Knowledgebase

Chinese Eveegreen #739680

Asked March 18, 2021, 5:02 PM EDT

This plant is growing well and has new leaves on most of the stalks (stems?) however, a couple of stalks are leaning way over and resting on the pot with their bottom leaves touching the floor. Am I supposed to tie them up to something or what do you think is the problem. I purchased this plant almost two years ago and shortly thereafter did have a problem with gnats so put an inch of sand on the top. Haven’t had problems with that since. Thoughts?

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.  Several different plants go by the name Chinese Evergreen.  This is an aglaonema
https://greeneryunlimited.co/blogs/plant-care/aglaonema-care  


https://bloomscape.com/common-issue/why-are-the-leaves-on-my-aglaonema-limp-and-drooping/


I have a couple concerns.  The plant is deep in the pot suggesting that the soil has settled.  Also, I have no idea what the drainage system is in that pot.  Lacking a drainage system is a set up for root rot.
Basically though, it looks like the plant needs to be divided or repotted in a larger plant. 

Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (Not an AI Bot) Replied March 18, 2021, 5:53 PM EDT
For drainage, it is a pot with drainage holes in a slightly bigger pot. I’ve been watering it about 2 Cups every two weeks. Do these plants grow more sideways as the get bigger or straight up? If I repot, if I straighten them up, will then grow that way or do they normally grow at an angle? How would I divide the plant?
. 

On Mar 18, 2021, at 4:53 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied March 18, 2021, 6:03 PM EDT

Thank you for writing back.  I think the leaves are growing at an angle to get light because the central leaves are shading them.  Overall, the plant is a bit spindly, suggesting that it is not getting enough light.  What direction does the window face?
A small pedestal to lift it by 18 to 24 inches might make a huge difference.
The video that I sent shows how to divide.
Does that outer pot have water in it?

Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (Not an AI Bot) Replied March 18, 2021, 6:46 PM EDT
The outer pot does not have water in it. The window faces south east. It is not a big window and is about 10 feet from the plant. The last couple of months I have noticed it looking more spindly. It had been a very full plant. Here’s a picture from the top down.
image

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 18, 2021, at 5:46 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied March 18, 2021, 7:56 PM EDT

Thank you for the additional information.  It is very helpful. The plant is not getting enough light.  Your overhead view shows a spindly plant sending leaves in all directions. I suggest that you buy an inexpensive stand to life it up. It should be rotated as suggested in the first response. I hope this helps.

Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (Not an AI Bot) Replied March 18, 2021, 10:20 PM EDT

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