How Do You Care For Aglaonema Ruby?

How Do You Care For Aglaonema Ruby?

Aglaonema Ruby is a plant that can tolerate higher levels of light than other plants in the same family. That means it doesn’t need to be placed in a dark corner or shaded from the sun. This common easy care houseplant does not need any extra attention, and usually will bud out new leaves yearly.

The plant prefers medium to bright light indoors without direct sun exposure. Place it in a well lit room for the best color tone on its leaves.

The plant will thrive in temperatures that are between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit, but can withstand warmer temps up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

The following are the factors to consider when caring for Aglaonema Ruby;

Sunlight:

Aglaonema Ruby is a very forgiving plant and will thrive in medium to bright light indoors. Indirect light is preferred for the most prolific blooms, but the plant will survive with little or no direct light at all. Aglaonema Ruby should be placed in a well lit room that has good air circulation. It can tolerate lower light levels, but will not flower as well.

Watering:

Aglaonema Ruby prefers to be watered weekly, with water being withheld from the soil when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry. The plant will require no fertilizer, and its leaves can take on a slightly brownish color from over watering it. Aglaonema Ruby’s soil should be allowed to drain completely to prevent root rot.

Soil:

Aglaonema Ruby can be grown in different types of soil such as mix and potting soil. The plant will grow in most soil conditions, but prefers sandy and well drained soils. Aglaonema Ruby loves a rich soil that is not allowed to get completely dry. If the soil is allowed to dry out the leaves will turn brown and die and will not recover once the plant is watered.

Fertilizer:  

Aglaonema Ruby does not need any fertilizer and does not need any extra care in terms of fertilizing. Plants do not need any special water when they are not blooming, but should be watered if the soil becomes compacted.

Temperature:

Aglaonema Ruby does not need any special temperature requirements, and can survive in a wide range of temperatures. The plant will be able to survive in temperatures between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit, but does not do well in hot and humid conditions.

Humidity:

Aglaonema Ruby require a lot of humidity, but it will thrive in a humid environment. Humidity should be increased in the winter as the plant dries out. Aglaonema Ruby will not bloom or produce leaves if it does not have proper humidity.

Repotting:  

Aglaonema Ruby will require repotting every 1-2 years, when the plant has outgrown its container. Repotting should be performed every year or 2, so the smaller roots are able to grow out. The plant should be placed in a larger pot that allows for sufficient drainage and has a hole for drainage.

Propagation:

Aglaonema Ruby can be propagated by seeds and division. The plant can be grown from leaf cuttings and air layering.  The seeds should be surface sown in sterilized soil and kept moist, with germination taking place within two weeks.  Divisions should be made when the plant is actively growing to make the best use of light and space.

Pruning:

The leaves of Aglaonema Ruby can be trimmed and cut to keep the plant in its best shape. This should be done with a pair of sharp scissors to keep the plant healthy and looking good.  The plant has no need for pruning, but if it needs to be done, it should be done during the fall or winter when growth has slowed down.

Blooming:  

Aglaonema Ruby will bloom multiple times during the year, but it is not considered a flowering plant. The plant will produce a flower spike that will blossom and produce seeds. After the spike has been produced, the plant can be pinched to keep the plant short and compact.

Pest and diseases:

Aglaonema Ruby is a very pest free plant, with the exception of spider mites. The spider mites will be attracted by the increase humidity levels in the winter, and can be treated with an insecticide or pesticide.

Is Aglaonema Ruby Easy To Grow?

Aglaonema Ruby is a plant that can be easily to grow, with few care instructions needed. The plant prefers medium to bright light indoors and will tolerate lower levels of light as well. Aglaonema Ruby does not require any special temperature requirements, and will survive between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

The plant does best in moist environments, but can tolerate dry air. Aglaonema Ruby requires little care when it comes to water and is tolerant of different types of soils and potting mixes. The light requirement can be adjusted as needed and the plant can be grown in a range of temperatures.

Aglaonema Ruby will bloom multiple times during the year but does not require any special care in terms of pruning, fertilizing or watering. It is a very forgiving plant that does not need any extra sunlight or fertilizing, but will thrive in lower levels of light such as indirect or shaded areas.

The humidity of the environment will also be a factor, and the plant will require higher levels of humidity in the winter months. The air should be allowed to circulate and the plant should not be placed to close together.

Aglaonema Ruby is a very forgiving plant that can grow in medium to bright light indoors. Indirect light is preferred for the most prolific blooms, but the plant will survive with little or no direct light at all.

Is Aglaonema Ruby Toxic?

Aglaonema Ruby is considered toxic to humans or animals. It is toxic if ingested and can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. It can be toxic to cats if ingested and the plant should be kept out of reach from pets. The main toxins found in Aglaonema Ruby are calcium oxalate crystals and saponins, which are harmless if ingested.

When it comes to the toxicity of Aglaonemas, it is best to not ingest the plant material and instead use it as a pot plant. It is toxic if ingestion does occur, and can cause severe phytophotodermatitis. It symptom that can be felt is the redness of the skin, which then turns into a color more of purple.

This can only happen after ingestion though, as it will still be safe to wear clothing and other accessories that are made of natural fibers. Aglaonema Ruby should not be used to make clothes and textiles, as it can cause irritation to the skin and fabrics.

How Do You Propagate Aglaonema Ruby?

Aglaonema Ruby can be propagated through stem cutting, seed and division. When propagating the plant it is important that the plant has no disease or pest problems. It should be treated with a ‘safe’ insecticide before division to prevent bugs from getting on the cutting itself.

The cuttings must always be taken in the spring, summer, or fall when plants will grow rapidly and will properly root. The cutting should be at a 45 degree angle and at least one inch in length. When propagating through division, it is recommended that you keep the plant as one plant. The following are the steps to follow when propagating Aglaonema Ruby:

Propagation by Stem cutting;

• Gather a stem, preferably around a month old, and snip the bottom of the stem at just below a node. If unsure, leave on damp soil for an hour before taking a stem so it can be sure to root properly.
• Dip the cut part of the stem into rooting hormone powder for one minute or until completely submerged in solution. You may need to repeat this step if you are using watered soil or if moisture is still present on the cutting (this will prevent rooting from taking place).
• Place the stem about a half inch into moist soil of your choice. Either plant it in a pot so it will not get water logged or place it directly in soil in a well-drained outdoor area.
• Keep your plants under light shade for about one week, keeping them watered.
• After the first week, the plant should be able to survive in partial sun.
• Continue to water them under the light shade until transplant into the garden.

Propagation by Seed;

• Count how many seeds you have left and choose one that is most likely to be viable or one that has not yet produced seed. If there are several that are viable but need dividing, choose which seed will be planted first.
• In a bowl, fill with water and add a drop of liquid dish soap. Soak the seed in the solution until they begin to swell (no more than overnight).
• Spread seeds on paper towel and allow to completely dry (about 2 days).
• Fill a pot with moist soil, add seeds on the surface of the soil, and cover them with about 1/4 inch of soil.
• Water pot with water that is slightly warmer than room temperature. After watering, wait 2 days before you can place the seedling in a light controlled area.

Propagation by Division;

• Choose a healthy, disease-free cutting with two or more nodes. It can be in the spring, summer or fall and around a month old. If it is an outdoor cutting, it may need to be brought indoors for about 30 minutes before planting to keep from rotting.
• Place the tip of the cutting into damp soil and cut just below a node (if not sure if it is ready for division, leave it on damp soil for an hour).
• Water the soil and cover with a clear plastic bag to prevent rain damage while it roots.
• After rooting, remove the plastic bag with roots and plant into a pot or outside.
• Watering Edit the best time to water your Aglaonema Ruby is right after the top of the soil dries out during watering. Water until the leaves are about 1 inch below the surface of the soil and do not allow any standing water for more than one day in your planter/garden area.
• Some plants need more water than others, and Aglaonema Ruby is a plant that will do fine with just a couple of watering a week. If you have live plants in your home, it is best to take the water can outside and gently pour the water over them, allowing them to soak it up as much as they can.