Aglaonema Maria 10"

Light Requirements
- Low to Medium Indirect Light: Aglaonema 'Maria' thrives in low to medium indirect light. It can tolerate low light, making it great for shaded corners, but it grows faster in moderate light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
- Artificial Light: It also does well under fluorescent lighting, making it perfect for office environments or rooms with minimal natural light.

Watering
- Moderate Watering: Water your Aglaonema when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. It's important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Avoid Watering Leaves: Try to avoid getting the leaves wet during watering, as this can encourage fungal growth.
- Humidity: Although it's tolerant of typical indoor humidity levels, Aglaonema 'Maria' appreciates higher humidity. Consider misting the plant occasionally or placing it near a humidity tray, especially in dry environments.

Soil
- Well-Draining Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a standard houseplant mix combined with perlite or sand to improve drainage.
- Avoid Waterlogged Soil: The soil should never be soggy. Excess moisture can cause the roots to rot, so good drainage is key.

Temperature
- Warm Temperatures: Aglaonema 'Maria' prefers temperatures between 65-80°F. It doesn’t tolerate cold well, so avoid exposing it to temperatures below 60°F or cold drafts.
- Consistent Environment: Keep it away from air conditioners, heaters, and open windows to avoid sudden temperature changes.

Fertilization
- Balanced Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer, like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.
- Diluted Fertilizer: Always dilute the fertilizer to half strength to prevent over-fertilization, which can damage the plant.

Pruning
- Minimal Pruning: Prune the plant as needed to remove yellow or damaged leaves. This will help maintain its appearance and promote healthy growth.
- Encouraging Bushiness: Pruning leggy stems will encourage the plant to grow fuller and bushier.

Repotting
- Repot Every 1-2 Years: Repot Aglaonema 'Maria' every 1-2 years, or when it outgrows its pot. Choose a pot that’s slightly larger and make sure it has drainage holes.
- Fresh Soil: When repotting, refresh the soil with a well-draining mix to ensure continued health and growth.

Propagation
- Division: The easiest way to propagate Aglaonema 'Maria' is by division. During repotting, you can carefully separate the plant into smaller sections and pot them individually.
- Stem Cuttings: You can also propagate through stem cuttings. Place the cuttings in water or moist soil until they develop roots, then transplant them into their own pots.

Common Issues
- Yellowing Leaves: This is often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Check the soil moisture and drainage and adjust the watering schedule accordingly.
- Brown Leaf Tips: This can be caused by low humidity, underwatering, or chemicals in tap water (such as chlorine or fluoride). Use distilled or filtered water, and increase humidity levels if possible.
- Pests: Aglaonema 'Maria' is generally resistant to pests, but it can sometimes attract mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites. Treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap, and wipe down the leaves regularly.

Toxicity
- Toxic to Pets and Humans: Like many houseplants, Aglaonema 'Maria' is toxic if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets and small