Question
Hi Darlene,

do we need to prune the Aglaonema's root when it's already fully root bound ? I live in tropical country.
I don't want to re-pot in bigger pot size (now 16").
Half of the pot is root bound, absolutely no soil between roots. Thank's for your advice.

Rgds,

Ari

Answer
Ari,

You did not say if you are north or south of the equator. I would not do anything unless you are going into the growing season in your area. It is never good to do anything to roots during the winter or dormant season. Even tropical plants slow their growth, especially their root growth during the shorter day colder winter season.

Now, a little about their care. They are popular houseplants and ornamental plants for offices and shopping malls because they are the easiest houseplants to grow. Numerous cultivars have been selected, including plants with variegated leaves. They tolerate a wide range of light, as well as neglect, and are relatively resistant to pests.

Chinese evergreens are very tolerant plants that do well in a variety of settings. Several species are available, some with dark green leaves and others that are variegated. Aglaonema flourish for years.

They prefer indirect light and partial shade. They do best in shadow-less light, such as a north window. They prefer heavy soil, which should be kept moist but not soggy. They do not tolerate the cold; they should not be exposed to temperatures below 10癈 (50癋), with optimal growing conditions between 20癈 (68癋) and 30癈 (86癋). High air humidity is also important. They are easy to propagate from cuttings, which will root in a glass of water, or from divisions.

That gets me to my final point. You will be much better off dividing your plant than root pruning it. Root pruning it will send it into major shock. Also be very careful when working on this plant. The sap of this plant is poisonous to health. It causes irritation in skin and if taken orally causes irritation of mouth, lips throat and tongue.

So do not root prune it but divide it into 2 pots. Put 2/3rds of the plant back in the pot it is in now and 1/3rd of the plant in a pot half the size of the pot it is in now.

Good luck.
Darlene