Plant care guide

Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)

Aglaonema commutatum

Silver-and-green foliage that holds colour in low light.

Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) (Aglaonema commutatum)Plant care guide

Care guide

1234
  • 1Bright direct light
  • 2Bright indirect light
  • 3Medium light
  • 4Low light
Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) grows best in zones 3 and 4.

Watering requirements

Water every 7–10 days, letting the soil dry to the right level between waterings.

Sunlight requirements

Tolerates low to medium indirect light. Not suited to intense, direct sun.

Humidity requirements

Normal room humidity will do. Keep it away from direct AC airflow.

Pet-friendly plant?

Not verified. Keep it out of reach of pets and check with your vet if unsure.

Care level

Easy

Best setting

Indoor

Low Maintenance

About Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)

Comes in several patterned cultivars (green, silver/ice-toned variants among them) and tolerates low indoor light with minimal watering — a dependable desk and workstation plant across our office programmes.

A dependable low-light plant that holds its silver-and-green pattern.

Where it works best

  • Desks & workstations
  • Low-light cabins and cubicles

How to care for Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)

Sunlight

One of the best choices for low to medium light, which suits most office desks. Variegated and coloured types hold their pattern best in moderate, bright shade; avoid direct sun.

Water

Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7–10 days. It tolerates a missed watering better than constantly wet soil.

Humidity & temperature

Likes warmth and average humidity, around 18–32°C. Cold AC drafts can cause leaf curl and browning at the edges.

Soil & feeding

Use a light, well-draining potting mix. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength every 6–8 weeks; it does not need heavy feeding.

Pruning

Remove old or yellow leaves at the base. Cut back tall, leggy stems in spring to encourage new growth.

Propagation

Divide the clump at repotting, or root stem-tip cuttings in water or moist soil during the warm season.

Common problems

  • Symptom

    Yellow leaves

    Cause

    Overwatering or poor drainage.

  • Symptom

    Faded colour or pattern

    Cause

    Too little light for the variety, or too much direct sun.

  • Symptom

    Curling, browning leaf edges

    Cause

    Cold drafts or very dry air.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a good plant for a dim cabin?

Yes — it is among the more reliable options for low light. Expect slower growth and keep an eye on colour: the more colourful varieties need slightly more light.

How do I keep the leaves glossy?

Wipe them every couple of weeks with a damp, soft cloth to remove dust. Avoid leaf-shine sprays, which clog the pores.

Is it safe for pets and children?

Keep Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) out of reach of pets and small children. Many ornamental plants can irritate the mouth or stomach if chewed. If a pet or child eats part of the plant, contact a vet or doctor.

Care guidance is general advice for Indian indoor and outdoor conditions. For plants in a Bonita maintenance programme, our team looks after watering and feeding for you.

Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)

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Photo courtesy: Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) by Yercaud-elango, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.