Aglaonema spp.
Chinese evergreens
Overview
Aglaonema spp. is a genus of about 20 to 25 evergreen perennials in the arum family, Araceae, known as Chinese evergreens, native to the shaded forest floors of tropical Asia and New Guinea. Plants form upright to spreading clumps 1 to 4 feet (30 to 120 cm) tall, with short, sometimes creeping stems that root as they spread. The leaves are oval to lance-shaped, 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm) long, on slender stalks, and carry markings in green, silver-grey, cream, and, in many modern cultivars, pink and red. The flowers are typical of the arum family: a small spadix wrapped in a narrow, pale green to white spathe, held among the leaves, followed by clusters of berries that ripen from green to red. Aglaonema spp. grows in warm, humid, low-light conditions under forest canopy and tolerates deeper shade than most foliage plants in cultivation. It is grown worldwide as a houseplant and interior foliage plant for holding its leaf pattern in dim rooms. The sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, which irritate the mouth and skin and make the plant toxic to pets and people if chewed. Plants are tender and damaged below about 55 F (13 C).
Native Range
Aglaonema spp. is native to tropical and subtropical Asia and New Guinea, from India and southern China through Southeast Asia and the Philippines. Plants grow on shaded, humid forest floors and along stream banks. The genus is not native outside this region but is grown indoors around the world.Suggested Uses
Grown as a houseplant and interior foliage plant for offices, homes, and shaded patios in warm climates, where it suits low-light spots that many plants cannot hold. Compact cultivars are used on desks and tabletops, and bold pink and red kinds are grown as foliage accents. In frost-free gardens it is used as a shade groundcover.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Indoors Aglaonema spp. flowers irregularly through the year, producing a pale green to white spathe around a short spadix among the leaves. The flowers are inconspicuous and are often removed so energy goes to the foliage. In warm, humid conditions, pollinated flowers are followed by green berries that ripen to red.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale green to whiteFoliage Description
green, silver-grey, cream, pink, or redGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Aglaonema spp. grows in warm, humid conditions in bright, indirect to low light and in moist, well-drained potting mix. The genus tolerates dim interiors better than most foliage plants but holds the strongest leaf colour in moderate, indirect light. Plants are watered when the top of the mix begins to dry and are kept away from cold drafts, as they are damaged below about 55 F (13 C). They grow outdoors year-round only in USDA zones 10 to 11 and are grown as houseplants elsewhere. The sap contains calcium oxalate and irritates skin and mouth. Overwatering in cold conditions leads to root rot, and dry air can brown the leaf edges.Pruning
Aglaonema spp. needs little pruning beyond removing yellowed or damaged leaves at the base. Leggy plants are cut back, and the cut tops are rooted to make new plants. The small flowers are often pinched out to keep growth in the leaves.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons