Aglaonema New Growth Yellowing: Light, Chilling & Companion Planting Issues

Diagnosing Pale Yellow New Leaves on Aglaonema ('Chinese Evergreen')

Your Aglaonema (companion-planted with a Cordyline) shows pale, yellowish new growth. Older leaf loss is normal; new growth discoloration is not.

Top Suspects

1. Excess Light: Cordyline needs more light than Aglaonema. Your fluorescent desk lamp + summer patio-door light may be too intense for Aglaonema. Try turning off the lamp.
2. Chilling: Unlikely in summer unless near AC vent or in cold climate.
3. Nutrient Imbalance: Possible if fertilizing heavily in low light.
4. Root Competition: Two plants in a 6-inch pot = crowded roots. Repot separately soon.

Immediate Actions

• Remove supplemental fluorescent light.
• Check for cold drafts.
• Reduce fertilizer to quarter-strength, monthly.
• Plan to separate into individual pots (Aglaonema: 6"; Cordyline: 8"+).

Why Companion Planting Is Risky

Different light/water/root needs. Your success so far is impressive—but the Aglaonema is signaling stress. Separate them before the Cordyline outcompetes it entirely.

Monitor

New leaves should green up in 2–3 weeks if light is the issue. If not, send photos for deeper diagnosis.