Chinese evergreen - Aglaonema commutatum (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Toxic)

Chinese evergreen

Also known as: Poison dart plant

Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum) is an evergreen herbaceous perennial, often cultivated as a houseplant and garden ornamental. Some people confuse it with a dumb cane due to their numerous similarities. You can differentiate the two species by looking at leaves - compared to dumb cane chinese evergreen has narrower dark green leaves with few light green stripes.

Scientific classification

Species

Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)

Water plantains and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 91 cm

Plant Height

30 cm to 45 cm

Spread

Green, Variegated, Gray, Red

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Size

Red, Burgundy

Fruit Color

White, Green, Cream

Flower Color

Green, Gray, Silver, Red, White, Pink

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Chinese evergreen

Distribution of Chinese evergreen

Distribution Map

The chinese evergreen plant is native to Indonesia and surrounding countries, growing in subtropical and tropical forests. It is also a widely cultivated garden plant in warmer climates. In the southern United States, it is cultivated as a ground cover.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Humid, shady tropical forest habitat of Asia and New Guinea.

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum) is an evergreen perennial shrub that is a popular ornamental plant grown for its two-colored leaves and red berries. This tropical plant needs warm shady conditions to thrive and so makes for an ideal houseplant. However, it can also grow well in gardens in warm and humid climates. Great companions to this species include orchids, dracaenas, and arboricola.

Symbolism

Fortune, prosperity, longevity, family

Name Story

Chinese evergreen: Aglaonema commutatum has become one of the most popular indoor potted plants. Its leaves will vary in different patterns based on the varieties, but all their leaves are a green-based color with white or golden stripes and spots on them. This plant is capable to live many years indoors and remain green and fresh. As it is also native to China, it is called Chinese evergreen.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Chinese evergreen, including the following common varieties :

Aglaonema 'Lumina'Chinese evergreen 'Crete'Chinese evergreen Chinese evergreen 'Treubii'Aglaonema 'Suzy'Japanese evergreen 'Happiness'Pink Dalmatian Aglaonema Chinese evergreens Chinese evergreen 'Silver Bay'Chinese evergreen

Toxicity

Chinese evergreen is toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. The plant’s calcium oxalate crystals can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dermatitis in humans. In cats and dogs, ingestion can lead to similar symptoms and require immediate veterinary care. Handling requires gloves to avoid sap contact. Monitoring pets and preventing their access to chinese evergreen is essential to avoid poisoning risks. Maintain vigilance around this houseplant.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Chinese evergreen

Variegated lance-shaped leaves with 5–8 primary lateral veins.

Greenish-white spathe with white spadix inflorescence on sugarcane-like stems.

Rare cylindrical whitish-yellow spadix flowers with yellow-green ovate spathe.

Compact globular to cylindrical fruit transitioning from green to white or red.

Erect stem with silver-gray blotches, around 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick, becoming decumbent.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Chinese evergreen

Every week

Water

Full shade

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from tropical rainforests, chinese evergreen thrives in consistently moist environments without being waterlogged. Weekly watering supports its lush foliage. Commonly grown indoors, chinese evergreen prefers stable temperatures and indirect light, influencing its watering needs more than outdoor climate variations.

Fertilize: Fertilize chinese evergreen using high nitrogen fertilizers bimonthly in spring and summer, and quarterly in fall and winter. Use a half-strength liquid formula on moist soil to avoid root burn. Monitor for nutrient imbalances and adjust as needed for optimal health and vibrancy.

Pruning: Chinese evergreen thrives with minimal care and benefits from regular pruning to enhance growth and aesthetics. Optimal pruning happens from early to late spring, improving air circulation and reducing pests. Use clean, sharp scissors for effective cuts, promoting quick recovery and continued health.

Propagation: Chinese evergreen propagates best through stem cuttings in Spring and Summer. The process is moderately easy, with root development indicating success. Maintaining high humidity is crucial for optimal growth.

Repotting: Chinese evergreen thrives when repotted annually in spring. Use a larger container with good drainage. Post-repotting, ensure high humidity and indirect sunlight for recovery. Maintain consistently moist soil while avoiding overwatering to support healthy growth.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Chinese evergreen

Distribution of Chinese evergreen

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Chinese evergreen

Care Guide for Chinese evergreen

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases