Aglaonema Sparkling Sarah

This plant grows well in a range of light conditions, from lower-light rooms to bright spaces.

For the best color, place it in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun can burn the leaves and fade the pink and cream variegation. In very low light, growth will slow and new leaves may become greener.

A spot a few feet from a bright window or near a window with a sheer curtain is ideal.

Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry.

Water thoroughly until excess water drains from the bottom of the pot, then empty the saucer. Don't leave the roots sitting in water, as this can cause root rot.

The thick stems and roots store some moisture, so this plant handles short dry spells better than constantly wet soil.

Water less often during fall and winter when growth naturally slows.

Keep temperatures between 65°F and 85°F.

Protect the plant from cold drafts, air conditioners, heating vents, and temperatures below 55°F.

It grows well in normal indoor humidity of 40% or higher, but it will grow even better with humidity between 50% and 70%. A humidifier or grouping it with other tropical plants can help if your home is dry.

Use a loose, well-draining potting mix. A peat- or coco coir-based mix with perlite and orchid bark gives the roots good airflow while holding enough moisture.

Feed once a month during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer mixed at half strength.

The easiest time to propagate this plant is during spring or early summer.

You can grow new plants from stem cuttings or by dividing the plant during repotting.

For stem cuttings, cut a healthy stem just below a node using clean pruning shears. Place the cutting in water or a moist propagation mix with the node covered. Keep it in bright, indirect light and change the water every week if rooting in water. Once the roots are about 2 inches long, it's ready to pot.

You can also separate healthy offsets during repotting, making sure each one has its own roots.

Repot every 2 to 3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound.

Choose a pot that's only 1 to 2 inches wider than the current one and has drainage holes.

Gently loosen the outer roots before placing the plant into fresh potting mix. Water well after repotting to help the soil settle and reduce transplant shock.

Aglaonema Sparkling Sarah is toxic to dogs and cats.

Its leaves and stems contain calcium oxalate crystals. If chewed, they can cause mouth irritation, swelling, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Keep the plant on a high shelf or somewhere pets can't reach it. If you think your pet has eaten any part of the plant, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Aglaonema Sparkling Sarah is a cultivated hybrid, but its parent species come from the tropical forests of Southeast Asia.

In the wild, Aglaonemas grow on warm, humid forest floors beneath dense tree canopies. That's why they handle lower light well but dislike cold drafts and dry conditions.

Aglaonemas have been grown in Asia for centuries and are often seen as symbols of good luck and prosperity.

Sparkling Sarah stands out because its soft pink color isn't just on the leaves. The pink also runs through its stems and leaf stalks, giving the whole plant a colorful look.

Members of the Aglaonema group were also included in early NASA indoor air quality studies, helping make them popular as houseplants.