Consulta Plantas

Care of the indoor plant Aglaonema commutatum or Chinese evergreen

The genus Aglaonema, family Araceae, includes about 20 species of perennial plants native to tropical regions of Asia and New Guinea. Some species are: Aglaonema commutatum, Aglaonema costatum, Aglaonema simplex, Aglaonema modestum.

Common names: Chinese Evergreen, Golden Evergreen, Philippine Evergreen, Poison Dart Plant. This species is native to Philippines.

They are tropical herbaceous plants that reach 20 cm (7.87") in height. The attractive lanceolate leaves are dark green with silver spots; there are varieties of other colors. The flowers appear in small white spathes. They bloom in early summer.

They are used as indoor and greenhouse plants; in summer they can be located outside in the shade. In tropical climates they are used in undergrowths and next to walls. They can live for many years.

The Aglaonema commutatum needs an illuminated exposure but without direct sun; they also grow in a light shade. The temperature should not be lower than 15 ºC (59 ºF).

The soil can be a commercial substrate for houseplants or a mixture of peat and heather soil.

Water frequently with lime-free water so that the substrate is always damp. The humidity must be high: place a plate with damp stones under the pot and spray the leaves periodically with lime-free water. Wipe the dust off the leaves with a damp cloth.

Fertilize every 2 weeks with mineral houseplant fertilizer in the spring.

They do not need pruning.

They can be attacked by mites and aphids if they suffer from drought or the humidity is low.

They are propagated by cuttings in spring, summer or fall.

Images of the indoor plant Aglaonema commutatum or Chinese evergreen