Troubleshooting
Aglaonema Cutlass problems — and how to fix them
Aglaonema Cutlass (Aglaonema commutatum 'Cutlass') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Brown, crispy leaf tips
The narrow leaves show dry air, salt buildup or over-feeding readily. Raise humidity, use filtered water and flush the soil to clear salts.
Overwatering / yellowing
Soggy soil rots the roots and yellows lower leaves. Let the top third dry, use a free-draining mix and water less in low light and winter.
Slow, leggy growth
Too little light thins the clump and stretches stems. Move to brighter indirect light to keep the slender leaves dense and well-marked.
Cold injury
Below about 15°C the leaves develop greyish, water-soaked blotches. Keep away from cold drafts and unheated rooms in winter.
Prevent aglaonema cutlass problems before they start
Most aglaonema cutlass issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common aglaonema (chinese evergreen) problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Aglaonema Cutlass watering schedule
- Aglaonema Cutlass light requirements
- Best soil mix for aglaonema cutlass
- Aglaonema Cutlass temperature & humidity
- Full aglaonema cutlass care guide
Looking for the species overview? Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) — the full care guide.
Other Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) varieties
Aglaonema Cutlass problems — FAQ
Why is my aglaonema cutlass brown, crispy leaf tips?
The narrow leaves show dry air, salt buildup or over-feeding readily. Raise humidity, use filtered water and flush the soil to clear salts.
Why is my aglaonema cutlass overwatering / yellowing?
Soggy soil rots the roots and yellows lower leaves. Let the top third dry, use a free-draining mix and water less in low light and winter.
Why is my aglaonema cutlass slow, leggy growth?
Too little light thins the clump and stretches stems. Move to brighter indirect light to keep the slender leaves dense and well-marked.
Why is my aglaonema cutlass cold injury?
Below about 15°C the leaves develop greyish, water-soaked blotches. Keep away from cold drafts and unheated rooms in winter.