Plant Passport
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema commutatum
LightBright
Water7-10d
PetCheck
PP AGLA ONEM ACOM
Issued 2026 · Valid while cared for
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema
Aglaonema commutatum
Also known as Aglaonema modestum var. commutatum
“I am the calm office plant that still brought a patterned outfit.”
low lightoffice plantbeginner friendlycolorful foliagelow maintenancetropical
- Light
- Low light
- Water
- Let dry between waterings
- Pet safety
- Mildly toxic
- This month
- Finish the strongest growth flush with one more light feed. Review support or pruning needs for the upright shape before tired leaves hide pests Cue: Upright clumps of oval leaves.
August care tip
Finish the strongest growth flush with one more light feed. Review support or pruning needs for the upright shape before tired leaves hide pests Cue: Upright clumps of oval leaves.
Quick Care Summary
- Light
- Low light
- Water
- Let dry between waterings
- Placement
- Low to medium indirect light. Colourful cultivars keep better colour in brighter filtered light.
- Temperature
- 16–30°C
- Humidity
- moderate
Free printable Plant Passport card
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Plant Passport
Chinese Evergreen
LightBright
Water7-10d
Botanical stake card
- Format
- 150 x 25mm
- Best for
- Slim plant stakes and gift pots
Use the card section above when you are ready to download or add a printed card.
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View holders →Detailed Care Guide
Watering Method
Water when the top half of the mix is dry, then drain fully. In low light, wait longer rather than watering by calendar.
Soil Mix
Loose houseplant mix with perlite or bark. It should hold some moisture but never stay heavy and wet.
Repotting
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. It tolerates being slightly root-bound and dislikes oversized wet pots.
Pruning
Remove yellow lower leaves at the base. Leggy old stems can be cut back in spring to resprout.
Pot Preference
A snug pot with drainage holes. Plastic or glazed ceramic keeps moisture steadier in warm rooms.
Fertilizing
Feed every 6 weeks from April to September with half-strength balanced fertilizer. Too much feed makes weak soft growth.
Draft Sensitivity
Very sensitive to cold draughts. Keep above 16 C and away from winter doors or unheated windowsills.
Sources consulted
- powo.science.kew.org
- www.aspca.org
- www.rhs.org.uk
Room Placement
Window Direction
North or east for green/silver forms; filtered east or west for colourful cultivars.
Best Room
Office, hallway with some daylight, bedroom, or living room corner away from cold draughts.
Monthly Care Calendar
Aug (now)
Finish the strongest growth flush with one more light feed. Review support or pruning needs for the upright shape before tired leaves hide pests Cue: Upright clumps of oval leaves.
Sep
Start reducing fertilizer and stretch watering as nights cool. Move Chinese Evergreen closer to a steady low-light spot before autumn light drops Cue: Upright clumps of oval leaves.
Oct
Stop feeding and prepare for heating season. Keep temperature steady and avoid cold drafts Cue: Upright clumps of oval leaves.
Nov
Winter risk check: test soil before watering, inspect upright clumps of oval leaves, and keep the pot draining freely while growth slows Cue: Upright clumps of oval leaves.
Watering Schedule
- Summer
- Every 9 days
- Winter
- Every 18 days
Water only when the top half of the potting mix has dried; in low light, check deeper before watering.
Common Problems
Propagation
divisionstem cuttings in soilmoderatespring
Divide mature clumps during spring repotting, keeping roots on each piece. Older bare stems can also root in warm moist mix.
Pests & Diseases
Mealybugs
Early signs
White cottony patches in leaf axils and sticky residue on nearby leaves.
Treatment
Dab pests with alcohol, rinse, and repeat weekly until no cotton returns.
Stem rot
Early signs
Soft dark stem bases, often after cold wet conditions.
Treatment
Remove affected stems, improve warmth and drainage, and avoid watering until the mix dries.
Buying Tips
Choose firm stems, clear leaf pattern, and a pot that is not soaking wet. Avoid plants displayed in cold doorways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fun Facts
Aglaonemas became office classics because they tolerate fluorescent light better than most colourful foliage plants.
Origin & Natural Habitat
Tropical forest understory of Southeast Asia, where warmth, shade, and steady moisture are normal.
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