The collection of plants from the Aglaonema genus are commonly known as the Chinese Evergreens, which have a tendency to endure low light conditions very well. Aglaonemas will flower (these are not very impressive), but they’re grown mainly for the beautiful leathery leaves.

There are plenty of hybrid varieties of the Chinese Evergreens available which have been cultured over the last century. This is because of the increasing popularity of indoor plants for use as ornamental plants for room decoration.

Chinese Evergreen varieties includes, plain green, speckled, blotched and variegated types. One of the most famous and sought after is the silver queen which has leaves enclosed in silver mostly with some small green coverings.

Foliage: The leaves are liner (extended with corresponding sides) or elliptical shaped which grow at the tip of the stems. These leaves reach up to 30cm in length and about 5 – 8cm wide. An old matured plant will produce a small trunk which can look similar to a yucca or dracaena, in the way the minor leaves come away and leave scared symbols.

Flowering: During summer season once the plant matures it can produce very small blossoms which then turn into berries. If these do appear they grow between the leaves and are quite irrelevant.

Displaying: Wherever these are grown indoors they require to be provided with sufficient heat. This is why some are grown in greenhouses or courtyards.

Caring: The level of care required for this plant is very adequate. The most important requirement is that they do not stay at temperatures below 60ºF (15ºC). The good news is they can endure low lighting situations, even though I have seen it declared that it is only the all-green and not the variegated types that will endure low light.

• Temperature

Temperature between 65-80 ºF (18-27 ºC) are perfect. Lower than 60ºF (15ºC) is not good for this plant and can generate dark spots on the leaves.

• Light

The most collective advice for the Aglaonema plant is the darker the leaves and stems, the lesser the light is needed. To be safe a bright room with the plant sitting in a sheltered spot is best. Dodge direct sunlight.

• Water

Keep the soil humid at all the times. Water less in the winter season.

• Soil

A peat based potting soil mixed with perlite or sand to improve drainage is perfect or any other well draining potting blend.

• Fertilizer

They like to give diluted liquid manure from spring to the end of summer.

• Re-potting

Re-pot again in the spring every two or three years. They prefer to be slightly root bound – so no need to worry if it seems to show some roots through the bottom of the pot.

• Humidity

Normal to high room humidity is required. Increasing the humidity levels of a room “especially if the room has synthetic heating system” will increase the plants growth and stop leaves from turning dry and shrilling up.

• Propagation

These are propagated perfectly by dividing the root with a few stems and leaves attached during spring and summer.

• Insects

Over the years mealybug has proven to be appealed to this plant and cause harms. Red spider mites have also been known to cause troubles to these plants.