Family: Araceae
Common Name: Chinese Evergreen Garnet Coltrane
Scientific Name: Aglaonema commutatutm ‘Garnet Coltrane’
Suppose you are searching for some plants that are adaptive to weather conditions. Then you're at the right place, and Chinese Evergreen Garnet Coltrane is a patent for this purpose. It can grow with a little amount of light and can take fluorescent lights. It doesn't take a lot of space. So, you don't have to worry about the compatibility of fitting it in your house. It grows slowly but gets a lot bigger than what you might think it has become.
Light
Chinese Evergreen Granite Coltrane can tolerate low light, but their colors will be enhanced and radiate in medium to bright, indirect sunlight. The ideal setting is in a location that receives over 5 hours of indirect sunlight daily! They can grow under artificial lighting, making them ideal for offices and interior low-light spaces, but they will not be as vibrant under artificial lights. They should not be placed in direct sunlight, which will cause their leaves to burn! They can tolerate gentle, early morning sunlight (between 5-7 am!). Learn where to put your plants for the best light!
Water
Water your Granite Coltrane Aglaonema as needed in the growing season (spring through summer), and water less frequently in the winter. Chinese Evergreens in lower light areas should be watered less often; indoor plants placed in brighter spots require more frequent watering. These plants don't like having consistently soggy soil, so wait until the top two inches of soil is dry, and then water thoroughly. Never let the roots sit in standing water; ensure the pot has proper drainage. Smaller plants will need more frequent watering than larger plants with deeper root balls.
Soil
Potting soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter, but still has the ability to drain well is the perfect growing medium for all aglaonemas! Most coco coir or peat-based potting soil mixes will be adequate but make sure that they do not contain water-retentive crystals as they can cause the soil to continually stay moist causing root rot. Avoid using garden soil, or dense outdoor soils as this will prevent proper drainage and may introduce pests or pathogens. If you are feeling adventurous, try creating your own potting soil!
Temperature
60-80°F is the best-suited temperature for Chinese Evergreen Garnet Coltrane plants. However, you can go beyond that, not below. These plants can't tolerate the cold. The best thing would be to keep them away from your air conditioning vents! These plants require good airflow to keep free them from fungus and bacteria.
Humidity
Aglaonemas can generally tolerate typical household humidity levels, but if the tips of the leaves turn brown, it means the air is too dry, and you should increase the humidity with a humidifier. Humidity levels under 40% can adversely effect your tropical houseplants, like Chinese Evergreen Garnet Coltrane. Trays filled with pebbles and water can also help increase the humidity immediately surrounding your plants, as can grouping your indoor plants closely together. Learn how to increase the humidity in the air around your indoor plants!
Fertilizer
Aglaonemas don’t require much food, so use a complete liquid fertilizer that is diluted to 1/4 the recommended strength, fish/seaweed emulsion, or slow-release fertilizer once or twice in the growing season (spring through summer). Learn when to fertilize your indoor plants in our in-depth video!
Growth Rate
Chinese Evergreen Garnet Coltrane is a moderate grower indoors, and can reach a mature height of 3’+ with proper care and environment!
Pet Friend or Foe
Chinese Evergreen Garnet Coltrane is toxic to pets. Foe!
Pro Tips
- Leave the lower browning leaves on the plant until you can pull them out by hand. This will help prevent any unwanted critters from invading the plant.
- When going on vacation, place your Chinese Evergreen house plants together with your other indoor plants in a low-light area. They'll use less water, and the nearby plants will help keep the humidity higher.
- Rotate your Chinese Evergreen 90 ° (quarter turn) every tine you water them to maintain a well-rounded shape.
- Chinese Evergreens will benefit from being re-potted when you notice the roots growing out of the drainage holes of the grow pot, or from the top of the pot! Re-potting will encourage your plant to grow larger over time!