A friend gave me this pink aglaonema in a moss ball about two months ago. I'm really not sure how I often to water. So far I've been watering once a week. I read to do submerge watering twice a month… I've done it once so far. I use a moisture meter and it seems to go dry within 3 days.
The plant has already dropped one leaf after it turned brown and yellow, and now I'm on my second leaf this is happening to. Where am I going wrong?!

Not watering enough. Growing things in a moss ball is so illogical.

Logic isn't always the driving factor where plants are concerned 😄

Have you fertilized? That's a must. I suggest using its weight to gauge when it needs water, not a meter. This article recommends every couple of days.
https://www.missouribotanicalg....

Ugh moss balls. I know it looks cute but aglaonemas are terrestrial not epiphytic.

Maybe soaking more often, but as said, this doesn't seem a win-win situation.

I actually hate these new trends. Moss Balls for epiphytes are totally doable....it's kinda the same as mounting an epiphyte on a tree, a cork plaque, etc...
But terrestrials in moss balls I am surprised that this has made it this far.
Also the new fad to sell plants that are basically 'rooted cuttings' growing in water jars at the box stores for $20+....?
All the ones I see here are already dying at the store

I really appreciate your replies. I will definitely start watering more and add some fertilizer.
It's so pretty but will definitely repot if needed. I'd rather my little plant survive.

That's a good approach. If you do decided toot it up, make sure to OLY use a pot that is big enough to contain the root ball. While Aglaonema can be grown in a pond, palludarium or aquarium setting as emersed aquatics, in a pot of dirt they cannot handle overwatering.
I grow most of mine in my pond

Nursery trade does a good deal of 'novelty, ' taking advantage of many folks lack of knowledge about or concern for the long term life of a plant. It's a living, I guess. After all, better for them if things they sell have a short life and need to be replaced.🙄

I'm a little surprised at the amount of derision this has received from our experienced gardeners. Who among us hasn't tried some gardening novelty at some point in our lives? As I read about this method, it's more art than agriculture and is an ancient spin-off from Japanese bonsai (the ultimate novelty) and isn't intended to be permanent or long term. Aren't "lucky bamboos" in water novelties? Indeed, any forced bulbs, unless carefully cared for, are one-offs. So what? That's the nature of commerce, be it the latest fashion trends or plants. We can all afford to have a little fun with something that isn't 100% practical once in awhile.

https://www.nparks.gov.sg/npar...

https://www.bbg.org/article/di...

No, 'Lucky Bamboo' in water is not a novelty. They are sold very frequently as aquarium plants. I got mine from the aquarium department of PetCo. I grow mine in the greenhouse stream.

I would bet $12.97 that inside the moss ball is the same conditions as an orchid sold that way. The moss is on top of a layer of plastic around the outside of the wire sphere. Inside that, the roots are probably constricted in a tiny plug of solid peat moss, with as much sphagnum moss as it was possible to cram at full force into the space around the roots and under the plastic. If that is what is in there, the plant is going to die if it is not rescued and put in a normal pot and soil.

I agree with you Tiffany

That's pretty amazing! I love it! : )