Whether or not you should/shouldn't fertilize during the darker months depends on how you water. If you water so you're flushing the soil regularly, you should fertilize all year long. If you're using a soil that doesn't allow you to flush the soil whenever you feel like it for fear of extended periods of soil saturation limiting root function or wrecking root health, and you're watering in sips to prevent those issues, it might be the least of two evils to water in sips and forgo fertilizing, but it's not a good choice. Better, would be setting in place a plan that allows you to both flush the soil and fertilize at intervals during the fall, winter, and early spring. If it was my plant, my plan, and it's good to have a plan you can stick to, would be to nurse the plant through the winter and repot next June into a soil that allows you to water so you're flushing the soil whenever you feel like it. That will give you plenty of time to learn enough about soils so you can repot into something that will work FOR you, instead of against you. Most of the problems that bring growers here looking for help are actually soil-related. FWIW - I flush the soil of my plants EVERY time I water, and I actually fertilize EVERY time I water with a weak fertilizer solution all winter long. I'm not saying that because I follow that regimen you should too; but, I am saying that the way I grow is so easy it's hard to get it wrong unless you work at it. Also, if you're using a soil that allows you to water correctly, there's little worry about over-potting or moving your plant to a smaller pot. With the right soil, you could use a 55 gallon drum full of soil and in it plant the smallest of seedlings w/o worry about root health due to 'over-potting'. Al

It was an east-facing window, which gets relatively cool sun, so I'm not sure. It takes some time for that room to warm up, even in springtime. I was reading up about Ags and there are certain varieties that tolerate somewhat cooler temperatures, mine being somewhere in the middle range. From what I read in the article, there has been a push to produce hybrid varieties that can stand the cold better, but I do not see that any new types have hit the market yet. Emerald Star and Jewel of India seem to be some of the most cold tolerant varieties, according to this paper, although still probably a bad idea to grow them outside unless you live in South Florida.

Yeah, don't forget the RAIN..., they love that too! I really did not believe there was a difference but the two previous summers we were in rather bad drought (from Ma. into LI, N.J. an Pa.), boy did I see a difference in lushness with just the heat but NO RAIN (despite my constant hosing!) This year, much more humid and drought definitely OVER! P.S., Red Philos are gorgeous. Congo Red is one of my favorites

Here are the notes I have on Aglaonema ( Chinese Evergreen), hope this helps: Common Name: poison dart plant Type: Herbaceous perennial Family: Araceae Native Range: Philippines, northeastern Celebes Height: 1.00 to 1.50 feet Spread: 1.00 to 1.50 feet Bloom Description: White spadix with green spathe Sun: Part shade to full shade Water: Medium Tolerate: Heavy Shade Culture Grow as an indoor plant in the St. Louis area. Prefers diffused sun or good indirect light. Avoid placing in direct sun. Well-drained, peaty potting mixture. Consistent moisture from spring to fall. Does not require winter dormancy, but appreciates a winter period of rest. Reduce watering from early fall to late winter. Do not allow soils to dry out. This indoor plant tolerates atmospheric dryness and somewhat shady locations. Normal room temperature with recommended 60 degrees F. minimum winter temperature. Noteworthy Characteristics Chinese evergreen is an evergreen perennial that generally resembles dieffenbachia (dumb cane) in appearance. It typically grows to 20” tall. Thick, elliptic to lance-shaped, dark green leaves (to 4-8” long and 2-3” wide) with attractive silver-gray blotches on erect, sometimes branched stems. As a houseplant, it rarely flowers. Each axillary flower (typical arum family) features a small creamy white spadix enclosed by a pale green spathe, usually in late summer to early fall. Clusters of red berries follow the flowers. Genus name comes from Greek aglaos (bright) and nema (thread). Commutatum means changing in form. Problems No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites or scale. Rots may occur if plants are over-watered. Leaves may brown up if plants are grown in very dry air or placed in a drafty location. Garden Uses Houseplant for bright to moderatly bright areas. missouri botanical gardens ------------------------------------------- The aglaonema is a highly decorative plant with several interesting varieties. There seems to be a little controversy in the books over whether this plant is easy or difficult to grow. The simple rule to follow is this: the lighter the variegation, the more light it needs. Otherwise, these are slow growing, dependably attractive and make excellent foliage plants. They have large, narrow oval leaves on short stems. Growing Conditions: Light: The darker green varieties can grow in near shade, while the variegated varieties require brighter light. Do not expose to direct sun. Water: Water thoroughly in the summer, and mist often to raise humidity. During the winter, reduce watering but do not let the plant dry completely. Seek to raise humidity in general. Temperature: They do not like cold drafts or temperatures below 65ºF. The warmer, the better. Soil: A well-drained potting soil is perfect. Fertilizer: Slow-release pellets or liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Grower's Tips: Because of their high humidity requirements, some growers consider aglaonema to be greenhouse plants. It's true they will do best in the warm, humid and bright environment of a greenhouse, but they can successfully be grown indoors by coming as close as possible to these conditions. The number one rule to remember with aglaonema is this: keep them warm and moist. If you do this, you'll be rewarded with a long-lasting, stable houseplant that will not soon outgrow its pot houseplants.about.com