Silver Queen (Aglaonema) Repotting: Not a Bulb, Easy to Divide, Watch for Mealybugs & Ants

Owner asks if silver queen is a bulb, wants to repot huge plant (25" pot, 11 ft foliage spread) into 42" pot. Also has ants in soil. What are mealybugs?

Not a Bulb—Rhizomatous, Easy to Divide

Aglaonema grows from rhizomes. When repotting, you can separate into multiple plants.

Mealybugs = Cottony White Puffs

If seen, dab with isopropyl alcohol. Ants in soil = discard that soil (eggs likely).

Pot Size Warning

42" pot is huge—risk of overwatering. Better to divide and use several smaller pots. Use rich mix (Miracle-Gro), low light, frequent misting.

Repotting Steps

1. Remove plant, shake off ant-infested soil.
2. Divide or keep whole.
3. Pot in fresh mix with drainage layer.
4. Water well, mist leaves, keep in low light.