Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen) is the most popular houseplant. This versatile stunner has lush foliage and can withstand indoor growing conditions.
The houseplant is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. It is very popular in the United States, Canada, Australia and many countries in Europe.
Ease of care requirements have led many gardeners to neglect the houseplant. The houseplant eventually develops yellow and brown leaves.
So why is my aglaonema dying? Possible causes include direct sun exposure, improper watering, low humidity, heat stress, pests, disease, etc.
Aglaonema leaves that sag, curl, and turn yellow or brown are signs of health problems. The best course of action is to investigate and correct the cause.
This article provides more information on what causes aglaonema to die and different ways to prevent the death of Chinese evergreens. Take the time to read it cover to cover.
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Contents
Reasons why my aglaonema is dying? (Possible causes)
direct sun exposure
Aglaonema plants are native to the tropical forests of Asia. These plants grow under the canopy and receive little light due to shade.
Aglaonema can cope with low light. But extremely low light will lead to slow growth and poor health.
The best option is to expose the houseplant to direct sunlight for 2-3 hours. The plant will perform its physiological processes to promote faster growth and good health.
But exposing the houseplant to direct sunlight will do more damage. You will notice the stems of the aglaonema drooping and the leaves turning brown from sunburn.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will cause the aglaonema to wilt and die. Read my Chinese guide to evergreen tree care for how to save a dying aglaonema.
low humidity
The rainforest has a lot of humidity. The air has enough moisture to enhance the beautiful foliage growth of aglaonema plants.
But indoor humidity is dynamic. Dry air in your home during the summer can pose a significant threat to the health of your favorite plant.
Many gardeners with daily chores struggle to control indoor humidity. Low humidity causes long-term wilting and death of aglaonema.
I recommend spraying the houseplant several times a day. The technique increases humidity and reduces the risk of losing your plant to aglaonema.
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too much water problem
Wet soil is the number one cause of death for any indoor plant. The humid environment facilitates the emergence of fungal diseases such as root rot.
The roots help the plant absorb water and other essential nutrients to support growth. But root rot damages these parts of the plant to hinder their functions.
You will notice your houseplant’s leaves begin to drop off, turning yellow and brown before they begin to wilt. Overwatering occurs when there is no adequate drainage.
Aglaonema plants require less water in winter due to their reduced growth rate. The best option is to consider watering the houseplant once a month to avoid overwatering.
If your aglaonema dies due to root rot, consider cutting off the affected areas and transplanting the plant into a new pot with well-drained soil.
Learning how to save a dying aglaonema from overwatering can be difficult. But the fastest response and the right course of action can save the day.
thermal stress
Aglaonema plants prefer a temperature range of 70-85oF. Allows the houseplant to develop beautiful foliage and stay healthy.
A high temperature above the optimum requirement will cause the aglaonema to wilt and die. The problem arises when the houseplant is placed near stoves or radiators.
Chinese conifers are too sensitive to low temperatures. Any indoor temperature below 10oF is harmful to the houseplant.
But controlling indoor temperatures in summer and winter can be a challenge. I recommend buying a digital thermometer to detect temperature changes.
Remember to keep your aglaonema plant away from cold drafts, heaters, and radiators. The technique will help revive your dying Chinese evergreen.
underwater problem
Aglaonema thrives in soils with low to medium moisture content. But due to our busy schedules, we neglect the houseplant for a longer period of time.
Any houseplant that doesn’t get enough water shows its stress through its leaves. You will notice that the aglaonema leaves are falling off and turning brown.
Flooding Chinese evergreens will promote wilting and death. But reviving a dying aglaonema due to insufficient water supply is easy.
I recommend designing a healthier watering routine to avoid overwatering and underwatering issues.
Note that aglaonema plants require less water in winter due to the reduced growth rate. Water the houseplant about 2-3 times a month in spring and summer.
You can also read: Why are my Chinese evergreens curling?
Over-fertilization
Aglaonema plants do not feed much. These plants do not require frequent fertilization as they grow slowly. A small dose of liquid fertilizer is enough for Chinese conifers.
But many gardeners make mistakes when fertilizing their houseplants. Some believe that the excess nutrients ensure that the houseplant has beautiful leaves and stays healthy.
Over-fertilization leads to excessive salt build-up around the root system. The salt becomes toxic to the plant and eventually causes it to wilt.
The excess salt draws water from the roots and you will notice that the stems of the aglaonema begin to droop. If the problem is not solved, it can lead to the death of the aglaonema.
I recommend fertilizing the aglaonema plant during the growing season (summer and spring). Avoid fertilizers on houseplants in winter due to reduced growth rate.
If you have over-fertilized your houseplant, use distilled water to remove excess salt. Another alternative is to transplant the plant into a new pot with fresh potting soil.
pest infestations
Insects are a huge threat to all types of houseplants. But some indoor plants are more susceptible to insects than others.
If you notice your houseplant looking weak with yellow leaves and brown spots, it is due to a pest problem.
Chinese evergreens are known to attract aphids, spider mites and scale insects. These insects are annoying and harmful to aglaonema plants.
I recommend using horticultural soap to get rid of these little critters from your houseplant. Any deal can present a challenge to save a dying aglaonema from pests.
disease problem
Aglaonema plants are prone to bacterial infections. The disease usually affects the leaf and stem of the aglaonema at some point.
Fire blight causes black spots on leaves and intensifies stem rot due to aglaonema. The disease problem is common in overwatered Chinese evergreens.
The first thing to consider is to isolate the plant from other houseplants. Remove the affected leaf and feed the houseplant to recover.
Fungal infection is rare on aglaonema plants. But this happens due to too much water and leads to rotting of the roots. The disease is more vicious than bacterial leaf blight.
frequently asked Questions
How is Aglaonema’s wilt revived?
Wilting occurs due to lack of soil moisture. I recommend watering the houseplant from above until the soil is saturated. When the soil is wet, place the pot in a sink and let it sit until the excess water drains out. Return the plant to the saucer in a better location.
How to save a dying Aglaonema plant?
The best technique is to remove dead leaves and consider transplanting them. Scrub the soil from the roots and place the plant in the water. If the problem is not serious, the plant will rehydrate and be saved.
Why is my Aglaonema turning brown?
Browning tips and edges of aglaonema leaves are caused by over-watering and over-fertilizing. Tap water is another underestimated cause of darkening aglaonema. The water contains salt, chlorine and fluoride which facilitate the problem.
How often should I water Aglaonema?
Aglaonema does not need regular watering. The general rule is to keep the soil moist by watering once every few weeks. Water the plant once a month in the winter, as it is dormant.
How to fix long legs in Aglaonema?
Transplant the plant into a large container to avoid the root problem. Also consider moving the plant to an area that receives indirect sunlight. Prune long stems to restore a bushy appearance.
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Ultimately
Your aglaonema plant can die from heat stress, over-fertilization, direct sun exposure, improper watering, and poor water quality.
The best option is to identify the cause and devise techniques to save a dying aglaonema plant. I recommend using the information from the article to save your favorite plant.
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