Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Araceae
Botanical Name
AGLAONEMA nitidum 'Silver Queen'
Plant Common Name
Chinese Evergreen, Painted Drop Tongue, Silver Queen Painted Drop Tongue
General Description
The dense, upright leaves of 'Silver Queen' are bright green with marbled silvery markings on top and smooth green undersides. It is a favorite foliage plant for interior-scaping as well as tropical landscaping and has been given an Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.
The showy, tropical Aglaonema nitidum is a popular small houseplant or landscape plant for shaded, frost-free gardens. Its lovely evergreen foliage is dark green blotched and streaked with creamy white markings. This Southeast Asian native is a true tropical forest dweller that thrives in the understory of hot and humid locations. It is rhizomatous and will spread over time.
The long, lance-shaped, leathery leaf blades of Chinese evergreen are dark green marked with lighter green or gray-green mottled bands. Many cultivars and hybrids exist with unique leaf markings. The leaves arise from thick rhizomes. When growing conditions are favorable, plants produce classic spade and spadix flowers. Each bloom has a showy white bract that contrasts nicely with the foliage. Flies and beetles pollinate the blooms and orangish, berry-like fruits follow.
Grow Chinese evergreen in locations with bright filtered light and fertile, well-drained soil. The more humid and warm the location, the better. Direct sunlight and excessive dry heat cause leaf scorch. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not wet. Overwatering may lead to leaf yellowing and rhizome rot. Plant this beautiful foliage plant in groups as a tropical groundcover or as an accent plant for shaded tropical gardens or container plantings.
The foliage of Chinese evergreen is toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated, SpottedMottled
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Groundcover, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
