Aglaonema 'Pepper Bells'

Aglaonema grows in the shady undergrowth of rainforests, often near streams and rivers, so they prefer semi-shady conditions and high humidity. However, they are still robust, pest-resistant, and adaptable plants that are also well-suited for beginners. Especially varieties with mostly green leaves are very good for starting out with the Araceae family.

If kept as houseplants, any emerging flower stalks should be removed, especially in winter. The plants put a lot of energy into their flowering phase, and with low light and weakened plants, this can negatively affect the plant's overall health.

Aglaonema originate from the undergrowth of rainforests, and are accordingly adapted to semi-shady to shady conditions.

As houseplants, they should be placed where they receive bright but indirect light, e.g., next to a south-facing window or directly at a north-facing window. They also tolerate a few hours of morning sun well, but must be protected from strong midday sun, especially in summer.

When cared for under grow lights, e.g., in a plant cabinet, in a terrarium or in a grow tent, low to medium lighting is sufficient for them. At 1,000 to 4,000 lux or 20 to 40 PPFD (µmol/m²/s), they grow well and their leaves develop ideal coloration.

Red-leaved cultivars can tolerate slightly more light and will also show better coloration as a result.

Aglaonema like loose, airy substrate. They grow perfectly in our Aroid Mix or, depending on whether you want to water a bit more, even better in pure Coconut Chips.

They can stay in their pots for a long time and don't need to be repotted very often if they are in good substrate. Repotting only becomes necessary when the plant has formed numerous new stems and these overshadow each other with their leaves. When repotting, the roots can be loosened and the plant can be divided if desired.

Aglaonema should always be kept moderately moist and never completely dry out. They can be watered with medium-hard tap water. A regular flush with soft water, such as rainwater, distilled water or RO water, approximately every 3 months, is beneficial and prevents limescale build-up in the substrate.

Aglaonema grow slowly, which is why they don't need too much fertilizer. As houseplants, they can be fertilized during the growing season from approximately April to October with a good all-purpose fertilizer (N-P-K + trace elements) for houseplants, such as Wuxal Universal Fertilizer approximately every 2 weeks. We recommend halving the dosage indicated by the manufacturer. This corresponds to about 500 µS/cm conductivity of fertilizer. The conductivity can be determined with a TDS meter. During the autumn and winter months, fertilization should be reduced, as the plants then do not get enough light to utilize the nutrients. A very weak fertilization of about 100 – 200 µS/cm monthly is sufficient here.

When caring for them under grow lights, they can be fertilized all year round with approximately 500 µS/cm every 2 weeks.

If they are only watered with soft water (e.g., when kept in a terrarium), a calcium and magnesium fertilizer (so-called CalMag fertilizer) should also be used.

For even better leaf coloration, especially if the plants get a lot of light, regular foliar fertilization with an iron fertilizer is beneficial.