Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema modestum
Aglaonema modestum is one of the most forgiving houseplants you can own -- it tolerates low light, dry air, drafty offices, and occasional neglect without complaint. Its glossy deep green leaves have been grown as luck-bringing ornamentals in Asian homes for centuries, long before anyone called them 'houseplants.' The catch is that all parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, so keep it away from pets and small children who might chew on the foliage.
How to grow Chinese Evergreen
Tolerates low light (more than
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
60-80%
60-85°F
Well-draining loamy potting mix with
Stem cuttings with at least
Spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids
Fun Facts
The 1989 NASA Clean Air Study listed Aglaonema modestum in its top ten air-purifying plants, finding it effective at removing formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air.
Toxic to pets
Toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause burning and swelling of the mouth, throat irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Listed as toxic by ASPCA.
Sources
- Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants - ASPCA (opens in new tab)ASPCA
- Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants - ASPCA (opens in new tab)ASPCA
- Aglaonema - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
- Aglaonema - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
- Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
- Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
- Aglaonema spp.: Chinese Evergreen - University of Florida IFAS Extension (opens in new tab)University Extension
- Aglaonema spp.: Chinese Evergreen - University of Florida IFAS Extension (opens in new tab)University Extension
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Care, Cultivation & Growing Guide - Clemson University HGIC (opens in new tab)University Extension
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Care, Cultivation & Growing Guide - Clemson University HGIC (opens in new tab)University Extension