Plants
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema commutatum · Araceae
Aglaonema, the Chinese evergreen, is the answer to one of the most frequent questions in our shop: which plant survives a darker corner of the room and still looks like something? Its foliage is magnificently patterned — silvery, creamy white or, in modern varieties, even glowing red — and it is among the most shade-tolerant foliage plants of all. At the auction we deliberately pick densely leaved plants with strong markings.
- Light
- Semi-shade to shade; the most shade-tolerant colourful foliage plant in the range.
- Watering
- Moderate and even — let the surface dry, avoid both waterlogging and complete drying out.
- Care level
- Easy
- Botanical
- Aglaonema commutatum
The world of aglaonema varieties splits roughly into two groups. The classic green-and-silver types such as „Silver Bay“, „Silver Queen“ and „Maria“ are extremely shade-tolerant and robust. The newer red and pink-leaved cultivars such as „Red Star“ or „Crete“ need considerably more light to hold their colour — in shade they revert to green.
As a resident of the tropical understorey, aglaonema is used to muted light and even warmth. Direct sun scorches the foliage — and that is exactly where its value in interior planting lies: it greens up spots where monstera and ficus would long since be struggling.
Its weak point is cold. Below 15 °C it stops growing, and it responds to cold draughts and cold irrigation water with yellow leaves. It also needs to be wrapped up well for winter transport — a few minutes of frost are enough for lasting damage.
Water moderately: the soil may dry at the surface but should never dry out completely and never sit in water. In dry heated air the Chinese evergreen appreciates an occasional misting, though it is not strictly necessary.
Older plants occasionally produce inconspicuous white flower spathes like those of the related peace lily. You can leave them or cut them out — removing them saves the plant energy that goes into new foliage instead.
Is Chinese Evergreen toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Toxic
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals and irritating sap — toxic to cats, dogs and small children. Keep out of reach and protect sensitive skin when repotting.
Typical symptoms: After chewing: burning and swelling in the mouth, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing; the sap can irritate skin and eyes.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Semi-shaded to shaded spot; only red and pink-leaved varieties want it brighter, never in direct sun.
- 02Water moderately — let the surface dry, but never let the root ball dry out completely.
- 03Keep it warm: permanently above 18 °C, never below 15 °C, no cold draughts.
- 04Use room-temperature, preferably soft irrigation water.
- 05Feed lightly once a month from spring to autumn, pause in winter.
- 06Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth now and then — it keeps the pattern visible and deters spider mites.
Frequently asked
- Is aglaonema toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes. Like its relatives dieffenbachia and peace lily, it contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth irritation, heavy drooling and vomiting in cats and dogs. In homes with pets, place it high up and out of reach.
- How much light does a Chinese evergreen really need?
- Surprisingly little. The green-and-silver varieties cope well with a north-facing window or a position several metres from the window. Only the red and pink cultivars need a bright spot, otherwise their colouring fades. No variety tolerates direct sun.
- Why is my aglaonema getting yellow leaves?
- The three most common causes are cold, waterlogging and cold irrigation water. Check the location first: it hates temperatures below 15 °C and draughts. If the pot is sitting in water, let the soil dry and water more sparingly in future. Individual yellow older leaves at the base, however, are normal.
- How big does an aglaonema get?
- Indoors the Chinese evergreen stays pleasantly compact at around 50 to 80 centimetres and grows slowly. That makes it well suited to sideboards, desks and smaller rooms — one reason it is so popular in office planting.