I have been growing and caring for different types of Chinese evergreens. Aglaonema chocolate is my favorite species due to its striking foliage colors for creating a long-lasting impression in any bland space.
Aglaonema chocolate care involves the provision of medium indirect sunlight, well-draining soil, high humidity, and a temperature range of 70-85oF (21-29oC). Feed your chocolate Chinese evergreen once a month during the spring and summer seasons.
I wrote this guide to provide insights into chocolate aglaonema care details for beginners. I have also shared tips to prevent and fix common Chinese evergreen problems. Take the time to read through and become a successful grower.
What Does an Aglaonema Chocolate Look Like?
Chocolate aglaonema is among rare Chinese evergreen varieties. But tissue culture helps increase their availability in many plant stores in the country.
An aglaonema chocolate plant has dark chocolate green foliages with striking red veins. The coloration can light up a dull space and even make your heart skip a beat.
The chocolate Chinese evergreen has a maximum height of six inches. The compact design makes this chocolate aglaonema plant ideal for tabletops or office spaces.
Aglaonema chocolate plant can survive under low lighting conditions. Bright direct sunlight exposure will make the striking foliages fade and burn.
But the Chinese evergreen foliages and stems contain calcium oxalate. The mineral compounds are toxic to cats, dogs, and toddlers. Protect the bare skin during propagation to prevent irritation from the sap.
Understanding appropriate chocolate aglaonema care will make you a successful grower. Keep reading to have a comprehensive insight into chocolate Chinese evergreen plant care.
Chocolate Chinese Evergreen Care Details
| Origin | Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia |
| Scientific Name | Aglaonema chocolate |
| Common Name | Chinese evergreen chocolate |
| Maximum Growth (Approx.) | Six inches tall |
| Light Requirements | Low-Medium indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight will cause discoloration. |
| Watering Frequency | Water your plant when 2-3 inches of topsoil is dry. |
| Soil Requirements | A fertile and well-draining potting mix. Combine an equal amount of perlite with potting soil. |
| Humidity Range | Average humidity is 40%. But the species thrive well under high humidity. |
| Temperature Requirements | 70-80oF (21-29oC) |
| Fertilizer Requirements | Feed the plant once a month during spring and summer. Use a dilute and balanced fertilizer. |
| Re-Potting | Re-pot the plant every two years due to the root-bound issues. |
| Propagation | Root division and stem cuttings |
| Pruning and Maintenance | Remove old or dead leaves |
| Pests and Diseases | Pest: Aphids, mealybugs, and scales Diseases: Brown leaf spots and root rot |
| Toxicity | Poisonous to pets and humans. |
How to Care for Aglaonema Chocolate Plant
Light Requirements
Aglaonemas are native to the tropical forest of Southeast Asia. These versatile plants thrive under the canopy in their natural habitat.
The chocolate aglaonema plant can tolerate low-medium indirect sunlight. I recommend placing the plant near the Northern exposure window.
Direct sunlight exposure will cause leaf discoloration and wilting. Use artificial lights for the plant in a room receiving low natural sunlight to prevent stunted growth.
Early morning and late evening direct sunlight will not harm your tropical houseplant. I recommend exposing this plant to sunlight for about 2-3 hours.
Temperature Requirement
The ideal temperature range for chocolate aglaonema is 70-80oF (21-29oC). Temperature below 60oF will trigger dormancy and an unhealthy growth rate.
Keep your tropical houseplant away from cold and hot drafts. These draft sources are air vents, radiators, heaters, and window or door sills.
Use a digital thermometer to monitor the indoor temperature changes. Ensure the indoor space is warmer during winter to facilitate a healthy growth rate.
Soil Requirements
The chocolate aglaonema plant prefers a fertile and well-draining potting mix to thrive well. The drainage system allows free air circulation and roots aeration.
Mix all-purpose potting soil with perlite to grow your chocolate aglaonema plants. Ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom to eliminate excess water.
Improper soil drainage will increase the risk of root rot due to overwatering. The soil sogginess will suffocate the roots and invite fungal infection.
Watering Frequency
Aglaonema thrives in slightly moist soil since too much water will cause root rot. Exercise precaution when watering your aglaonema chocolate plant.
I recommend watering the tropical plant if 2-3 inches of topsoil is dry. Push your index finger in the potting mix to test the soil moisture content.
Remember to water the plant once or twice a week during the summer and spring seasons since the species experience active growth and consume more water.
Reduce the watering frequency during the fall and winter seasons due to dormancy. The tropical plant will consume less water and the evaporation rate is low.
Fertilizer Application
The aglaonema chocolate plant is a light-feeder tropical houseplant. It requires fertilizer nutrients to develop dark chocolate foliages and experience healthy growth.
Use water-soluble houseplant to feed your plant every month during the spring and summer seasons. Do not fertilize the plant in winter due to dormancy.
Be sure to flash the potting soil every three months to prevent excessive salt accumulation. It will help avoid brow leaf tips and edges in the long run.
Humidity Requirements
Aglaonema chocolate thrives in a warm and humid environment. Every houseplant enthusiast needs to replicate the plant’s natural habitat conditions at home to enhance better growth.
Chocolate aglaonema plants can tolerate average humidity. But I recommend providing high humidity with proper ventilation to make the plant stay happy and healthy.
Use an electric humidifier to boost indoor humidity to about 40-60%. I do not recommend misting the leaves to avoid leaf spot diseases.
Aglaonema Chocolate Propagation
Stem cutting and root separation are the most reliable methods for propagating aglaonema chocolate plants. You can propagate the stem cuttings in water and soil.
Below are steps for propagating the aglaonema chocolate plant:
- Identify a healthy stem from the parent plant
- Use a sharp plant pruner to cut below the node with some leaves.
- Plant the stems directly in the potting soil and water them.
- Allow the stems to develop roots and provide ultimate care.
How to Re-Pot Aglaonema Chocolate
Aglaonema chocolate is a slow-growing tropical houseplant. The growth rate makes the species less vulnerable to root-bound problems.
I recommend re-potting the Chinese evergreen every two years to replenish the potting mix and overcome root-bound signs.
Be sure to use a slightly larger pot than the previous one and well-draining soil. Add compost to nourish the plant and perlite to improve the drainage system.
Aglaonema Chocolate Problems and Solutions
Pest Infestations
Aglaonema chocolate plant is less vulnerable to insect infestations. But this does not mean the houseplant is invincible to pests.
Aphids, mealybugs, and scales are the common culprits attacking Chinese evergreen. I recommend using an insecticidal soap spray to eliminate the pests from the plant.
Plant Diseases
Root rot is the leading plant disease that attacks the chocolate aglaonema plant. It occurs due to overwatering and using poor drainage soil.
I recommend re-potting the overwatered aglaonema chocolate to save it. Schedule a strict watering routine to avoid inappropriate watering frequency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are My Aglaonema Chocolate Leaves Curling?
Under-watering is the leading cause of leaves curling and drooping. Water the plant to help rehydrate and keep it away from direct sunlight exposure.
Why Are My Aglaonema Chocolate Yellowing Lower Leaves?
The natural aging process is the reason for yellowing lower leaves on your aglaonema chocolate plant. Use a sharp plant pruner to snip the old leaves to conserve energy for new growths.
Why Does My Aglaonema Chocolate Have Brown Leaf Tips and Edges?
Low humidity, over-fertilization, and under-watering are the leading reason for brown leaf tips and edges on your aglaonema species.
Final Word
Aglaonema chocolate plant has vibrant and colorful leaves patterned with red veins. These Chinese evergreen species are suitable for offices, modern living rooms, and dim bedrooms.
How to care for the Chinese evergreen chocolate plant involves the provision of medium indirect sunlight, well-draining soil, regular watering, and high humidity.
Feel free to share this information with your friends and family. Share your experience on aglaonema chocolate in the comment section below.
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