copper deficiency on Aglaonema
Quick answer
If your Aglaonema has copper deficiency, the most likely cause is: Chinese evergreen develops copper deficiency when root-zone temperatures fall below 65°F (18°C), which limits the plant's ability to take up copper from the soil, or when the potting mix itself is depleted of available copper over time in old, unrefreshed soil. The deficiency shows first on the newest leaves emerging from the central crown of the Aglaonema clump, where copper-dependent cell expansion fails before older leaves are affected.
Start here:
- 1. Apply a foliar micronutrient spray labeled for houseplants, following the product's dilution rate, and reapply at intervals recommended on the label until new leaves emerge normally sized and shaped.
- 2. Move the Aglaonema to a warmer location where root-zone temperatures stay above 65°F (18°C) at all times so the roots can resume copper uptake, and keep the plant away from cold windows and entryway drafts.
Why Aglaonema gets copper deficiency
Aglaonema spp.
Chinese evergreen develops copper deficiency when root-zone temperatures fall below 65°F (18°C), which limits the plant's ability to take up copper from the soil, or when the potting mix itself is depleted of available copper over time in old, unrefreshed soil. The deficiency shows first on the newest leaves emerging from the central crown of the Aglaonema clump, where copper-dependent cell expansion fails before older leaves are affected.
How to reverse copper deficiency on Aglaonema
- 1
Apply a foliar micronutrient spray labeled for houseplants, following the product's dilution rate, and reapply at intervals recommended on the label until new leaves emerge normally sized and shaped.
- 2
Move the Aglaonema to a warmer location where root-zone temperatures stay above 65°F (18°C) at all times so the roots can resume copper uptake, and keep the plant away from cold windows and entryway drafts.
- 3
Repot the Chinese evergreen into fresh, well-drained potting soil to restore the pool of available micronutrients if the existing mix is more than two years old or has been heavily leached by frequent watering.
Keep copper deficiency off this Aglaonema
Maintain Chinese evergreen root temperatures above 65°F (18°C) year-round, repot every 2 years in fresh potting mix so copper and other micronutrients do not run out, and apply a balanced fertilizer that includes micronutrients during the spring and summer growing season.