Aglaonema Silver Bay 6"

Light Requirements
- Low to Medium Indirect Light: Aglaonema 'Silver Bay' does well in low to medium indirect light. While it can tolerate low light conditions, it thrives best in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
- Artificial Light: This plant can also grow well under fluorescent or LED lighting, making it ideal for offices or indoor spaces with minimal natural light.

Watering
- Moderate Watering: Water your Aglaonema 'Silver Bay' when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. It’s better to underwater slightly than overwater.

- Water Quality: Use filtered or distilled water if possible, as the plant is sensitive to chemicals like chlorine and fluoride found in tap water. Room-temperature water is ideal.

- Humidity: Aglaonema 'Silver Bay' appreciates moderate humidity levels. If the air in your home is dry, especially in the winter, you can mist the plant occasionally or place it near a humidity tray.

 Soil
- Well-Draining Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent water from accumulating in the soil. A mix of peat, perlite, and potting soil is ideal. Alternatively, you can use a commercial houseplant mix or aroid soil mix.
- Avoid Heavy Soils: Soil that retains too much moisture can lead to root rot, so it's important that the soil drains well.

Temperature
- Warm Temperatures: Aglaonema 'Silver Bay' prefers temperatures between 65-80°F. It is sensitive to cold, so avoid temperatures below 60°F 
- Protect from Drafts: Keep the plant away from cold drafts, air conditioners, and heaters, as extreme temperature fluctuations can harm the plant.

Fertilization
- Balanced Fertilizer: Feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer, like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). In fall and winter, reduce feeding as the plant’s growth slows.
- Diluted Fertilizer: Always dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid nutrient burn.

Pruning
- Minimal Pruning: Aglaonema 'Silver Bay' doesn’t require much pruning. Remove any yellow, damaged, or dead leaves to keep the plant healthy.
- Promote Bushiness: If the plant becomes leggy, you can prune back the stems to encourage fuller, bushier growth.

Repotting
- Repot Every 1-2 Years: Repot the plant every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. Spring is the best time for repotting. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and make sure it has good drainage.
- Use Fresh Soil: When repotting, refresh the soil with a well-draining mix to promote healthy root growth.

Propagation
- Division: The easiest way to propagate Aglaonema 'Silver Bay' is by division. When repotting, you can carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections and plant them in individual pots.
- Stem Cuttings: You can also propagate through stem cuttings. Cut a healthy stem and place it in water or moist soil until roots develop, then transplant into a pot.

Common Issues
- Yellowing Leaves: This is often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure that the soil is drying out between waterings and that the pot has drainage holes.
- Brown Leaf Tips: Brown tips can be caused by low humidity, underwatering, or chemicals in the water. Increase humidity levels and switch to filtered water if needed.
- Pests: Aglaonema 'Silver Bay' is generally resistant to pests but can occasionally attract spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids. Regularly inspect the plant and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Toxicity
- Toxic to Pets and Humans: Like many houseplants, Aglaonema 'Silver Bay' is toxic if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children to avoid any potential poisoning.