Aglaonema
xAglaonema (pronounced ah-glow-NEE-mah), commonly known as Chinese Evergreen, is a genus of roughly 22 to 40 species of evergreen perennials native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and New Guinea. 
Part of the Araceae (Aroid) family, these plants are highly prized as houseplants for their striking lance-shaped leaves, which feature diverse variegation in shades of silver, white, pink, and red. Beyond their beauty, they are scientifically recognized for their air-purifying abilities, effectively removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from indoor environments.
Aglaonema is an easy-maintenance, stately plant.
These "plants of steel" are exceptionally easy to maintain, making them ideal for beginners or low-light spaces like offices. They thrive in bright, indirect light but are unique in their ability to tolerate very low light and periods of drought. While they prefer consistently moist soil and high humidity, they are resilient enough to survive occasional neglect.
| Aglaonema Care | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Light | Can tolerate wide range but never direct sun. Very low light may cause the leaves to be less colorful. |
| Temperature | 60-80 degrees. Avoid cold temperatures but plant can tolerate brief dips. Typical home environment is excellent. |
| Water | Let dry somewhat but not entirely between waterings. |
The Planted Parlour’s Tips and Tricks for Success!
- Need a plant for the office? This is an excellent choice!These plants are tough. They can take some brief water stress, grow in a wide range of light situations (never direct sun, though) and can handle brief dips to 60 degrees or so that plants might experience at night or on weekends in office buildings that turn down their heat. And if your office doesn’t have windows at all, Aglaonemas actually grow extremely well under artificial (ideally full spectrum) lights.
- Aglaonemas grow very slowlyThis is important to keep in mind when you’re purchasing an Aglaonema. As slow growers, baby Aglaonemas not only take a long time to mature, they are vulnerable to the elements for that period, being, essentially, infants. That might be a reason to opt for a mature sized Aglaonema.
- Dust the leaves to aid photosynthesisOnce a month, or so, wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth. This will not only brighten up the look of your plant, it will aid the plant in photosynthesizing. Everyone’s happy in the end.
- Regarding Aglaonema pictum tricolor…This is a species that has much thinner leaves than the typical varieties. It likes much higher humidity (like Florida) as well and should not dry out completely. It is particularly vulnerable as a seedling but can handle our coastal humidity once mature.
Learn More…
Aglaonema species have been cultivated for centuries in Asia as symbols of good luck and prosperity, earning them the common name "Chinese Evergreen". In Chinese culture and Feng Shui practices, they are believed to attract positive energy and are often placed near entrances to shops or homes to ward off negative influences. This historical reverence was so significant that by the mid-20th century, certain rare cultivars in Southeast Asia were featured in competitive prize exhibitions similar to prestigious orchid shows.
Botanically, the genus is named from the Greek words aglaos ("bright") and nema ("thread"), which refers to the shiny, thread-like stamens of its small flowers rather than its famously variegated leaves. A fascinating biological trait of Aglaonema is its use of protandry, a strategy where male flowers at the top of the flower spike mature before the female flowers at the base. This “clever” timing prevents the plant from self-pollinating, forcing it to rely on visiting insects to carry pollen to other plants to ensure genetic diversity.
Aglaonema is an Excellent Air Purifier
Aglaonema is recognized by NASA as one of the most effective indoor air purifiers, notably for its ability to filter high concentrations of formaldehyde and benzene. Unlike many other air-purifying species, Aglaonema is a "phytoremediation" powerhouse; it draws in toxic vapors through both its leaves and its root system, where specialized microorganisms break down pollutants and convert them into food for the plant. Research indicates that certain varieties, such as the Red Aglaonema, can remove up to 14,300 micrograms of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) per day.
What makes Aglaonema uniquely valuable for indoor air quality in 2025 is its efficiency under purely artificial lighting. While most air-cleaning plants require significant sunlight to fuel the photosynthesis required for filtration, Aglaonema maintains its ability to emit oxygen and absorb carbon monoxide even in windowless offices or dimly lit rooms. Additionally, its thick, dense foliage offers secondary benefits by acting as a natural humidifier—releasing moisture into the air through transpiration—and providing minor sound-dampening qualities in rooms with hard surfaces.
The alluring camouflage leaf pattern of Aglaonema pictum tricolor
Aglaonema commutatum growing at Kew Gardens in England.
