Problems

Aglaonema Problems: Causes & Quick Fixes

Quick answer

Aglaonema is prone to 16 common issues - each link below is a plant-specific fix guide.

Aglaonema houseplant

Aglaonema problems

Use the guides below to diagnose and fix common issues on Aglaonema. Each problem page explains why it happens on this species and what to do first.

Or use our problem diagnosis tool to narrow down symptoms.

Common problems on Aglaonema

Yellow Leaves

Medium

Likely cause: Overwatering is most common; also caused by cold temperatures or direct sun bleaching

Quick fix: Allow soil to dry to 2 inches; ensure temperatures stay above 15°C; check for drainage

Full fix guide →

Brown Tips

Low

Likely cause: Low humidity, fluoride in water, or overfertilising causes tip browning

Quick fix: Switch to filtered water; reduce fertiliser; increase humidity

Full fix guide →

Root Rot

High

Likely cause: Overwatering in dense soil causes rapid root rot

Quick fix: Unpot, remove mushy roots, repot in fresh well-draining mix; do not water for 7–10 days

Full fix guide →

Spider Mites

Medium

Likely cause: Dry indoor air in winter creates favourable conditions for spider mites

Quick fix: Isolate, wipe leaves with neem oil solution; increase humidity; repeat weekly

Full fix guide →

Overwatering

Medium

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Underwatering

Medium

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Mealybugs

Medium

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Aphids

Medium

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Leggy Growth

Medium

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Slow Growth

Medium

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Wilting

Medium

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Drooping Leaves

Medium

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Low Humidity

Medium

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Not Enough Light

Medium

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Fungus Gnats

Medium

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Mold on Soil

Medium

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water Aglaonema?

Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry - roughly every 7–10 days in summer. In practice, water every 7–10 days in summer; every 14–21 days in winter. Check top 2 inches of soil with finger; aglaonema tolerates brief drying. Reduce watering in winter; aglaonema is slow-growing in cool months.

What light does Aglaonema need?

Aglaonema grows best in low to medium indirect light.

Is Aglaonema toxic to pets?

Aglaonema is toxic to cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, horses, turtles, and tortoises. Keep out of reach of curious pets and choose pet-safe alternatives for accessible spots.

How do I propagate Aglaonema?

Propagate Aglaonema from healthy stem or root divisions during active growth.

What soil is best for Aglaonema?

Use well-draining, lightly fertile potting mix. A good mix includes standard peat-free potting compost, perlite (20–25%), coarse sand or orchid bark. Good drainage; avoid waterlogged soil which causes fast root rot. Target soil pH around 5.6–6.5.

When should I repot Aglaonema?

Repot Aglaonema every 2 years or when root-bound, ideally in spring. Signs it needs a bigger pot: roots circling out of drainage holes, soil drying rapidly after watering, crowded multiple crowns.

Why does my Aglaonema have yellow leaves?

Overwatering is most common; also caused by cold temperatures or direct sun bleaching Quick fix: Allow soil to dry to 2 inches; ensure temperatures stay above 15°C; check for drainage

How this Aglaonema problems guide is reviewed?

Editorial policy Review board

Written by · Reviewed by LeafyPixels Review Board · Updated June 17, 2026

This Aglaonema problems problem guide was researched and written by . Problems symptoms on Aglaonema, lookalike causes, and step-by-step fixes are cross-checked against extension pest, disease, and care references before publication.

We prioritize sources that hold up under scrutiny:

University cooperative extension bulletins and fact sheets (Penn State, Clemson, UMD, NC State, and similar programs)
Botanical garden and horticultural society publications
Peer-reviewed plant science and veterinary toxicology references where pet safety matters (including ASPCA Animal Poison Control)
Established reference works on indoor plant culture

The LeafyPixels editorial team then reviews the draft for clarity, step-by-step usefulness, and fit with real apartment and home conditions-not ideal greenhouse setups. When guidance changes materially, we update the page and note the revision date.

Sources used

1 to 2% soap solution (n.d.) Insecticidal Soaps For Garden Pest Control. [Online]. Available at: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/insecticidal-soaps-for-garden-pest-control/ (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
about 1/8 inch long (n.d.) Fungus Gnats In Indoor Plants. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.psu.edu/fungus-gnats-in-indoor-plants (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
adult females are wingless and about 1/16 inch long (n.d.) Mealybugs 2. [Online]. Available at: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/mealybugs-2/ (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
Algae and fungi can grow together on wet media (n.d.) Algae And Fungal Growth Soil Indoor Plants. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/algae-and-fungal-growth-soil-indoor-plants (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
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bag it before moving (n.d.) Managing Spider Mites Houseplants. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umn.edu/news/managing-spider-mites-houseplants (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
contains insoluble calcium oxalates toxic to cats and dogs (n.d.) Chinese Evergreen. [Online]. Available at: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/chinese-evergreen (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
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damp potting mix (n.d.) Fungus Gnats As Houseplant And Indoor Pests. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/fungus-gnats-as-houseplant-and-indoor-pests/ (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
dries completely, it can repel water (n.d.) Indoor Plants Watering. [Online]. Available at: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/indoor-plants-watering/ (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
feed on fungi, decaying peat, and sometimes tender feeder roots (n.d.) Fungus Gnats. [Online]. Available at: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/fungus-gnats/ (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
Fertilizer cannot replace missing light energy (n.d.) Lighting Indoor Plants. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/lighting-indoor-plants (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
fluorescent office lighting (n.d.) Chinese Evergreen. [Online]. Available at: https://www.almanac.com/plant/chinese-evergreen (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
Fungus gnats hover (n.d.) How Treat Pesky Fungus Gnats Houseplants. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/how-treat-pesky-fungus-gnats-houseplants (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
heated and air-conditioned rooms often sit below 40% relative humidity (2014) 2014 01 02 Tips Caring Tropical Houseplants. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/flowers-fruits-and-frass/2014-01-02-tips-caring-tropical-houseplants (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
insecticidal soap or horticultural oil (n.d.) Common Houseplant Insects Related Pests. [Online]. Available at: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/common-houseplant-insects-related-pests/ (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
Insecticidal soaps kill only on contact and require complete wetting of the insect (n.d.) Insect Control Insecticidal Soap. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/insect-control-insecticidal-soap/ (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
Judge recovery by healthy new leaves, not old leaf color (n.d.) Problems Common To Many Indoor Plants. [Online]. Available at: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/problems-common-to-many-indoor-plants (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
lance-shaped (n.d.) Aglaonema. [Online]. Available at: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aglaonema/ (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
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mite eggs survive a single pass (n.d.) IN307. [Online]. Available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN307 (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
Overwatering decreases oxygen available for root growth (n.d.) Houseplant Diseases Disorders. [Online]. Available at: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/houseplant-diseases-disorders/ (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
Plastic containers do not dry out as quickly as unglazed ceramic (n.d.) 07238. [Online]. Available at: https://www.extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/07238.pdf (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
potato slice on the surface for three to four days (n.d.) Jan 23 2022 Fungus Gnats. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/gardening/grow-gardening-columns/grow-columns-2022/jan-23-2022-fungus-gnats (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
Pythium (n.d.) Root Rots Indoor Plants. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/root-rots-indoor-plants (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
Reduce watering from fall through winter (n.d.) PlantFinderDetails. [Online]. Available at: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b574 (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
roots lose oxygen and stop functioning (n.d.) Overwatering. [Online]. Available at: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/environmental/overwatering (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
run on the soil surface and up the pot sides (2023) Fungus Gnats Houseplants. [Online]. Available at: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/article/2023/02/fungus-gnats-houseplants (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
Saprophytic fungi feed on decaying organic matter (n.d.) Common Fungi. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/common-fungi (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
saturated, airless mix (2003) Afrviolet. [Online]. Available at: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/article/2003/2-7-2003/afrviolet.html (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
slow-growing tropical perennial (n.d.) FP025. [Online]. Available at: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP025 (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
Spider mites thrive in dry, warm conditions (n.d.) Insects Indoor Plants. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umn.edu/product-and-houseplant-pests/insects-indoor-plants (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
stretches when light is too weak (n.d.) Lighting Indoor Plants. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/lighting-indoor-plants (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
Systemic imidacloprid drenches do not control spider mites (n.d.) Insect Pests Houseplants. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/insect-pests-houseplants (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
Tiny black fungus gnats (n.d.) Houseplant Pests. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umn.edu/news/houseplant-pests (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
top 2 inches of mix (n.d.) Chinese Evergreen Aglaonema Care Cultivation Growing Guide. [Online]. Available at: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/chinese-evergreen-aglaonema-care-cultivation-growing-guide/ (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
toxic to cats and dogs (n.d.) Chinese Evergreen. [Online]. Available at: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/chinese-evergreen (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
UC IPM lists aglaonema among houseplants that frequently develop aboveground mealybug problems (n.d.) Mealybugs. [Online]. Available at: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/mealybugs/ (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
UF/IFAS notes low water requirements and warns against overwatering (n.d.) Aglaonema. [Online]. Available at: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/houseplants/aglaonema/ (Accessed: 17 June 2026).
UF/IFAS notes that over-fertilization indoors causes soluble salt buildup and leaf margin or tip injury (n.d.) EP160. [Online]. Available at: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP160 (Accessed: 17 June 2026).