Aglaonema
Aglaonema spp.
The Aglaonema, commonly known as the Chinese Evergreen, is a highly decorative and hardy plant grown 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. Give it low to medium indirect light, moderate humidity, and a planter that lets excess water drain freely.
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.
Full care guide
Aglaonema pictum 'Tricolor' Care
Keep the Camouflage Plant's mint, lime, and forest-green pattern sharp with bright filtered light, steady humidity, an airy mix, and mineral-sensitive watering.
Read the guideCare Notes
Full guide →Water
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. Use a planter with drainage holes 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 bright colors. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.
Humidity and Temperature
Keep 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.
Common Issues
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.
Soil and Planter
Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration. Choose a planter with drainage holes so excess water can escape.
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
Lance-shaped, deep green leaves accented by a dense, silvery-gray feathered pattern.
Siam Aurora (Red Aglaonema)
A striking indoor plant featuring pointed, dark green leaves clearly edged and veined in bright shades of fire-red and hot pink.
Silver Queen
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.
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 detailed mosaic of three distinct colors: deep forest green, bright lime, and creamy white.
Aglaonema 'Spathonema'
A standout cultivar of the Chinese Evergreen family, grown for its exceptional durability and elegant, lance-shaped foliage. This variety typically displays a polished blend of deep forest greens and silvery-grey variegation, so it is a premier choice for interior designers seeking to add lush textures to low-light environments.