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Aglaonema commutatum
Chinese Evergreen
Philippines, Borneo, Sulawesi; subtropical and tropical lowland forest
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
10 - 12These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancetender
Overview
Aglaonema commutatum is an evergreen herbaceous perennial from southeast Asia, growing 12–36 inches (30–90 cm) tall and 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) wide as a clumping rosette of long-petioled lance-shaped leaves. Leaves are 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) long, lance-shaped to oblong, dark glossy green with silver-gray feathered markings along the lateral veins; numerous selected cultivars including 'Silver Bay,' 'Maria,' 'Red Siam,' and 'White Lance' show variation in leaf size, marking density, and the introduction of pink, red, or cream coloration. Petioles are 4–10 inches (10–25 cm) long and clasp the central stem. The stem is short and thick, often hidden beneath foliage in juvenile plants and emerging as a visible cane only on mature specimens 4+ years old. Mature plants in tropical zones 10–12 produce inflorescences typical of family Araceae — a green to white spathe enclosing a pale spadix — followed by red berries 0.4 inch (1 cm) on a stalk. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals; chewing or ingesting any part causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in dogs, cats, and humans. Cold-tender: leaf damage occurs below 55°F (13°C) and plant death below 50°F (10°C). Plants tolerate light as low as 100–200 foot-candles (1,075–2,150 lux); growth slows but does not stop. Common indoor pests include spider mite, mealybug, and scale.
Native Range
Native to subtropical and tropical lowland forests of the Philippines, Borneo, and Sulawesi. Cultivated globally as an indoor plant; numerous breeding programs in Thailand, Florida, and the Netherlands have developed cultivars with red, pink, and cream leaf coloration over the past three decades.Suggested Uses
Grown as an indoor specimen in offices, lobbies, and low-light interior locations in temperate climates and as a shade groundcover or container plant in tropical zones 10–12. Container culture in 5–10 gallon (20–40 liter) pots with well-drained potting mix supports indoor heights of 12–36 inches (30–90 cm). Tolerance of low light, infrequent watering, and root-bound conditions supports use in interior plantscaping.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Mature plants in tropical zones 10–12 produce inflorescences sporadically through the year — green to white spathes 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long enclosing a pale spadix, followed by red berries on a stalk. Bloom duration is 2–4 weeks per inflorescence. Indoor flowering occurs occasionally on mature plants.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green to white spathe with pale spadix (rare indoors)Foliage Description
Dark glossy green with silver-gray feathered markings along lateral veins; cultivars introduce pink, red, cream coloration; lance-shaped 6-12 inches (15-30 cm)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 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
Grows in bright indirect to low light at 65–80°F (18–27°C). Direct midday sun scorches leaves on indoor plants; deep shade slows growth without killing the plant. Watering occurs when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of potting mix have dried — typically every 7–14 days in active growth and every 14–21 days in winter. Air humidity 30–60% is sufficient. Plants tolerate root-bound conditions and need re-potting only every 2–3 years. Tip cuttings root in moist potting mix or water within 4–8 weeks.Pruning
Damaged or yellowing leaves are removed at the petiole base at any time of year. Mature plants with bare stems can be cut back to 4 inches (10 cm) above the soil and will regrow from the base within 6–10 weeks. The cut tip section is rooted as a new plant in moist potting mix or water.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons