How to Grow Aglaonema Silver Queen?

Aglaonema Silver Queen is an ornamental houseplant admired for its striking foliage. This Chinese evergreen plant is loved for its low maintenance needs and air purifying abilities. The broad, silvery gray leaves with dark green edges make a beautiful contrast. Aglaonema Silver Queen adds a touch of elegance wherever it is displayed.

Growing the Aglaonema Silver Queen houseplant is simple when you understand its basic needs. With the right care, these plants can thrive for many years. This article provides a complete guide to successfully grow the Aglaonema Silver Queen, covering ideal growing conditions, propagation, repotting, pest control, display tips, and more.

Botanical Name: Aglaonema commutatum ‘Silver Queen’

Common Names: Chinese evergreen, Painted drop tongue, The poison dart plant

Overview of Aglaonema Silver Queen

Aglaonema Silver Queen is a cultivar of the Aglaonema genus, belonging to the Araceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and New Guinea. This species was first discovered in the 1980s.

The attractive silver-gray leaves with dark green edges make the Aglaonema Silver Queen a standout houseplant. The leaves can grow up to 5-8 inches long. Mature plants can reach up to 2 feet in height.

This plant is easy to care for and quite forgiving if neglected occasionally. It adapts well to low natural light indoor conditions. The Silver Queen is an excellent choice for beginners or busy gardeners. It also effectively removes toxins from indoor air, adding health benefits.

flowers of Aglaonema Silver Queen:

Aglaonema Silver Queen is a flowering plant that blooms indoors very rarely. It takes several years to reach maturity before it will produce flowers.
The flowers emerge on an inflorescence, which is a stalk that emerges from the soil. The inflorescence can grow 12-18 inches tall.
The flowers are small, less than 1/2 inch wide, with 4-6 petal-like structures. They are yellow to pale green in color.
The flowers have a faint fragrance. They are perfect flowers containing both male and female parts.
Pollination is required for the plant to produce the red berries that follow flowering. This typically happens by insects in the wild.
Hand pollination can be done indoors using a small brush or cotton swab to transfer pollen between flowers.
The flowering period is generally in mid to late spring but can happen year-round in ideal conditions. Flowers last around 2-3 days before falling off.
After flowering, clusters of bright red oval berries may form if pollination occurred. The berries contain seeds.
Providing bright light, humidity, adequate water and nutrients can encourage Aglaonema Silver Queen to bloom indoors after several years. But flowers remain rare on indoor plants.
The flowers have a small purple blotch at the base surrounded by a white ring. The blotch helps attract pollinators.
Removing the faded flowers and old flower stems keeps the plant looking attractive. It allows energy to go towards new leaves and growth rather than seed production.

Growing Conditions for Aglaonema Silver Queen

Aglaonema Silver Queen thrives when grown in the proper environment. Here are the optimal growing conditions for this plant:

Light Requirements

Aglaonema Silver Queen prefers bright indirect light but can tolerate low light. Place it near an east or west facing window where it gets a few hours of morning or evening sun. Direct hot sunlight will scorch the leaves.

In low light conditions, the plant’s growth will slow down. The leaves may become leggy and lose their striking variegation. Insufficient light also leads to fewer blooms.

Temperature and Humidity

Room temperatures between 60°F to 85°F are ideal for Aglaonema Silver Queen. Keep it away from cold drafts or heat vents. High temperatures above 90°F can cause leaf damage.

These tropical plants thrive in average home humidity. However, very dry air can cause leaf tip browning. Use a humidifier during winter to keep humidity above 40%.

Watering

Water the Aglaonema Silver Queen whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Take care not to overwater as it can lead to root rot. Allow excess water to drain out from the pot’s holes before putting the plant back on its saucer.

Keep the soil slightly moist in spring and summer. Reduce watering in fall and winter when growth is slower. The leaves will show signs of dehydration if the plant needs more frequent watering.

Soil

Aglaonema Silver Queen grows best in a loose, well-draining potting mix. Prepare a good quality soil with compost, peat moss, perlite or bark chips. This allows air circulation in the soil and prevents water-logging.

You can also use a speciality soil meant for aroids. Avoid using 100% potting soil or garden soil as it retains excess moisture.

Fertilizer

Fertilize the Silver Queen monthly in spring and summer using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Suspend fertilizing over winter when it’s dormant.

An all-purpose houseplant food with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is suitable. Slow release pellet fertilizers are also an option for longer-term feeding.

Propagating Aglaonema Silver Queen

Aglaonema Silver Queen can be easily propagated by cuttings, division or seeds. Here’s how to propagate this plant:

Propagating from Cuttings

Take 6 inch tip cuttings in spring using a sharp, sterile knife. Choose healthy stems with a few leaves.
Remove the lowest leaves and place the cut end in water or moist potting mix.
Keep it partially shaded. Roots and new growth will emerge in 3-8 weeks.
Transplant the rooted cuttings into a pot with drainage holes. Keep the soil moist initially.

Propagating from Division

Uproot a mature Silver Queen and divide it into smaller sections with a knife.
Each division should have 3-5 leaves and healthy root balls attached.
Plant the divided sections in pots filled with potting mix. Water well and place in medium light.
New growth will appear within a few weeks as the divisions establish.

Propagating from Seeds

Aglaonema Silver Queen rarely flowers indoors. But seeds can be obtained from outdoor plants.
Sow the seeds in moist propagation mix. Cover lightly and place in indirect bright light.
Water to keep the mix evenly moist. Germination occurs in 3-8 weeks at 70°F.
Transplant the seedlings into individual containers once 2-3 leaves appear. Grow them on for 8-12 months before moving to larger pots.

Repotting Aglaonema Silver Queen

Repot young Silver Queen plants annually in spring. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when overgrown. Follow these tips for repotting:

Select a pot 2 inches wider than the current container to provide extra space.
Use a houseplant potting mix amended with compost or vermiculite.
Carefully remove the plant and loosen tangled roots before placing it in the new pot.
Fill with potting mix to about 2 inches below the rim. Gently firm the soil.
Water thoroughly after repotting and place in medium light away from direct sun till established.

Common Pests and Diseases

Overall, Aglaonema Silver Queen has good pest and disease resistance when cared for properly. Here are some potential problems and solutions:

Pests

Mealybugs – Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray. Q-tip alcohol can be used on small infestations.
Aphids – Use horticultural oil, insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays. Rinse the plant after treatment.
Scale – Scrape off visible scale. Apply neem oil on and under leaves. Dispose infected parts immediately.

Diseases

Root rot – Avoid overwatering and provide good drainage. Discard affected plants.
Leaf spot – Increase air circulation. Treat with copper fungicide and remove damaged leaves.
Bacterial blight – Cut off infected parts. Disinfect shears after each cut. Use sulfur fungicide spray.

Displaying and Arranging Aglaonema Silver Queen

Here are some tips for attractively displaying your Aglaonema Silver Queen:

Showcase in a bright spot away from direct sun to prevent foliage burn.
Group with other low light plants like ferns, philodendrons, pothos and dracaena.
Plant in hanging baskets or elevated containers to showcase the stunning leaves.
Use as a tabletop plant in dining rooms, offices, atriums, or near entryways. Avoid placing in drafty areas.
The variegated silver-gray and green foliage complements both traditional and modern home decors.

Tips for Growing Healthy Aglaonema Silver Queen Plants

Maintain indoor temperatures between 65°F-85°F and avoid cold drafts.
Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Avoid overwatering.
Mist regularly, use a pebble tray or humidifier to increase humidity.
Rotate the plant periodically so all sides receive equal lighting.
Remove dust from the leaves often using a damp cloth to allow photosynthesis.
Occasionally prune leggy growth just above the stem joints to improve shape.
Repot when roots fill the container using a well-draining aroid potting mix.

Conclusion

With its graceful silvery variegated foliage, the Aglaonema Silver Queen makes an easy care houseplant. Provide bright filtered light, moderate temperatures, average humidity and well-draining soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Propagate by stem cuttings or division. Repot annually while young and display in a bright spot. Avoid overwatering and dry air to prevent leaf problems. With the proper growing conditions, the Aglaonema Silver Queen will thrive indoors for years.

FAQs

How much light does Aglaonema Silver Queen need?

Aglaonema Silver Queen grows well in bright indirect light. Provide 3-4 hours of morning or evening sun. Keep away from intense midday sun as the foliage will burn.

What temperature is best for Aglaonema Silver Queen?

Daytime temperatures between 65°F-85°F and nights about 10°F cooler suit the Silver Queen. Avoid exposing it to cold drafts.

How do I increase humidity for my Aglaonema Silver Queen?

Use a room humidifier, pebble tray, or mist the plant daily to maintain 40-60% humidity. Group plants together to create a moist microclimate.

How often should I fertilize Aglaonema Silver Queen?

Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Reduce feeding over winter when growth is slower.

Why are the leaf tips of my Aglaonema turning brown?

Leaf tip browning usually occurs due to dry air. Increase humidity through misting, gravel trays or humidifiers. Also check that you aren’t over-fertilizing or allowing the soil to completely dry out.