Aglaonema

How to care for Aglaonema

Light

Aglaonema commutatum tolerates low light better than most foliage houseplants, but it performs best in bright, indirect light. Plain green varieties cope well in shadier corners, while variegated or coloured cultivars require more light to maintain their markings. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, causing bleached patches or brown, crispy edges. A position 1-2 metres from an east- or north-facing window is often ideal indoors in the UK.

Watering

Water moderately, allowing the top 3-5 cm of compost to dry out before watering again. Overwatering is the most common cause of decline; the roots are prone to rot in waterlogged conditions. In winter, reduce watering frequency as growth slows. Always use water at room temperature, as cold water can cause yellowing or spotting on the leaves. Tap water that has been left to stand overnight is acceptable, though rainwater or filtered water is preferable if your tap water is heavily chlorinated.

Soil and potting

A well-draining, aerated compost is essential. A mixture of peat-free multipurpose compost with 20-30% perlite or coarse grit provides adequate drainage while retaining enough moisture. Heavy or compacted soils should be avoided entirely, as they encourage waterlogging and root disease. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.6 to 7.0 is suitable.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season of spring and summer. Do not feed in autumn and winter when growth is minimal, as excess fertiliser salts can accumulate in the compost and damage roots. If white crusting appears on the soil surface, flush the pot thoroughly with plain water to remove salt build-up.

Humidity and temperature

As a tropical plant, Aglaonema commutatum prefers temperatures between 16 and 27 degrees Celsius and should never be exposed to temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius. Cold draughts, air conditioning vents, and sudden temperature drops should be avoided. Humidity of 50-70% is ideal; in dry centrally heated rooms, mist the foliage occasionally, place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles, or use a humidifier nearby. Prolonged low humidity causes brown leaf tips.

Repotting

Repot every two to three years, or when roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes and the plant appears rootbound. Spring is the best time to repot. Choose a new pot only one size larger than the current one, as an excessively large pot holds too much moisture and increases the risk of root rot. Handle the roots gently, as they are somewhat brittle, and use fresh, well-draining compost.

Pruning

Minimal pruning is required. Remove yellowed, damaged, or dead leaves at the base using clean, sharp scissors or secateurs to maintain the plant's appearance and prevent potential disease. If the plant produces flowers, which are insignificant spathes typical of the Araceae family, these can be removed promptly to direct energy towards foliage production. Leggy stems can be trimmed back in spring to encourage a bushier habit.

Is Aglaonema toxic?

Common problems

How to propagate

Stem cuttings

Take a cutting of 8-12 cm with at least two or three leaves and a node, allow the cut end to callous for an hour, then insert into moist perlite or a peat-free propagating mix. Place in a warm position above 20 degrees Celsius with high humidity; roots typically develop within four to eight weeks.

Division

When repotting an established, multi-stemmed plant, gently separate rooted offshoots or basal shoots from the parent root ball and pot each division individually into appropriate compost. This is the simplest and most reliable propagation method for home growers.

Basal offshoots

Mature plants regularly produce offshoots or suckers at the base; these can be detached once they have developed their own roots and potted up separately into small individual pots with well-draining compost.

Where Aglaonema comes from

Native to Philippines, Sulawesi. Now naturalised or cultivated in 9 other regions worldwide.

Story and origins

The genus name Aglaonema is derived from two Greek words: 'aglaos', meaning bright or brilliant, and 'nema', meaning thread. This name was given in reference to the conspicuous, shining stamens found on the plant's flowers. The species epithet 'commutatum' is Latin, meaning 'changed' or 'variable', and reflects the notable variation in leaf patterning and colouration observed across different individuals and populations of this species. The genus was formally described by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott, the Austrian botanist who made significant contributions to the classification of the Araceae family during the nineteenth century.

Aglaonema commutatum was first formally described in the botanical literature in 1829, with the genus established by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott, who specialised extensively in the Araceae. The plant is indigenous to the tropical forests of the Philippines and Sulawesi (formerly Celebes), where it grows as a shade-tolerant understorey plant. It was introduced to European horticulture during the latter half of the nineteenth century as botanical exploration of Southeast Asia increased. In its native region and across much of East and Southeast Asia, the plant has long been associated with good luck and longevity, frequently displayed in homes and businesses. It became widely popular as a houseplant in Europe and North America during the twentieth century, particularly following mid-century interest in low-maintenance tropical foliage plants suited to interior spaces.

Varieties to know

Aglaonema commutatum 'Silver Queen'

A classic cultivar bearing heavily silver-grey variegated leaves with green margins; one of the most widely grown and recognised forms

Aglaonema commutatum 'Silver King'

Similar to 'Silver Queen' but with more upright growth and slightly more silver colouration on the leaves

Aglaonema commutatum 'Tricolor'

Features leaves marked with green, grey, and pale yellow, giving a subtly multi-toned appearance

Aglaonema commutatum 'Pseudobracteatum'

Displays bold white or cream streaking on dark green leaves, with a more upright and architectural form

Aglaonema commutatum 'Malay Beauty'

A cultivar with striking pale cream and green patterning across broad leaves, offering high contrast variegation

Fun facts

• Aglaonema was included in NASA's 1989 Clean Air Study, which suggested it may help reduce trace levels of benzene and formaldehyde in indoor air, though the practical effect in a normally ventilated home is considered modest by current scientific consensus.
• The genus name Aglaonema is derived from ancient Greek, combining 'aglaos' (bright or shining) and 'nema' (thread), referring to the plant's glossy, filament-like stamens.
• In several Southeast Asian cultures, Aglaonema is regarded as a plant that brings good fortune, and it is a common gift in the Philippines, Thailand, and China for this reason.
• Aglaonema commutatum is one of the few ornamental aroids that can genuinely survive and maintain reasonable foliage health under fluorescent lighting alone, making it a long-standing choice for offices with no natural light.
• The plant can live for many decades under appropriate care; well-maintained specimens in botanical collections have been recorded as more than 20 years old.

Aglaonema FAQ