Aglaonema commutatum aka Chinese Evergreen

Taxonomy ID: 144

Aglaonema commutatum, also known as the poison dart plant, is a species of flowering plant in the Chinese evergreen genus Aglaonema, family Araceae. It is native to the Philippines and northeastern Sulawesi, but has been introduced to many other tropical locales, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Comoros, the Chagos Archipelago, India, Bangladesh, and the Cook Islands. With its hybrid cultivar 'Silver Queen' (with A. nitidum), it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit as a houseplant. Evergreen grasses, with vertical and uninterruptedly-branched stems, form an apical crown and have smooth green internodes with oval-ellipsoid leaves which could be variously asymmetrical, stripy, silver and pale green-spotted. Inflorescences are 1-9 in each sympoidal branch and covered with oval to spherical fruits. Chinese evergreens have had a long history of being symbols of good fortune in the Asian homes, and the Aglaonema commutatum, specifically its hybrid cultivar, is now a popular choice for many Western homes in its sought after foliage look and good luck charm.

Common names

Chinese Evergreen, Silver Queen Aglaonema

More information about Chinese Evergreen

How difficult is it to take care of Chinese Evergreen

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Chinese Evergreen, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

What is the growth pattern and size of Chinese Evergreen?

The Chinese Evergreen is clumping in nature, with new growth originating from the soil in close proximity to the original plant.

What is the region of origin of Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen’s native range is tropical Asia and New Guinea.

What is the right soil for Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

What is the sunlight requirement for Chinese Evergreen

To ensure optimal growth, the Chinese Evergreen prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

What's the right humidity for Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese Evergreen is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

How to fertilize Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese Evergreen should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Is Chinese Evergreen toxic to humans/pets?

Chinese Evergreen is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

What seasonal care does Chinese Evergreen need?

During the wintertime, it is common for Chinese Evergreen plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Is Chinese Evergreen flowering?

If you provide your Chinese Evergreen with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.

More info:
Wikipedia