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Chinese evergreen

Aglaonema commutatum

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Chinese evergreen · Aglaonema commutatum

Broad silver-marked leaves keep their shape and are a familiar sight in Vietnamese homes.

Care and placement

Tolerates low to medium indirect light, avoid harsh sun; water when the top 2–3 cm is dry; likes 18–27 °C (65–80 °F) and is chilled below roughly 10–13 °C, so keep away from air-conditioning drafts.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 70 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 60 cm

Things to consider

Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen) contains insoluble calcium oxalates: toxic to dogs and cats, causing burning mouth, drooling, vomiting (ASPCA, Chinese evergreen entry). Sap may irritate skin. Keep pets and children from chewing leaves.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in a draining pot with a loose, humus-rich mix. A moderate pot is fine; repot when roots fill it, typically every 2–3 years in warm months.

  2. Light

    Solid green forms live in low light; silver-marked forms need low to medium light; pink and red cultivars need at least medium light to keep colour. Avoid direct sun, which scorches.

  3. Watering

    Water when the top 2–3 cm is dry, about every 7–10 days when warm and 10–14 days when cool. Overwatering causes rot. Filtered or rain water is better since fluoride in tap water browns tips.

  4. Feeding

    Balanced liquid feed at half strength monthly in the warm season; stop from late autumn to late winter. Excess causes crispy edges and salt crust.

  5. Pruning

    Only remove old or damaged leaves at the base. Cut off flower stalks if you do not want the plant to spend energy on them.

  6. Propagation

    Stem cuttings: take 10–15 cm with at least two nodes, set in tepid water in bright indirect light and change it weekly; roots form in 3–6 weeks, pot when 3–5 cm long. You can also divide clumps or root in moist mix.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Mealybugs, scale, aphids and spider mites leave sticky residue; use neem oil. Root rot from overwatering; powdery mildew with high humidity and poor airflow. Cold makes leaves sag with soft water-soaked spots.

  8. For plentiful, healthy leaves

    For dense, well-coloured leaves: match light to the cultivar (red/pink need more), keep warm at 18–27 °C, water on schedule and feed lightly in warm months. Mature plants bear spathes and red berries but are grown mainly for foliage.