A tough and reliable plant with some very interesting varieties. A great plant for an office-environment because it’s low maintenance and slow-growing.
Background
Aglaonema, most commonly referred to as Chinese Evergreen, is a genus of plants native to tropical and sub-tropical Asia. Chinese Evergreens have been part of the houseplant trade for quite a long time due to their tolerance of lower-light situations, as well as their general hardiness. More recently, cultivars with increasingly colorful and intricate patterns have been developed, adding to the popularity of this long-standing houseplant staple. You will see this plant listed on most of the “Easiest Houseplants to Care For” lists, and for good reason. This species of plant can take a bit of neglect and would be a good selection for a beginner to houseplants.
Size
A slow-growing plant, so it is very manageable. They are usually sold in 4-10″ pots, occasionally you’ll see a larger specimen, but mature Aglaonemas tend to be fairly expensive. Indoors, most Aglaonemas will top out at a few feet tall or so, as well as a few feet wide, but remember that they will grow quite slowly.
Growing Conditions
Light
Can grow in basically any amount of light. Can tolerate an office environment that has only fluorescent light. With the variegated varieties, medium or indirect bright light is recommended.
Watering
Soil should be moist but not wet after watering. Chinese Evergreens can be allowed to dry out between watering. If you have an Aglaonema in an especially low light area, it will require less water.
Potting Mix
Not especially picky about what potting mix you use, as long as it is well-draining.
Humidity
Not super picky about humidity levels. Leaf tips might turn brown if the air is too dry.
Fertilizer
Can be fertilized only once, maybe twice during the warmer months. Doesn’t require anything above and beyond that.
Propagation
Propagated through root-division.
Toxicity
Chinese Evergreens are toxic because they contain calcium oxalate crystals.
Potential Problems
They can potentially get spider mites or mealybugs as well as the other common houseplant pests, but they aren’t especially prone to pests.