Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema commutatum
An evergreen perennial featuring upright stems and large, lance-shaped leaves with distinct variegation in shades of green, silver, and grey.
- Light
- Partial shade to low indirect light, about 4 to 6 hours of indirect light per day
- Water
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, reducing frequency during the winter months
- Growth
- Upright, clump-forming perennial reaching mature heights of 1 to 3 feet with a similar spread, slow to moderate growth rate
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect light, maintain consistently moist soil without waterlogging, and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Partial shade to low indirect light, about 4 to 6 hours of indirect light per day
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, reducing frequency during the winter months
Soil
Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.6 to 6.5
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 10 through 12, grown primarily as an indoor houseplant in cooler regions
Growth habit
Upright, clump-forming perennial reaching mature heights of 1 to 3 feet with a similar spread, slow to moderate growth rate
Bloom season
Infrequently flowers indoors, producing small, pale green or white spathes and spadices, non-seasonal
Propagation
Propagated easily through stem cuttings or by dividing mature root clumps during the spring season
Common pests & issues
Prone to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites; root rot can occur if soil remains overly saturated
Similar species
Dieffenbachia species, which generally feature larger, broader leaves with heavier white patterns and thicker woody stems