Aglaonema Sparkling Sarah 6”

Light Requirements
- Low to Medium Indirect Light: Aglaonema 'Sparkling Sarah' can tolerate low light, but it thrives best in medium to bright indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves and fade its beautiful colors.
- Adaptable to Low Light: While it prefers brighter conditions, it can survive in low-light environments, making it a great option for offices or rooms with limited natural light.

Watering
- Moderate Watering: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. It's essential to let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Use Room-Temperature Water: Cold water can shock the plant, so it’s best to use room-temperature, filtered, or distilled water. Tap water with high chlorine or fluoride levels may cause leaf damage.
- Humidity: Aglaonema 'Sparkling Sarah' enjoys moderate humidity. If the air in your home is dry, especially in winter, you can mist the plant or place it near a humidifier.

Soil
- Well-Draining Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent water retention, which can cause root rot. A standard indoor plant mix with added perlite or sand works well.
- Avoid Dense, Heavy Soils: Soil that retains too much water can be detrimental to the plant. Ensure that excess water can drain freely from the pot.

Temperature
- Warm Temperatures: Aglaonema 'Sparkling Sarah' prefers warm indoor temperatures between 65-80°F . Avoid temperatures below 60°F and protect it from cold drafts.
- Stable Environment: Keep the plant away from air conditioners, heaters, and open windows that might cause sudden temperature changes.

Fertilization
- Balanced Fertilizer: Feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer, like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, once every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). During fall and winter, reduce feeding as the plant’s growth slows.
- Diluted Fertilizer: Always dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause salt buildup and leaf burn.

Pruning
- Minimal Pruning: Prune the plant to remove yellow or damaged leaves, which helps maintain its appearance and promotes healthy growth.
- Shaping: If the plant becomes leggy, trim the tips to encourage fuller, bushier growth.

Repotting
- Repot Every 1-2 Years: Repot your Aglaonema 'Sparkling Sarah' every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. Spring is the ideal time for repotting. Choose a slightly larger pot and refresh the soil to provide more space for the roots to grow.
- Ensure Proper Drainage: Always use a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Propagation
- Division: The easiest way to propagate Aglaonema 'Sparkling Sarah' is through division. During repotting, carefully separate the plant into smaller sections and plant them individually.
- Stem Cuttings: You can also propagate through stem cuttings. Take a healthy cutting and root it in water or directly in moist soil until roots develop.

Common Issues
- Yellowing Leaves: This can indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or insufficient light. Adjust your watering schedule and make sure the plant is not sitting in water.
- Brown Leaf Tips: Brown tips can result from low humidity, underwatering, or fluoride/chlorine in tap water. Switch to filtered or distilled water and increase humidity levels.
- Pests: Aglaonema 'Sparkling Sarah' is generally pest-resistant but can occasionally attract mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites. Regularly check the leaves and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Toxicity
- Toxic to Pets and Humans: Like other Aglaonemas, 'Sparkling Sarah' is toxic if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children.