Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is a group of tropical foliage plants prized for decorative leaves and easy care. Older varieties show silver-and-green camouflage patterns, while modern hybrids add bold pinks and reds.

It is one of the most forgiving houseplants, tolerating low light, average humidity and some neglect, which makes it a favorite for offices and beginners. It grows slowly into a bushy, upright clump and stays compact enough for tabletops and floor displays alike.

Look for upright clumps of broad, pointed-oval leaves with silver, green, pink or red patterning.

• Leaves: lance-shaped to oval, leathery, marked with silver, cream, pink or red over green
• Habit: bushy, upright, clumping; usually 30 to 90 cm tall
• Stems: short, becoming cane-like with age as lower leaves drop
• Flowers: a greenish-white spathe and spadix like a small peace lily, often hidden by foliage

Adaptable from low to bright indirect light; brighter, more colorful varieties (pinks and reds) need more light to hold their color, while green-silver types tolerate shade.

• Water: when the top inch of soil dries; avoid soggy soil and cold water
• Soil: well-draining potting mix
• Temperature: warm, 18 to 27 C; keep above 15 C and away from cold drafts
• Feeding: dilute fertilizer monthly in the growing season
• Propagation: by division or stem cuttings

Native to the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia and southern China, where it grows in the warm, humid, shaded understory. This shade-floor origin underlies its tolerance of low indoor light. It is grown globally as an indoor foliage plant.

Grown as an ornamental foliage plant for homes and offices, valued for color, durability and air-purifying reputation. It is one of the easier colorful plants to keep but contains calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic to cats and dogs and irritating if chewed.