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AGLAONEMA nitidum

Image of Aglaonema nitidum

Family

Araceae

Botanical Name

AGLAONEMA nitidum

Plant Common Name

Aglaonema, Chinese Evergreen

General Description

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.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    11 - 12

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    1'-3' / 0.3m - 0.9m

  • Width

    1'-3' / 0.3m - 0.9m

  • Bloom Time

    Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Southern Asia, Southeastern Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    White, Yellow Green

  • Fruit Color

    Orange, Orange Red

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    White, Light Green, Gray Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    White, Light Green, Gray Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    White, Light Green, Gray Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    White, Light Green, Gray Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

    Variegated, Striped/Striated, SpottedMottled

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Coarse

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Edging, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No