Question
Hi,
I live in a small apartment with too few windows, and as a plant lover I am trying to see how many plants I can get away with.  I got a Chinese Evergreen because of it's reputation in low light and it is placed about 6 feet from an East window.

My question is:
What signs can I look for to know if it is receiving too little light?  I'm hoping there are signs to look for before the infection with pests stage.  If needed I will rearrange furniture to get it more light, but prefer not to of course.  It has only been a week, so looks fine so far.

Thanks very much for your advice!
Laura

Answer
Hi Laura,

As a long-time resident of NYC, I have lots of first-hand experience with small apartments with too few windows!

Chinese evergreens are among the plants that I recommend for low light situations. A location 6 feet from an east window should provide enough light for any low light plant. However, that assumes the window is completely uncovered (no sheers!) throughout the day and that there is nothing between the Chinese evergreen and the light source that blocks the light. For example, if you have other plants closer to the window, then you probably do not have enough light for the Aglaonema. Another example would be a tall building outside the windwo that blocks a lot of the sunlight.

There is no specific tell-tale symptom that indicates inadequate light. In less than optimal light, the new leaves will be smaller and new stem growth will be thinner and the space between the leaves will be elongated. If the light is inadequate, the plant will slowly shed older leaves so that it can continue to grow new leaves. The line between minimal light and inadequate light is a fine one.

With plants in low light, it is unnecessary repotting and over watering that often kill the plant. In reduced light, plants growth rate slows, water use declines and the root system shrinks back. So never repot or fertilize a low light plant and do allow it to dry out deeper into the pot than normal.

I have written articles on low light plants, Chinese Evergreen care and repotting that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com