Plant Profiles

CURRENTLY A WORK IN PROGRESS

Explore our library of Plant Profiles to unearth and learn more about their individual preferences, care, ideal conditions, common challenges, and further tips about each plant.
If you have other questions, please email it to hello@thepowerplant.co.nz.

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  • Aglaonema
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Aglaonema

The Aglaonema Beauty truly lives up to its name with its vibrant red foliage, speckled with a deep green along the edges. This plant is an eye-catching stunner that brightens up a space with its lush & thick foliage!

Botanical Name: Aglaonema commutatum

Water: Give the Aglaonema Beauty a big drink when the top 3 centimetres of soil has dried out completely. A ‘big drink’ is when the plant is placed in a container that can catch any excess water, and water is poured from the top until water can be seen draining out from the bottom of the pot. Once water has come out from the bottom, allow the plant to sit in the water for a few hours to fully soak up the necessary amount. Remember that if the plant is allowed to sit in water for more than one day, the plant may be susceptible to root rot. Always remove excess water to ensure that root rot is avoided.

Light: This plant enjoys a partly shady spot that is out of direct sunlight, as direct sun can burn & damage the foliage. The Aglaonema Beauty is one of the few plants that can tolerate a low-light situation however, the plant will slow down in relation to growth and pushing out new foliage. If the plant is moved from a low-lit situation to a brightly lit area with slight direct sunlight or vice versa, the plant can go into shock from the lack of acclimation therefore, always ensure that the plant is slowly acclimatised before changing the location.

Potting Media: A premium well-draining potting media is perfect for the Aglaonema Beauty. This plant is prone to root-rot so ensure that the potting media has pumice for drainage and bark too. If the potting media is lacking these drainage qualities, mix a bag of premium aroid potting media with the original potting media to reach a nicely balanced drainage mix

Humidity: This plant can tolerate a low humidity environment however, the promotion of foliage growth will be achieved in a high humidity space. Ensure that the plant is kept away from cold draughts, especially in the winter months. If the foliage begins to brown along the edges, this is a good sign that the plant is in need of more humidity (such as a bathroom or kitchen space).

Temperature: Keep your plant in a space that does not drop below 15 ºC or exceed 30 ºC which means that extra care will be required for those chilly, New Zealand winter months.

Fertiliser: Use a balanced fertiliser once a month during Spring and Summer, and a diluted solution during Winter. A diluted fertiliser mix during winter will provide your plant with the recommended nutrients required for growth however, as your plant enters the hibernation period it will not need the extra energy to create blooms and new foliage. We recommend the Dyna Gro Foliage-Pro 7-9-5 as this fertiliser contains all the required nutrients that will support foliage growth in your plant.

The Dyna Gro Pro-TeKt 0-0-3 is a recommended supplement that encourages cellular growth and strengthening that will aid your plant in protecting itself against pests.

Dyna Gro GROW 7-9-5, is an all-purpose, nutritionally complete, formula that promotes both foliage and bloom growth containing all 6 essential macronutrients and all 10 essential micronutrients that every plant needs.

These are available in our 'Plant Food' section of the website.

Toxicity:Toxic when consumed

Origin: Southeast Asia.

Extra Care + Tips:Aglaonemas tend to keep water in the stalks which means that if the soil is consistently moist and the stems are full of water, the plant is prone to root-rot. To avoid root-rot, avoid overwatering your plant and remember to remove any excess water from the water-catching tray so the plant isn’t sitting in it for too long

Fun fact:Aglaonema, known as Chinese Evergreen, has been grown as a luck-bringing ornamental plant in Asia for centuries. This plant is also known for its air purifying properties, specifically clearing formaldehyde and benzene from the air.

Aglaonema are a breeze to take care of at home, chillaxing in lower lighting and skipped waterings like a champ. From creamy whites to bold pinks, there's a perfect Aglaonema for every space! Look no further than Night sparkle, a patterned beauty with slim emerald-green leaves and swirly wonders of light yellow and white, finished off by a real show-stopper of a pink mid-vein..

Botanical Name: Aglaonema commutatum.

Water: Give the Aglaonema Nightsparkle a big drink when the top 3 centimetres of soil has dried out completely. A ‘big drink’ is when the plant is placed in a container that can catch any excess water, and water is poured from the top until water can be seen draining out from the bottom of the pot. Once water has come out from the bottom, allow the plant to sit in the water for a few hours to fully soak up the necessary amount. Remember that if the plant is allowed to sit in water for more than one day, the plant may be susceptible to root rot. Always remove excess water to ensure that root rot is avoided.

Light: This plant enjoys a partly shady spot that is out of direct sunlight, as direct sun can burn & damage the foliage. The Aglaonema Beauty is one of the few plants that can tolerate a low-light situation however, the plant will slow down in relation to growth and pushing out new foliage. If the plant is moved from a low-lit situation to a brightly lit area with slight direct sunlight or vice versa, the plant can go into shock from the lack of acclimation therefore, always ensure that the plant is slowly acclimatised before changing the location.

Potting Media: A premium well-draining potting media is perfect for the Aglaonema Beauty. This plant is prone to root-rot so ensure that the potting media has pumice for drainage and bark too. If the potting media is lacking these drainage qualities, mix a bag of premium aroid potting media with the original potting media to reach a nicely balanced drainage mix.

Humidity: This plant can tolerate a low humidity environment however, the promotion of foliage growth will be achieved in a high humidity space. Ensure that the plant is kept away from cold draughts, especially in the winter months. If the foliage begins to brown along the edges, this is a good sign that the plant is in need of more humidity (such as a bathroom or kitchen space).

Temperature: Keep your plant in a space that does not drop below 15 ºC or exceed 30 ºC which means that extra care will be required for those chilly, New Zealand winter months.

Fertiliser: Use a balanced fertiliser once a month during Spring and Summer, and a diluted solution during Winter. A diluted fertiliser mix during winter will provide your plant with the recommended nutrients required for growth however, as your plant enters the hibernation period it will not need the extra energy to create blooms and new foliage. We recommend the Superthrive Foliage-Pro 7-9-5 as this fertiliser contains all the required nutrients that will support foliage growth in your plant.

Superthrive Gro Pro-TeKt 0-0-3 is a recommended supplement that encourages cellular growth and strengthening that will aid your plant in protecting itself against pests.

Superthrive GROW 7-9-5, is an all-purpose, nutritionally complete, formula that promotes both foliage and bloom growth containing all 6 essential macronutrients and all 10 essential micronutrients that every plant needs.

These are available in our 'Plant Food' section of the website.

Toxicity: Toxic when consumed

Origin: Southeast Asia.

Extra Care + Tips: Aglaonemas tend to keep water in the stalks which means that if the soil is consistently moist and the stems are full of water, the plant is prone to root-rot. To avoid root-rot, avoid overwatering your plant and remember to remove any excess water from the water-catching tray so the plant isn’t sitting in it for too long.

Fun fact: Aglaonema, known as Chinese Evergreen, has been grown as a luck-bringing ornamental plant in Asia for centuries. This plant is also known for its air purifying properties, specifically clearing formaldehyde and benzene from the air.

Aglaonema sapphire is a bright-eyed beauty that'll make your living space look lively with its dark green leaves and glowing rosy-pink edges. Its pale pink stems add an extra layer of pizzazz! As an added bonus, it livens up in medium-bright indirect light, and also goes above and beyond when it comes to its chill-out attitude. It's low-maintenance, slow-growing, and tolerant of low light, so it's a perfect pick even for those with a brown thumb!

Botanical Name: Aglaonema commutatum.

Water: Give the Aglaonema Beauty a big drink when the top 3 centimetres of soil has dried out completely. A ‘big drink’ is when the plant is placed in a container that can catch any excess water, and water is poured from the top until water can be seen draining out from the bottom of the pot. Once water has come out from the bottom, allow the plant to sit in the water for a few hours to fully soak up the necessary amount. Remember that if the plant is allowed to sit in water for more than one day, the plant may be susceptible to root rot. Always remove excess water to ensure that root rot is avoided.

Light: This plant enjoys a partly shady spot that is out of direct sunlight, as direct sun can burn & damage the foliage. The Aglaonema Beauty is one of the few plants that can tolerate a low-light situation however, the plant will slow down in relation to growth and pushing out new foliage. If the plant is moved from a low-lit situation to a brightly lit area with slight direct sunlight or vice versa, the plant can go into shock from the lack of acclimation therefore, always ensure that the plant is slowly acclimatised before changing the location.

Potting Media: A premium well-draining potting media is perfect for the Aglaonema Beauty. This plant is prone to root-rot so ensure that the potting media has pumice for drainage and bark too. If the potting media is lacking these drainage qualities, mix a bag of premium aroid potting media with the original potting media to reach a nicely balanced drainage mix.

Humidity: This plant can tolerate a low humidity environment however, the promotion of foliage growth will be achieved in a high humidity space. Ensure that the plant is kept away from cold draughts, especially in the winter months. If the foliage begins to brown along the edges, this is a good sign that the plant is in need of more humidity (such as a bathroom or kitchen space).

Temperature: Keep your plant in a space that does not drop below 15 ºC or exceed 30 ºC which means that extra care will be required for those chilly, New Zealand winter months.

Fertiliser: Use a balanced fertiliser once a month during Spring and Summer, and a diluted solution during Winter. A diluted fertiliser mix during winter will provide your plant with the recommended nutrients required for growth however, as your plant enters the hibernation period it will not need the extra energy to create blooms and new foliage. We recommend the Dyna Gro Foliage-Pro 7-9-5 as this fertiliser contains all the required nutrients that will support foliage growth in your plant.

The Dyna Gro Pro-TeKt 0-0-3 is a recommended supplement that encourages cellular growth and strengthening that will aid your plant in protecting itself against pests.

Dyna Gro GROW 7-9-5, is an all-purpose, nutritionally complete, formula that promotes both foliage and bloom growth containing all 6 essential macronutrients and all 10 essential micronutrients that every plant needs.

These are available in our 'Plant Food' section of the website.

Toxicity: Toxic when consumed

Origin: Southeast Asia.

Extra Care + Tips: Aglaonemas tend to keep water in the stalks which means that if the soil is consistently moist and the stems are full of water, the plant is prone to root-rot. To avoid root-rot, avoid overwatering your plant and remember to remove any excess water from the water-catching tray so the plant isn’t sitting in it for too long.

Fun fact: Aglaonema, known as Chinese Evergreen, has been grown as a luck-bringing ornamental plant in Asia for centuries. This plant is also known for its air purifying properties, specifically clearing formaldehyde and benzene from the air.

Epipremnum

Monstera

Philodendron

Scindapsus

Spathiphyllum

The Peace lily, Spathiphyllum viviana, is a popular, low maintenance house plant with glossy green leaves and white flowers, called spathes. Native to central America, it's used to a warm, humid environment and can be perfect for growing in a bright bathroom. Peace lilies are easy to grow and relatively trouble-free. Keep your living space looking fresh and vibrant with this cheerful companion--no green thumb required! Plus, it's said to purify the air of toxins, making it the perfect addition to any indoor oasis.The Peace lily name comes from it's beautiful flowers, thought to resemble white flags, they are symbolic of peace. The Viviana variety has a stunning dark green leaf that is slightly broader than other varieties. The dark green leaf has pointed tips and has deep ridges in the foliage, giving this beautiful plant great texture to enjoy. This elegant variety also grows many leaves close together creating a big lush plant and with its hearty, full-blooming properties you’ll find this variety will flower often with several flowers at a time. These plants are particularly hardy and can tolerant neglect like champs so they make a great beginner plant, and also make amazing gifts for new plant people.

Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum spp. viviana

Water: Spathiphyllum’s tend to drink a lot of water so you may find you are watering this plant more than others in your home. In general, water when the top inch of soil has dried out. In winter, reduce watering but never allow the soil to dry out completely. This can stress out the plant and you may find you can loose a leaf or two, however as mentioned earlier these plants are pretty tolerant so missing a water once in a white isn’t going to kill the plant. Light: Peace lilies indoors need some light lovin', not direct sun, but bright, filtered light to look their best. This variety can tolerate some slightly more mid to low light spots in your home, however, she is also a big bloomer and with a little extra filtered light, this plant will flower often and plenty! So if flowers are your jam, definitely have this plant in bright light.

Potting Media: Peace lilies desire a luxe, light potting mix rich in organic matter. Just keep an eye on the dampness - these plants don't like soggy, wet soil, so opt for a well-draining blend.Humidity: Spathiphyllum can tolerate average humidity and are usually fine in most homes in New Zealand’s climate. They aren’t a big fan of cold droughts or continuous cold spaces, so keep them clear of an open window over night in winter and keep them inside. 

Temperature:  Further more from above, Spathiphyllum love a warm humid spot and can tolerate slightly cooler spaces during New Zealand winters. Keep in mind, if your plant is exposed to prolonged cold temperatures it may brown the leaves and eventually die.

Fertiliser: Spathiphyllum appreciate frequent feedings, which can result in a strong plant and seasonal blooming. Depending on your choose of fertiliser you can fertilise your plant year round, and diluting your fertiliser by half the recommended dose during the winter months

Toxicity: Unfortunately Spathiphyllum’s are toxic to pets and people when ingested.Origin: Central America, AsiaExtra Care + Tips: Under the perfect conditions, peace lilies grow with ease. But if not, hiccups may occur. Curled and pale leaves may indicate that the plant is receiving too much direct sunlight. Curled foliage and not colour changes may be caused by lack of water. Browning on your peace lily's leaf tips can be due to too much or too little water, as well as poor soil drainage. It also can be due to extreme low temperatures and humidity. Plus, the buildup of salts in the soil may be a culprit. 

Fun fact: Like many flora, peace lilies hold symbolism. The peace lily signifies sympathy, hope, healing and—of course—peace. It's often bestowed as a gift to those grieving the loss of a loved one.