I have grown and cared for several varieties of Chinese evergreens. Chocolate Aglaonema is my favorite variety for its striking leaf colors to create a lasting impression in any neutral space.
Aglaonema chocolate care includes providing moderate indirect sunlight, well-drained soil, high humidity, and a temperature range of 70-85°F (21-29°C). Feed your Chinese evergreen chocolate once a month during the spring and summer seasons.
I wrote this guide to provide detailed information on chocolate aglaonema care for beginners. I’ve also shared tips for preventing and fixing common Chinese stubborn problems. Please take the time to read and become a successful producer.
Contents
How is an Aglaonema chocolate?
Chocolate aglaonema is one of the few evergreen Chinese varieties. But tissue culture is helping to increase its availability in many herbal stores across the country.
A chocolate aglaonema plant has dark chocolate green leaves with prominent red veins. Coloring can brighten up a dull space and even make your heart beat faster.
The Chinese chocolate evergreen tree has a maximum height of six centimeters. The compact design makes this chocolate aglaonema plant ideal for table tops or office spaces.
The Aglaonema chocolate plant can survive in low light conditions. Exposure to strong direct sunlight will discolor and burn the most visible leaves.
But the leaves and stems of Chinese evergreen contain calcium oxalate. The mineral compounds are toxic to cats, dogs and young children. Protect bare skin during propagation to avoid irritation from the sap.
Understanding proper chocolate aglaonema care will make you a successful grower. Read on for a complete understanding of Chinese chocolate evergreen care.
Chinese Evergreen Chocolate Care Details
| Origin | Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia |
| Scientific name | aglaonema chocolate |
| common name | Chinese evergreen chocolate |
| Maximum growth (approx.) | six inches tall |
| light requirements | Low to medium indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight will cause discoloration. |
| Water frequency: | Water your plant when 2 to 3 inches of topsoil is dry. |
| soil requirements | Fertile, well-drained soil. Combine an equal amount of perlite with potting soil. |
| humidity range | The average humidity is 40%. But the species thrives in high humidity conditions. |
| temperature requirements | 70-80OF (21-29OC) |
| Fertilizer requirements | Feed the plant once a month in spring and summer. Use a diluted, balanced fertilizer. |
| Transplant | Repot the plant every two years due to root problems. |
| the reproduction | Division of roots and stem cuttings |
| Size and care | Remove old or dead leaves |
| Plagues and diseases | Pests: aphids, mealybugs and mealybugs Diseases: brown leaf spots and root rot |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets and humans. |
How to maintain the Aglaonema chocolate factory?
light requirements
Aglaonemas are native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia. These versatile plants thrive under foliage in their natural habitat.
The chocolate aglaonema plant can tolerate low to medium indirect sunlight. I recommend placing the plant near the northern exposure window.
Direct sun exposure will cause leaf discoloration and wilting. Use artificial light for the plant in a room with little natural light to avoid stunted growth.
Direct sunlight in the early morning and late evening will not harm your tropical houseplant. I recommend exposing this plant to the sun for about 2-3 hours.
Temperature requirement:
The ideal temperature range for chocolate aglaonema is 70-80OF (21-29OC). Temperature below 60OF will cause dormancy and unhealthy growth rate.
Keep your tropical houseplant away from hot and cold drafts. These draft sources are air vents, radiators, heaters, and window or door sills.
Use a digital thermometer to monitor indoor temperature changes. Make sure the indoor space is warmer in the winter to allow for healthy growth.
soil requirements
The chocolate aglaonema plant prefers fertile, well-drained soil to thrive. The drainage system ensures free air circulation and aeration of the roots.
Mix all-purpose potting soil with perlite to grow your chocolate aglaonema plants. Make sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom to drain excess water.
Inadequate soil drainage increases the risk of root rot from overwatering. Soggy soil will smother the roots and lead to fungal infections.
Water frequency:
Aglaonema thrives in slightly moist soil, as excess water causes root rot. Be careful when watering your chocolate aglaonema plant.
I recommend watering the tropical plant when 2-3 inches of topsoil is dry. Push your index finger into the potting mix to test the soil’s moisture content.
Remember to water the plant once or twice a week during the summer and spring seasons, as the species is growing and consuming more water.
Reduce the frequency of watering during the fall and winter seasons due to the dormant period. The tropical plant consumes less water and the evaporation rate is low.
Fertilizer application:
Chocolate aglaonema is a tropical houseplant that thrives on light. It needs fertilizer to develop dark chocolate leaves and experience healthy growth.
In spring and summer, use water-soluble houseplants monthly to feed your plant. Do not fertilize the plant in winter due to dormancy.
Remember to dry out the potting mix every three months to prevent excessive salt buildup. In the long run, this will help prevent the tips and edges of the brow bone.
humidity needs
Aglaonema chocolate thrives in a warm, humid environment. Any indoor plant lover should mimic the plant’s natural habitat at home to promote better growth.
Chocolate aglaonema plants can tolerate moderate humidity. But I recommend maintaining high humidity with good ventilation to keep the plant happy and healthy.
Use an electric humidifier to increase indoor humidity to around 40-60%. I do not recommend spraying the leaves to prevent leaf spot disease.
Reproduction of Chocolate Aglaonema
Cutting the stems and separating the roots are the most reliable methods of propagating chocolate aglaonema plants. You can propagate stem cuttings in water and soil.
Below are the steps you need to take to propagate the chocolate aglaonema plant:
- Identify a healthy stem from the parent plant.
- Use a sharp pruner to cut under the knot with some leaves.
- Plant the stems directly in the potting soil and water them.
- Let the stems develop roots and provide maximum care.
How to transplant Aglaonema chocolate?
Chocolate Aglaonema is a slow growing tropical houseplant. The growth rate makes the species less susceptible to root problems.
I recommend repotting Chinese evergreen every two years to replenish the potting mix and overcome signs of root binding.
Be sure to use a slightly larger pot than the previous one and well-drained soil. Add compost to feed the plant and perlite to improve the drainage system.
Aglaonema chocolate problems and solutions
pest infestations
The Aglaonema chocolate plant is less vulnerable to insect pests. But this does not mean that the houseplant is invincible to pests.
Aphids, mealybugs and scale insects are the most common culprits that attack Chinese evergreens. I recommend using an insecticidal soap spray to remove pests from the plant.
plant diseases
Root rot is the main plant disease that affects the chocolate aglaonema plant. This occurs due to excessive irrigation and the use of poorly drained soils.
I recommend transplanting the chocolate aglaonema with excess water to preserve it. Plan a strict watering routine to avoid inappropriate watering frequency.
frequently asked Questions
Why are my Aglaonema chocolate sheets curling up?
Insufficient watering is the main cause of curled and droopy leaves. Water the plant to hydrate it and keep it out of direct sunlight.
Why are my lower chocolate Aglaonema leaves turning yellow?
The natural aging process is the reason why the lower leaves of the chocolate aglaonema plant turn yellow. Use sharp pruners to prune old leaves to conserve energy for new growth.
Why does my Aglaonema chocolate have brown tips and edges?
Low humidity, over-fertilization and insufficient irrigation are the main reasons for brown leaf tips and margins in Aglaonema species.
Last word
The Aglaonema chocolate plant has vibrant, colorful leaves with a veined pattern of red. These Chinese conifers are suitable for offices, modern living rooms and dark bedrooms.
How to Care for Chinese Evergreen Chocolate Plant? Provide medium indirect sunlight, well-drained soil, regular watering and high humidity.
Please feel free to share this information with your friends and family. Share your experience with chocolate aglaonema in the comments section below.
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