Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema spp.
Also known as
Malayan sword
Aglaonema marantifolium - United States Botanic Garden - DSC09589 by Daderot (CC0)
Partial Shade
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Tender
H1b
RHS hardiness
10°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1m | Max | 1m |
40cm | Min | 40cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
More images of Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen Overview
The genus Aglaonema contains over 20 species of tropical and subtropical evergreen perennials from Asia and New Guinea, typically referred to as Chinese evergreens. They are widely cultivated as houseplants for their attractive, often variegated foliage in dramatic colours. Aglaonema make good houseplants due to their ability to survive in low light conditions, but do not tolerate cold temperatures well. In Asia, they were thought to bring luck and are popular as ornamental specimens. Upon introduction to the Western world in 1885, they have been extensively cultivated, hybridised and selectively bred into a wide variety of cultivars.
Common problems with Chinese Evergreen
How to propagate Chinese Evergreen
Division
Divide in spring.
Cuttings
Propagation is by division or stem cuttings in the summer.
Special features of Chinese Evergreen
Attractive leaves
Indoor plant
Pot plant
Other uses of Chinese Evergreen
Grown for their foliage primarily. Popular houseplants, as they can tolerate low levels of light. Grown as luck-giving plants in Asia. Introduced to the West in 1885. The genus name comes from the Greek genus name : Greek word 'aglaos', which means 'shining' or 'splendid' and the Greek word 'nēma', which means 'thread' and refers to the clusters of thick stamens along its spadices.
