Aglaonema commutatum
Aglaonema commutatum
Chinese Evergreen
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Description
Aglaonema commutatum, the classic Chinese evergreen, is a resilient, low-light tropical with lush silver‑green leaves. It thrives in homes and offices, tolerates neglect, and rewards gentle care with year‑round foliage and an easygoing nature.
Common Names
Chinese EvergreenPhilippine EvergreenSilver Queen Aglaonema
Context
nativeRegion
Philippines and Sulawesi (Indonesia); tropical Southeast Asia.
usdaZones
10–12 outdoors (frost-free); commonly grown indoors elsewhere.
companionPlants
Pothos, ZZ Plant, Snake Plant, Heartleaf Philodendron, Dieffenbachia
culturalUses
Popular indoor ornamental for low-light spaces; common in offices and homes; often considered a good-luck plant in Asian traditions; noted in indoor-air studies as a capable foliage plant.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light to medium/low light; avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves.
WateringWater when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; keep evenly moist but never soggy. Reduce in winter.
SoilWell-draining, airy mix: peat or coco coir with perlite and fine bark; pH slightly acidic to neutral.
FertilizerBalanced liquid fertilizer at 1/4–1/2 strength every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer; none or minimal in winter.
HumidityAverage home humidity is fine; prefers 50%+. Mist occasionally or use a tray/humidifier in dry air.
TemperatureWarm conditions, 65–85°F (18–29°C). Avoid cold drafts and temps below 60°F (15°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitEvergreen, clumping, basal to short-stemmed aroid with broad, variegated leaves.
Mature Size1–3 ft tall and 1–3 ft wide (30–90 cm).
Growth RateSlow to moderate growth.
BloomingOccasional small spadix/spathe inflorescences, mainly in warm months; often removed to focus energy on foliage.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in winter under lower light and temperatures.
Propagation
MethodsDivision, Stem cuttings, Air layering
DifficultyEasy to moderate
Best SeasonSpring to early summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove yellowing or damaged leaves and spent flower stalks at the base to keep plants tidy.
RepottingRepot every 2–3 years or when rootbound; refresh topsoil annually if not repotting.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for mealybugs, scale, spider mites, and aphids; overwatering can cause root rot; possible bacterial leaf spot in poor conditions.
ToxicityToxic if ingested (calcium oxalate crystals); can irritate mouth, skin, and eyes. Keep away from pets and children.
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