Chinese evergreen

Also known as: green-for-ten-thousand-years; lily of China

An erect, tropical perennial with 20cm long, shiny dark green leaves with wavy margins, held on leaf stalks 10-20cm long. Inconspicuous green flowers may be produced in summer. A good foliage houseplant for a spot out of direct sun

Scientific classification

Species: Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
Genus: Aglaonema
Family: Araceae

Harmful if eaten/skin and eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Houseplants · Conservatory Greenhouse
Plant type: 0.5-1 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Clump forming
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Chinese evergreen pictures

Distribution of Chinese evergreen

Distribution map

Southern China, Northern Laos, Northern Thailand

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Harmful if eaten/skin and eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of Chinese evergreen

Information to be completed

Chinese evergreen care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging
Watering: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced feed in spring and light repeat in growth season

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by separating basal shoots with 3 or 4 leaves, ideally with roots attached, or divide in spring

Growing

Grow as a house or conservatory plant in houseplant compost, position the plants in bright, filtered light. Direct sun may scorch the foliage. Water moderately; allow some drying out in between applications in winter. Mist daily and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season. Pot on every 2-3 years. See houseplant cultivation for further information

More growing and care information →