeks, white roots should emerge from the node underwater. Growth may be slow.
Transplant to Soil
Once water roots reach 2-3 inches, plant the Aglaonema into a potting mix. Keep soil moist initially.
Tips for Long-Term Care in Water
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Give plants a nutrient boost with liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring through fall.
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Trim off any unsightly, dying foliage to improve appearance.
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Rotate the plant once a week to ensure even light exposure.
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Check for common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Treat any infestations promptly.
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As plants grow, divide overcrowded root clumps and repot in separate vessels.
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Monitor water quality and replace immediately if it appears murky or foul-smelling.
Common Problems When Growing Aglaonemas in Water
Growing Aglaonemas in just water can be tricky. Monitor for these potential problems:
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Slow growth – This is normal as plants adapt to water. Give them 4-8 weeks before roots emerge.
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Leaf yellowing – Usually caused by insufficient nutrients or water quality issues. Fertilize and change water regularly.
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Root rot – Prevent by using purified water and replacing it often. Trim affected roots immediately.
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Stem rot – Quickly move cuttings showing mushy, darkened stems into fresh water. Discard if severe.
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Algae buildup – Clean the vessel regularly. Change cloudy green water promptly to discourage algae.
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Drooping leaves – Results from overexposure to direct sun. Move plant to a shadier spot.
The Verdict: Can Aglaonemas Grow in Water?
Expect the process to be slow, taking 4-8 weeks before roots emerge. Not all cuttings may survive. Once established though, Aglaonemas can live entirely in water indefinitely if their requirements are met consistently.
For easier, more foolproof propagation, soil or soilless potting media is still recommended over water. But with some patience and effort, your beautiful Aglaonema can adapt and thrive hydroponically too!
How to Propagate Aglaonema Successfully in 3 Ways
Chinese Evergreen propagation is possible through the following 3 techniques: in soil, in water (both from stem cuttings), and by division (using the offsets).
Lets see how each of these work.
How to Propagate Aglaonema in Water
You can also propagate the stem cuttings of the Aglaonema plant in water, as discussed below:
- Again, cut a healthy 4-6 inch long stem below a leaf node. It should have at least a couple of leaves and one node for sprouting.
- Fill a glass jar or container with ‘overnight’ water and submerge the stem cutting into it. The leaves should stay above the water surface.
- Move the jar to a warm spot that receives bright but indirect sunlight. Change the water once or twice a week.
- Monitor your Aglaonema cuttings over a few weeks until the new roots show.
- Transplant the stem cuttings into pots with fresh soil once the roots are about 2.5cm long.
Water your baby Aglaonema plants regularly and protect them from direct sunlight.
The technique of growing Aglaonema Red Valentine in Water is beautiful and brilliant
FAQ
What plants can survive in water only?
Many popular houseplants can thrive in water alone, without soil. These include pothos, lucky bamboo, spider plants, English ivy, Chinese evergreen, and various philodendrons like heartleaf philodendron.
Can Chinese evergreens live in water?
Yes, Chinese evergreens (Aglaonema) can be grown in water, especially from cuttings. It’s best to start with a cutting from a healthy plant and ensure the submerged portion of the stem does not have any leaves.