
Aglaonema
Timeless Style with Tropical Resilience
Aglaonema, widely known as Chinese evergreen, stands out among tropical houseplants for its richly patterned leaves, robust growth, and astonishing tolerance of lower light levels. Native to the humid rainforests of Southeast Asia, these versatile perennials adapt beautifully to modern interiors, where they transform living rooms, offices, and hallways into calm, green retreats.
Whether you choose a subtle silvery cultivar or a bold red-edged hybrid, Aglaonema is prized for:
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year-round lush foliage
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forgiving care needs
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slow, compact growth
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ability to handle low to moderate light
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strong decorative appeal for any style
If you’re looking for a reliable, striking houseplant with minimal fuss, Aglaonema delivers enduring beauty and a touch of tropical elegance in one neat package.
Also known as:
✔ Chinese Evergreen
✔ Golden Evergreen
✔ Philippine Evergreen
✔ Poison Dart Plant

Aglaonema
/ˌæɡliəˈniːmə/ (ag-lay-oh-NEE-muh).
➜ name derived from Greek aglaos (bright) and nema (thread), referring to the bright stamens.
➜ described by Carl Ludwig Blume in 1837.
➜ Family: Araceae, subfamily: Aroideae
➜ Approximately 25–30 recognized species.
➜ Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia and New Guinea.

Complete Aglaonema guide: Care & Insights
Aglaonema – Compact Plant Guide
General Information
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Genus: Aglaonema
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Type Species: Aglaonema oblongifolium Schott
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Common Names: Chinese evergreen, Philippine evergreen
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Growth Habit: Compact, evergreen perennial with fibrous, shallow roots
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Form: Herbaceous
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Family: Araceae
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Native Range: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
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Hardiness Zone: USDA 10–12, best grown indoors in temperate regions
Foliage & Features
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Leaf Shape: Broad, lance-shaped or elliptical
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Colors & Variegation: Shades of green, silver, cream, pink, and red depending on cultivar
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Root System: Fine, fibrous roots spreading horizontally — sensitive to soggy or compacted soils
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Special Traits: Some cultivars retain their vibrant colors best with bright, indirect light; green types can tolerate more shade
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Flowering: Rare indoors; mature plants may produce subtle green-white spathes in stable conditions
Size & Growth
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Height: Typically 30 cm to 1.2 m, depending on species or cultivar
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Spread: 30–80 cm, forms bushy or upright clumps
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Growth Rate: Moderate, with steady leaf production through the year
Environmental Preferences
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Humidity: Best around 50–70%
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Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal; green cultivars tolerate lower light, but those with red or pink variegation need more filtered brightness to stay vivid
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Temperature: 18–26 °C preferred; growth slows below 15 °C and leaf damage may occur below 13 °C
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Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6–7 recommended)
Aglaonema pumilum Hook.f.
Did You Know?
Although Aglaonema is sometimes marketed as a “low-light plant,” it still needs a few hours of gentle light each day — it can’t survive in total darkness, even though its rainforest origins make it look shade-proof.
Aglaonema 'Snowflake'
Did You Know?
Aglaonema can live for decades indoors with steady care, making it a true lifelong companion plant for collectors and beginners alike.
Potential Issues & Stress Signals
Yellow Leaves
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Most often from overwatering
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Let soil dry slightly, check for root rot
Browning Edges
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Often due to low humidity, uneven watering, or fertilizer buildup
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Increase humidity, water more consistently, flush soil
Drooping Leaves
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May signal underwatering or root issues
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Check soil moisture and root health
Pest Problems
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Mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids may appear
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Isolate affected plants, remove pests by hand or use insecticidal soap
Fungal Issues
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Root rot from overly wet conditions is the most common
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Always ensure proper drainage and avoid letting pots sit in saucers of water
Did You Know?
Some Aglaonema cultivars were originally bred in Florida during the 1970s to improve their cold tolerance, which is why modern varieties cope better with slightly cooler indoor conditions.
Soil & Watering
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Soil: Well-draining, organic-rich mix with added perlite or bark for structure
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Watering: Allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry before rewatering
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Drainage: Pots must have drainage holes — stagnant water will trigger root rot
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Water Quality: If tap water is very hard, switch to filtered or rainwater to reduce leaf tip burn
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Salt Buildup: Flush the pot every 2–3 months with clean water to prevent fertilizer salts from accumulating
Aglaonema’s shallow roots need air as much as moisture — compact, heavy soils are a recipe for trouble.
Care & Maintenance
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Pruning: Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy and tidy
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Repotting: Every 2–3 years, or when roots become crowded
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Fertilizing: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half-strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; over-fertilizing increases salt stress
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Rotation: Turn the pot every few weeks to encourage symmetrical growth
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Cleaning: Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust and improve photosynthesis
Propagation & Longevity
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Propagation: By division of clumps or through stem cuttings with at least one healthy node
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Timing: Best done during repotting in spring or early summer
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Longevity: With consistent moderate care, Aglaonema can thrive for decades indoors
Aglaonema 'Cocomelon'
Toxicity & Safety
Aglaonema, like other members of the Araceae family, contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If chewed or ingested, these can cause:
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irritation and burning of the mouth or throat
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drooling
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possible swelling of lips and tongue
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mild vomiting if larger amounts are swallowed
Precautions:
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Keep out of reach of children and pets
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Wash hands after pruning if you have sensitive skin
Find Your Ideal Aglaonema
Take a closer look at our full range of Aglaonema cultivars, carefully selected for their striking foliage, adaptable nature, and reliable performance indoors. Whether you love subtle greens or vibrant reds, there’s an Aglaonema to suit every style and every space.
➜ See All Available Aglaonema Varieties and bring a touch of tropical charm into your home.
💡Did You Know?
Each listing features a comprehensive care guide, including details on its natural habitat, growth habits, problem solutions and practical tips — giving you everything you need to keep your new plant thriving for years to come.
Favourite Aglaonema Varieties:
Explore all our Aglaonema varieties:
Take a closer look at our full range of Aglaonema cultivars, carefully selected for their striking foliage, adaptable nature, and reliable performance indoors. Whether you love subtle greens or vibrant reds, there’s an Aglaonema to suit every style and every space.
➜ See All Currently Available Aglaonema Varieties and bring a touch of tropical charm into your home.
💡 Each Aglaonema variety listing features a comprehensive care guide, including details on its natural habitat, growth habits, troubleshooting and practical tips — giving you everything you need to keep your new plant thriving for years to come.