Aroid Care Guide - All You'll Ever Need to Know

As an average plant lover, I presume you started your journey by potting down whatever comes your way as long as you find it pleasant to look at. Don’t worry, we all did that. You couldn’t tell the difference between Asphodelaceae, Liliaceae, or aroid at first. But, now, you know a thing or two about all of these.

So, what can you tell me about aroid plants or Araceae plants? Anyone? Nothing?

Ok, here we go!

What are Aroids?

Araceae houseplants are one of the most common choices of houseplants, and I am sure you have one in your home, without even knowing! Colocasia, Philodendrons, Aglaonema, Monstera, Anthuriums, Hope Selloum – all of these are aroids! They all come under the family of aroids, AKA Araceae family, and you can also find them under the names Arum of Philodendron family.

But, enough about theory! Let’s check out things in practice!

Aroid Plants Care Tips

Now that the aroid definition is more than clear, there are some more important things to say. Accordingly, let’s first go through some of the additional facts that will be the key to your understanding of the aroid plants. These green beauties are among the oldest plant families that have survived and evolved into what we can find today.

They draw ancestry from swamp plants, so they are still rather keen on water. Accordingly, they are classified under sub-tropical plants, so the tropical conditions (especially the humidity) are what you need to simulate for an aroid to thrive in full. Still, an Araceae plant is a highly adaptable one and can survive in a wide array of conditions.

Low light, lots of water – they can tolerate that. However, don’t push it! We are talking about plants so amazing they can even generate heat! And, the trait I find most fascinating is that they need nothing else but water for propagation!

Now, let’s go step by step.

Light Requirements

When you set out to buy/propagate any of the aroid plants, people will tell you that it’s a low-light plant that appreciates dark spaces. Is it, though? How would you feel to be kept in the darkroom for most of the day no matter how much you resent the lights on at 7 a.m.?

Not so great, right? Don’t be fooled, then! Yes, it is true – an aroid does not require direct exposure, but you can’t keep it in the dark either.

Dappled sunlight is the golden standard. These plants originate from the wilderness, where they are covered up by large trees but still, they are not completely obscured. However, it would do them good if you give them a 3-hour direct exposure.

They will reward you bountifully. So, bear this in mind when looking for the perfect spot for your Aaglaonema or Philodendron.

Temperature and Humidity

When it comes to these, again, no high maintenance! Make sure to keep these at constant values without any abrupt changes and deviations. I mean, you don’t like it either when it’s freezing one day, and it’s boiling hot the next one.

If we are talking about the aroid plant, make sure to keep the temperature at the “normal” range. Speaking of normal, here’s what I had in mind.

The ideal temperature range for an aroid is 65°F – 85°F (i.e. 18°C – 30°C). Whatever the case, try not to go below 60°F (i.e. 15°C). Even if you do, make sure it’s shot-term. Otherwise, it could be highly detrimental to your green pet.

As for humidity, I’d say normal, but again, remember – try to imitate the sub-tropical conditions.

Watering

Naturally, sun and water – no plant can survive without these. Especially water, even if it’s a drop a week. The watering schedule is a rather important factor in aroids’ care habits.

To begin with, you need to bear in mind different watering schedules during the summer and wintertime. During summer, they will need more water as they are more prone to lose water at such time. As for colder months, you can cut back on watering.

Now, I cannot tell you exactly how often to water aroids. Here, you are on your own. Closely observe your plant and check for yourself whether it’s the time to water.

And to be sure it is, check the top inch or two of the soil. If it’s completely dry, then it’s time to water. So, yes, you do need to let the potting soil dry a bit before the next watering.

In my case, this is some 4-5 days apart during summer, but this does not have to be true of yours.

As for watering over the colder period, once a week is just enough. Now, another reason why I love aroids is that they will clearly tell you when they need more water. Their leaves start drooping when the plant has run out of water.

That’s your cue. Be careful at that time – do not add too much water thinking this will undo the period it spent without water. That will merely cause more damage.

Be moderate instead and water as if it was the regular watering time. Should you realize you overwatered, skip a week or even two. If you are not sure if you did, the plant will tell you so through its yellow leaves.

Soil

I will not bother you much with soil types. I know how we sometimes just stumble into a shop and take the first soil at hand. Luckily, our aroids can thrive in any soil so you won’t make a huge mistake whatever you pick.

Still, try to pot an Araceae in well-draining soils that can allow the excess water to run out. Too much water can cause root rot so pay attention to finding soil with such quality. Although, perlite can help you here.

Adding a little bit of it to the soil mix will be more than helpful in getting rid of too much water.

Propagation

Once you buy your first aroid, soon enough you’ll want another one, and then another one. Lucky for you, they propagate easily. Each of the aroids displays nodes on its trunk so you can take the cuttings for further propagation.

These nodes will develop roots that can lead to a new indoor plant. The best thing is that you can put these in water and see the magic happen before your eyes. They will thrive in water and can stay for quite some time.

Still, try not to keep them for too long since water does not have all the required nutrients.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing is a great method to aid the growth of your aroid. Note that you can do this during the active season (spring through fall), while in colder months you can forsake the fertilizer. As for choosing the right one, that depends on which aroid we are talking about and what effect you want to achieve.

Final Word

Aroids are one of the oldest plants you can find decorating living spaces still. Everybody loves them and comes back to them whenever they need a housewarming or a new job gift. With these care tips here, now you know how to keep your beauty all the more healthy and stunning.

Share yours in the comments so we can admire their beauty together!