How to Grow and Care for Aglaonema Chocolate

The Aglaonema ‘Chocolate’, a member of the Chinese Evergreen family, is a popular houseplant known for its distinctive foliage. The appeal comes from the rich, dark coloration of its leaves, which brings a unique depth to indoor plant collections. This variety stands out for its deep coloring, making it a focal point in any room.

Identifying Aglaonema ‘Chocolate’

The defining feature of Aglaonema ‘Chocolate’ is its foliage. The leaves are a deep, dark green-brown that can appear almost black in lower light, resembling dark chocolate. This base color is accented with subtle reddish or pinkish veins that trace through the leaf, providing contrast. The leaves are large, oval, and lance-shaped, growing from short stems to create a full, bushy appearance.

This cultivar’s coloration helps distinguish it from other dark-leafed Aglaonemas. While a variety like ‘Red Valentine’ has prominent red markings, ‘Chocolate’ is defined by its darker leaves and more subtle veining. The back of the leaf can also display a deep red hue, adding to its unique profile. Its compact and densely branching growth habit makes it a manageable indoor plant.

Essential Care Guide

Light

Aglaonema ‘Chocolate’ flourishes in medium to low indirect sunlight, making it adaptable to various indoor settings. Placing the plant a few feet from a window provides ideal brightness without harsh, direct rays. Direct sun exposure should be avoided, as it will scorch the leaves. While it tolerates low light, its dark foliage is most vibrant with brighter, indirect light.

Water

To avoid root rot, allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out before watering. Water the plant thoroughly, letting all excess drain from the pot’s drainage holes. This plant is more tolerant of being slightly dry than overwatered. During the winter, its growth slows and its water needs will decrease.

Soil

This plant requires a well-draining potting medium to prevent saturated roots. A peat-based mix is a good choice, as it retains some moisture while allowing excess water to pass through. You can also amend standard indoor potting soil with perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration. The goal is to provide a substrate that supports the roots with adequate air circulation.

Temperature and Humidity

Aglaonema ‘Chocolate’ prefers temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and should be protected from cold drafts or sudden temperature drops. It is tolerant of average household humidity but appreciates higher levels. In dry environments, occasional misting or using a humidifier can be beneficial.

Fertilizer

Feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks during the spring and summer growing season. Diluting the fertilizer to half-strength is recommended to prevent harm from over-fertilization. Reduce or stop feeding in the fall and winter when growth slows.

Propagation Methods

Propagating Aglaonema ‘Chocolate’ is reliably done through division, which is best performed during repotting. Once the plant is out of its container, gently tease the root ball apart into smaller clumps, ensuring each has its own roots and stems. Pot these new divisions individually in fresh soil.

Stem cuttings are another propagation method, ideal for when a mature plant becomes leggy. Cut a section of stem with several nodes (the small bumps where leaves emerge) and place it in water or moist soil. If using water, transfer the cutting to a pot after roots form in a few weeks. Taking cuttings also encourages the parent plant to grow fuller.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Common issues can be identified and managed with simple adjustments.

• Yellowing leaves: This is a direct indicator of overwatering, where the soil has been kept too wet. Allow the soil to dry more thoroughly between waterings to relieve stress on the root system.
• Brown, crispy leaf tips: This points to environmental stress, such as low humidity or inconsistent watering, rather than a disease. Keep the plant away from drafts and maintain a consistent watering schedule.
• Pests: Aglaonemas can attract spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Inspect the leaves regularly, especially the undersides, to catch infestations early. Pests can be managed by wiping leaves with a cloth dipped in a solution of water and mild insecticidal soap.

Toxicity Information

All plants in the Aglaonema genus, including the ‘Chocolate’ variety, are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, and vomiting. To ensure safety, place the plant out of reach of pets and small children.