Leaves getting smaller and more yellow
#Aglaonema He used to have really big and beautifully variegated leaves (see original pic in plant) but increasingly so the leaves have been getting smaller, paler, and have been losing their variegation but also have been a lot more dense… I just separated half the plant off into another pot in hopes that it was just crowded, but any advice as to what to do to get leaves bigger and healthier?
7ft to light, indirect
6” pot with drainage
Last watered 3 days ago
5
@dawndelions Welcome to the Greg community! The loss of variegation and smaller leaf size in your Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is likely due to insufficient light. When a Chinese Evergreen doesn't receive enough light, it may start to prioritize chlorophyll production (green pigment) over maintaining variegated areas. The variegated parts of the leaf don't produce chlorophyll, so they don't contribute to the plant's energy production through photosynthesis. In low light, the plant may revert to all-green leaves for better energy efficiency. Additionally, insufficient light can also cause stunted growth and smaller leaves. Here's a more detailed explanation:
Insufficient Light:
Chinese Evergreens, especially variegated varieties, need a certain amount of light to maintain their color and size. If they are placed in low-light areas, they may lose their variegation and produce smaller leaves.
Survival Mechanism:
In low light, the plant may try to survive by producing more chlorophyll to maximize photosynthesis. This can lead to a loss of the variegated pattern as the green pigment takes over. Growth and Development:
Insufficient light can also affect the overall growth of the plant, leading to smaller leaves and stunted growth.
To help your Chinese Evergreen regain its vibrant variegation and larger leaves, consider:
Moving it to a brighter location:
While they can tolerate low light, try to move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light.
Providing supplemental light:
If the plant is not able to get enough natural light, consider using grow lights. Ensuring proper watering and fertilization:
Make sure the plant is watered adequately and that it is receiving the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Checking for other issues:
If the plant is still not improving, consider checking for other potential problems like root rot, pests, or diseases. Hope this helps, Happy Growing!!
Insufficient Light:
Chinese Evergreens, especially variegated varieties, need a certain amount of light to maintain their color and size. If they are placed in low-light areas, they may lose their variegation and produce smaller leaves.
Survival Mechanism:
In low light, the plant may try to survive by producing more chlorophyll to maximize photosynthesis. This can lead to a loss of the variegated pattern as the green pigment takes over. Growth and Development:
Insufficient light can also affect the overall growth of the plant, leading to smaller leaves and stunted growth.
To help your Chinese Evergreen regain its vibrant variegation and larger leaves, consider:
Moving it to a brighter location:
While they can tolerate low light, try to move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light.
Providing supplemental light:
If the plant is not able to get enough natural light, consider using grow lights. Ensuring proper watering and fertilization:
Make sure the plant is watered adequately and that it is receiving the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Checking for other issues:
If the plant is still not improving, consider checking for other potential problems like root rot, pests, or diseases. Hope this helps, Happy Growing!!
Aight so here's the thing. No.1 that's no Aglaonema that's a Dieffenbachia. No.2 Dieffenbachia or Aglaonema, both DO NOT tolerate direct light.
Reason why they're pale, is coz they're sun bleached. That means their leaves have been bleached by overexposure of sun. Why the initial leaves died, they've been quite literally burnt down. Why they're so small [the more light there is, the bigger the leaf is supposed to be] is because of a wonderful thing called thigmomorphogenesis. It's the plant's response to a stress factor. In this case, the stress factor is an overdose of vitamin D, AKA too much light. The plant responds by producing small, sun bleached leaves all clustered together, coz it doesn't need the large, spread out and lovely dark green leaves anymore. So it ditches them and sends out small and pathetic pale leaves that look like they're supposed to be garnish for your salad [pls don't, Dieffenbachia are highly toxic].
Bring them away from the window, and put in a location that isn't in direct sun, but still reasonably bright [your ceiling lights and study lamps don't count]. Note that you'll need to adjust your watering accordingly [as in, less. Wait for 50-70% of soil to be dry from top down, measured using your fingers before watering].
Reason why they're pale, is coz they're sun bleached. That means their leaves have been bleached by overexposure of sun. Why the initial leaves died, they've been quite literally burnt down. Why they're so small [the more light there is, the bigger the leaf is supposed to be] is because of a wonderful thing called thigmomorphogenesis. It's the plant's response to a stress factor. In this case, the stress factor is an overdose of vitamin D, AKA too much light. The plant responds by producing small, sun bleached leaves all clustered together, coz it doesn't need the large, spread out and lovely dark green leaves anymore. So it ditches them and sends out small and pathetic pale leaves that look like they're supposed to be garnish for your salad [pls don't, Dieffenbachia are highly toxic].
Bring them away from the window, and put in a location that isn't in direct sun, but still reasonably bright [your ceiling lights and study lamps don't count]. Note that you'll need to adjust your watering accordingly [as in, less. Wait for 50-70% of soil to be dry from top down, measured using your fingers before watering].
@Araceae hey thanks so much for that detailed explanation! two things: 1) would under a grow light still be too bright or is that okay? all my windows face the same direction (SE) and get quite a few hours of sunlight in the morning… or would just moving it a bit away be sufficient? the whole “bright indirect light” thing is a bit confusing to me in general. and 2) what got you to the conclusion that it’s a dieffenbachia? is it just the patterns/colours of the leaves? genuine question — i bought it without a label or care instructions and just made my best guess but i could totally be wrong, and looking at pictures now i’m still not sure what the difference is. thanks so much!!
@dawndelions yes, based on variegation, but also the growth form.
To simplify everything: the nodes [points where leaves are attached to the main stem] on Aglaonema are generally shorter, and the plant develops a thinner, less prominent stem than Dieffenbachia. Dieffenbachia also tends to get larger, with larger leaves that have a broader width:length ratio. The leaves on Dieffenbachia often feel slightly less glossy than Aglaonema.
Grow light is good. 'Bright indirect light' is literally what it is. As bright light without being direct sun. Location wise, as close to the window, but positioned such that no sun shines on the plant. Hope this clarifies what 'bright indirect light' means.
To simplify everything: the nodes [points where leaves are attached to the main stem] on Aglaonema are generally shorter, and the plant develops a thinner, less prominent stem than Dieffenbachia. Dieffenbachia also tends to get larger, with larger leaves that have a broader width:length ratio. The leaves on Dieffenbachia often feel slightly less glossy than Aglaonema.
Grow light is good. 'Bright indirect light' is literally what it is. As bright light without being direct sun. Location wise, as close to the window, but positioned such that no sun shines on the plant. Hope this clarifies what 'bright indirect light' means.
@Araceae @dawndelions I’m glad you are talking about the differences between Aglaonema and dieffenbachia because I cannot tell the difference!!!! Except that I love Aglaonema and literally don’t own one dieffenbachia. But I don’t know why. lol 😆