Chinese Evergreen
Basic Information
Common Name: Chinese Evergreen
Scientific Name: Aglaonema
Native Habitat: Tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, particularly Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines).
History / Discovery / Cultivator
The genus Aglaonema was first described in 1829 by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott, an Austrian botanist who specialized in the Araceae family (the aroids). The name Aglaonema is derived from the Greek words “aglaos,” meaning bright or shining, and “nema,” meaning thread, referring to the plant’s prominent stamens.
Chinese Evergreens have a long history of cultivation in Asia, particularly in China, where they are considered to be symbols of good luck and prosperity. They were introduced to the Western world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and have since become popular houseplants due to their attractive foliage, ease of care, and tolerance of low light conditions.
Early cultivators and breeders focused on selecting plants with desirable traits such as larger leaves, more vibrant colors, and interesting patterns. Over time, this has led to the development of a wide range of cultivars with different leaf shapes, sizes, and colors, including various shades of green, silver, red, pink, and yellow. Some popular cultivars include ‘Silver Queen,’ ‘Maria Christina,’ ‘Red Siam,’ and ‘Emerald Beauty.’
The plant’s adaptability to indoor environments and its air-purifying qualities (as demonstrated in NASA’s Clean Air Study) further contributed to its popularity as a houseplant. Different varieties have different levels of air-purifying effectiveness. Its association with Feng Shui principles, symbolizing good fortune and purifying indoor spaces, has cemented its position in many homes and offices. The ongoing development of new and exciting cultivars by plant breeders continues to fuel the Chinese Evergreen’s appeal to plant enthusiasts worldwide. They are now a staple in the houseplant trade.
Plant Care Summary
| Category | General Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Low to Bright Indirect | Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Tolerates low light, but variegation may fade. |
| Water | Allow to Dry Slightly | Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. |
| Humidity | Moderate | Prefers moderate to high humidity, but tolerates average household humidity. Increase humidity with a humidifier, pebble tray, or by grouping plants together. |
| Temp. Range | 65-80°F (18-27°C) | Avoid temperatures below 60°F (15°C). |
| Soil Type | Well-draining | Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mix with perlite and vermiculite. |
| Fertilizer | Balanced Liquid | Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. |
| Toxicity | Toxic | Contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation and gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Keep away from children and pets. |
Botanical Insights
Adaptations
Chinese Evergreens are adapted to thrive in the understory of tropical forests, where they receive filtered light and high humidity. Their broad leaves allow them to capture as much light as possible in these shaded environments. They are also relatively drought-tolerant, allowing them to survive periods of dryness. The plant’s ability to tolerate low light and infrequent watering makes it well-suited for indoor environments. Furthermore, the presence of calcium oxalate crystals deters many herbivores from consuming the plant.
Propagation Methods
Chinese Evergreens can be propagated by several methods:
- Stem Cuttings: Cut a section of the stem with several leaves and place it in water or directly into moist potting mix.
- Division: When repotting, carefully divide the plant at the root ball, ensuring each division has roots and leaves.
- Air Layering: Encourage root growth along a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant by wrapping it in moist sphagnum moss. Once roots develop, the stem can be cut and planted.
Toxicology
Chinese Evergreen contains calcium oxalate crystals throughout the plant. If ingested by humans or pets (cats and dogs), these crystals can cause immediate pain and irritation in the mouth, lips, and tongue. Swallowing can be difficult and may lead to excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. While rarely life-threatening, it’s essential to keep the plant out of reach of children and pets. Contact a veterinarian or poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Common Problems
Pests:
- Mealybugs
- Spider mites
- Aphids
Diseases:
- Root rot (caused by overwatering)
- Leaf spot (various fungal or bacterial causes)
Other:
- Leaf yellowing: Overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency (particularly nitrogen or magnesium).
- Browning tips: Low humidity, dry air, fluoride in tap water.
- Leggy growth: Insufficient light.
Rarity & Value
Rarity:
While the standard green varieties of Aglaonema are quite common, certain cultivars, especially those with unique variegation patterns (like highly sectoral variegation, or extreme colorations) or newer hybrids, can be considered rare. Slow growth rates and difficult propagation of specific cultivars also contribute to their rarity. High demand from collectors further drives up the perceived and actual scarcity.
Value:
The value of a Chinese Evergreen depends on several factors: the size and maturity of the plant, the rarity and stability of its variegation (highly variegated plants with stable patterns are more valuable), the overall health and appearance of the plant, and current trends among collectors. Larger, well-established plants with striking and stable variegation patterns command higher prices. The provenance of the plant (e.g., if it came from a reputable breeder or collector) can also influence its value.
