Chinese Evergreen Care: Complete Guide to Growing Aglaonema

Feeding and Fertilization Schedule for Chinese Evergreen: A Complete Guide

Let me share my fertilizing journey with you! When I first started growing Aglaonema, I thought more fertilizer meant better growth. Wow, was I wrong! After some crispy leaves and a lot of research, I’ve found the perfect balance for these beautiful plants.

Best Fertilizer Types

Through trial and error, I’ve discovered that Chinese Evergreens prefer gentle, balanced fertilizers. My go-to choice is a balanced liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. These plants aren’t heavy feeders, so there’s no need to get fancy!

What I’ve found works best:

• Water-soluble balanced fertilizers
• Organic fish emulsion (though it can be smelly!)
• Slow-release pellets for low-maintenance care
• Gentle liquid houseplant fertilizers

Seasonal Feeding Schedule

Here’s my tried-and-true fertilizing schedule that keeps my plants thriving:

Spring/Summer (Active Growth):

• Feed every 4-6 weeks
• Use quarter-strength dilution
• Apply after watering
• Monitor leaf growth

Fall/Winter (Dormant Period):

• No fertilizer needed
• Resume feeding in early spring
• Watch for new growth before feeding
• Reduce watering but maintain humidity

Proper Application Methods

Learning how to apply fertilizer correctly was a game-changer! Here’s my foolproof method:

1. Always water the plant first
2. Mix fertilizer at 1/4 to 1/2 strength
3. Apply evenly around the soil surface
4. Never fertilize dry soil (trust me on this one!)

Signs of Nutrient Issues

Over the years, I’ve learned to spot these common nutrient deficiency signs:

Nitrogen Deficiency:

• Older leaves turning yellow
• Slow or stunted growth
• Light green new growth

Phosphorus Deficiency:

• Dark green leaves
• Purple undersides
• Poor root development

Potassium Deficiency:

• Yellow leaf edges
• Brown spots
• Weak stems

Avoiding Fertilizer Burn

Here’s something I learned the hard way – less is definitely more with Chinese Evergreens! To avoid fertilizer burn:

• Always dilute more than package directions
• Never fertilize stressed plants
• Flush the soil every few months
• Skip fertilizing newly repotted plants

Want to expand your Chinese Evergreen collection without spending a dime? Click the “next” button below, and I’ll show you my secret propagation techniques that work like magic! I’ll share the exact methods I use to turn one plant into many, including the best time of year to propagate and how to ensure successful root development.