Kurt Stüber [1] · CC BY-SA 3.0
About
Known commonly as Chinese evergreens, *Aglaonema sp* is a popular ornamental plant prized for its wide array of variegated leaf patterns and colors. The genus is highly cultivated and bred into numerous cultivars, making it a favorite for indoor tropical gardening.
Field notes
Morphology
These evergreen perennials have erect or decumbent stems that can root at the nodes. They typically feature a crown of wide leaf blades, which are often variegated with silver and green coloration. The inflorescence consists of unisexual flowers in a spadix, with female flowers near the base and male flowers nearer the tip. The fruit is a fleshy berry that ripens red, covering one large seed.
Distribution & habitat
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and New Guinea, with specific species found in areas including Indochina, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Sumatra, Borneo, and New Guinea.
Cultivation notes
The species thrives in low-light conditions and is popular as a houseplant. It requires moist soil and is intolerant of cold temperatures, with chilling injury beginning at 15 °C (59 °F). Propagation is easily done via cuttings or dividing basal shoots. Care involves protecting it from excessive sunlight and removing any developing inflorescences. The plant is poisonous due to calcium oxalate crystals.
History & etymology
Aglaonema has been grown as a luck-bringing ornamental plant in Asia for centuries and was introduced to the West in 1885 at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habitat
- Altitude
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- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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