Aglaonema
Aglaonema spp.
The Aglaonema, commonly known as the Chinese Evergreen, is a highly decorative and hardy plant celebrated for its striking variegated foliage. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and New Guinea, it is one of the most popular indoor plants due to its ability to thrive in low-light conditions where other plants might struggle. Its lush, lance-shaped leaves come in an array of patterns and colors, including deep greens, silvery-whites, and even vibrant splashes of pink or red. This slow-growing foliage plant is not only aesthetically pleasing but is also recognized for its air-purifying qualities, making it a functional addition to homes and offices.
Light
Low
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Moderate
Pet Warning
The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, it can cause severe oral irritation, swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, and vomiting in pets and humans.
Care Guide
Watering.
Aglaonemas prefer their soil to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out before watering thoroughly. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
Light.
While these plants are famous for their low-light tolerance, they do best in medium, indirect light. Varieties with higher variegation or pink/red tones require more light to maintain their vibrant colors. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.
Temperature and Humidity.
Maintain temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants are sensitive to cold; keep them away from drafty windows or air conditioning vents. They enjoy moderate humidity levels; misting the leaves or using a pebble tray can help if the air is very dry.
Seasonal Care.
During winter, the plant enters a dormant phase. Reduce watering frequency and avoid fertilizing until spring returns.
Troubleshooting.
Yellow leaves are often a sign of overwatering, while brown, crispy edges typically indicate low humidity or the use of tap water high in chemicals.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10 liquid houseplant fertilizer
Soil
A well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
1 to 3 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate
Slow
Propagation
Stem cuttings or root division during the spring repotting process.
Common Varieties
Silver Bay
Aglaonema 'Silver Bay' features broad, oval leaves with a distinctive shimmering silver-gray center framed by a contrasting deep green border.
Maria
The 'Maria' Aglaonema features lance-shaped, deep green leaves accented by a dense, silvery-gray feathered pattern.
Siam Aurora (Red Aglaonema)
The Siam Aurora is a striking indoor plant featuring pointed, dark green leaves dramatically edged and veined in vibrant shades of fire-red and hot pink.
Silver Queen
The 'Silver Queen' Aglaonema features elegant, lance-shaped leaves characterized by a dense pattern of shimmering silvery-gray variegation framed by narrow, dark green margins.
Emerald Bay
Aglaonema 'Emerald Bay' features lush, lance-shaped leaves characterized by a striking silvery-gray center bordered by deep green margins.
and Spring Snow.
Aglaonema 'Spring Snow' features broad, lance-shaped green leaves heavily speckled with creamy-white variegation, creating a striking mottled pattern reminiscent of freshly fallen snow.
Aglaonema pictum 'Tricolor
Widely known as the 'Camouflage Plant,' the Aglaonema pictum 'Tricolor' is a rare and striking tropical perennial. Its most distinctive feature is its velvet-textured foliage, which displays a mesmerizing mosaic of three distinct colors: deep forest green, bright lime, and creamy white. This unique patterning resembles military camouflage, making it one of the most aesthetically unusual and sought-after plants in the aroid world. Native to the rainforests of Sumatra, it grows as a small shrub and brings a sophisticated, artistic flair to indoor collections.
Aglaonema 'Siam Aurora
An exceptionally vibrant houseplant, the 'Siam Aurora' features pointed, waxy leaves with dark green centers and striking crimson-red margins and veins. Part of the Chinese Evergreen family, it is celebrated for its ability to brighten low-light corners while remaining remarkably resilient and easy to care for.
Aglaonema 'Silver Bay
The Aglaonema 'Silver Bay' is a lush, evergreen perennial celebrated for its striking variegated foliage. Its large, elliptical leaves display a broad, silvery-gray center framed by dark green margins, creating a sophisticated aesthetic. This plant is a favorite for beginners and office environments due to its exceptional tolerance for low light and neglect, while also acting as an effective air purifier.
Aglaonema 'Spathonema
The Aglaonema 'Spathonema', a standout cultivar of the Chinese Evergreen family, is celebrated for its exceptional durability and elegant, lance-shaped foliage. This variety typically displays a sophisticated blend of deep forest greens and silvery-grey variegation, making it a premier choice for interior designers seeking to add lush textures to low-light environments. Known as a 'clean air' plant, it is as functional as it is beautiful, effectively filtering indoor toxins while demanding very little from its owner.