Question
The leaves on my Aglaonema ' Emerald Beauty" have been turning corklike brown, dry and crumbly at the base of the leaf and petiole. The plant is otherwise healthy and has lots of new growth. New leaves do not have this problem at first but will always get it before too long. I don't think it is from low humidity. I have it around other plants ( none of them have any problems)and a pebble tray under it. This problem continued while the plant was outside on my screened in porch during the summer when humidity is high. This plant has had this problem the entire 2 years I have had it. I am careful about watering, if anything I tend to underwater. What causes this and how do I stop it from happening? Thanks

Answer
Tracy,

Lets talk light, it does not like sun, no sun should touch the leaves, but the light does need to be bright enough to read sitting where it sits. Also it hates temperatures below 60 degrees. Either light or temperature could be causing your problem.

Also there could be a mild fungal or bacterial infection. I am not an expert on plant epidemiology but I have found that Lysol Spray (or the generic equilavent) sprayed daily for a week then twice a week for 3 more weeks helps any plant that I suspect may have a fungal or bacterial infection.

So check the lighting and the temperature and if those are not the problem try the spray. Good luck.

Darlene