Araceae (Aroid Family)

One of the most well-liked and varied plant groups for indoor gardening is the Araceae family, also referred to as Aroids. It include popular genera like Aglaonema, Pothos, Anthurium, Monstera, Philodendron, Alocasia, and Zantedeschia. These tropical beauties are highly valued for their striking leaf forms, gorgeous foliage, and ability to adapt quite well indoors.

1. The ideal light is bright, indirect light; stay away from the scorching afternoon sun.

2. Give the soil a thorough watering, but let the top two to three centimeters dry in between.

3. Use a chunky, well-draining aroid mix consisting of potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite.

4. Use a pebble tray or spritz leaves to keep the humidity over 50%.

5. Avoid chilly drafts; most Aroids prefer temperatures between 18 and 29°C.

6. To aid in photosynthesis and remove dust, wipe large leaves with a moist cloth once a month.

7. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks during the spring and summer.

Bright, indirect light. A spot near an east- or north-facing window is ideal. Direct midday sun causes leaf scorch. Variegated varieties need more light to maintain their patterns.

Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry. Overwatering causes root rot. Use room-temperature water and ensure pots have drainage holes.

18–29°C is optimal. Most Aroids are sensitive to temperatures below 13°C. Avoid cold windowsills in winter and keep away from air-conditioning vents.

Aim for 50–70% relative humidity. Group plants together, use a humidifier, or place pots on trays filled with pebbles and water.

Every 1–2 years in spring. Choose a pot only 2–3 cm larger than the current one. A pot that is too large holds excess moisture and leads to root rot.

A chunky, well-aerated mix: 40% potting soil, 30% perlite, 20% orchid bark, 10% worm castings. This ensures excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture.

Monthly in winter, every 2–3 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced NPK liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength. Flush the soil every 2 months to prevent salt build-up.

Most Aroids propagate readily from stem cuttings. Cut just below a node (the joint where a leaf meets the stem), place in water or moist sphagnum moss, and wait 2–6 weeks for roots to appear. Alocasia and Aglaonema can also be divided at repotting time.

Spider mites — look for fine webbing under leaves; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Thrips — tiny insects causing silvery streaks on leaves; isolate plant and apply systemic insecticide.

Mealybugs — white cottony clusters in leaf axils; remove with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab.

Root rot (Pythium) — caused by overwatering; allow soil to dry out, remove affected roots, repot.