Chinese Evergreen

aglaonema modestum

Also known as: ["Chinese Evergreen","Modest Chinese Evergreen"]

Family: Araceae Genus: Aglaonema Category: Leaf Plants

Overview

A popular houseplant with attractive, dark green leaves often variegated with silver or white patterns.

Benefits & Perks

["aesthetic foliage","low maintenance","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Aglaonema
Botanical Name: Aglaonema modestum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Leaf Plants
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in a shaded or dimly lit room
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Elderly Gardeners
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
  • Misting: every 1–2 weeks or as needed to maintain humidity
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with peat, perlite, and organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or when growth appears leggy.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing damaged or unwanted growth.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate lower light but may grow slower.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to brighter light gradually; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf burn; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

low to medium indirect light

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct afternoon sun.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Allow soil to dry partially between waterings; avoid overwatering; ensure proper drainage.

Soil

well-draining, peat-based potting mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; maintain consistent moisture.

Temperature

Ideal range 65–80°F (18–27°C); prefers stable temperatures; avoid drafts or extreme fluctuations.

Avoid cold drafts; maintain stable temps; protect from extreme heat.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring and summer)

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings with nodes in water or soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cutting with nodes.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Place in medium.
  4. Maintain moisture.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining soil mix or water with occasional changes.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), container, water or soil mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy stems; keep medium consistently moist; provide warmth for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut stems just above a leaf node or junction; remove entire leaves if necessary.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or yellowing leaves to maintain appearance and health; encourage bushier growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; cut cleanly; remove debris; inspect for pests.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring or early summer before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; promotes fresh soil and growth.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water deeply until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution without waterlogging; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in cold; wilting or brown leaf tips in heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to pests.

Solution: Move to a warmer spot; insulate from drafts; avoid sudden temperature drops.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; growth may slow.

Solution: Increase humidity; provide shade; ensure adequate watering; avoid placing near heat sources.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Aglaonema modestum can indicate various issues, including nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's overall health and photosynthetic efficiency.

Wilting in Aglaonema modestum is often a sign of water stress, either due to underwatering or root issues, which can lead to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Aglaonema modestum may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, resulting in unsightly discoloration and potential leaf drop, which can affect the plant's aesthetic value and health.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Aglaonema modestum due to overwatering or poor drainage, leading to decay of root tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are particularly sensitive to the calcium oxalate crystals in Aglaonema modestum. Ingestion can cause severe irritation to the oral cavity and digestive tract, leading to significant discomfort and potential systemic effects if not addressed.

⚠️ Symptoms:
excessive drooling vomiting lethargy difficulty swallowing oral pain loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure the plant is inaccessible to cats. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary care immediately.
Dogs
Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Aglaonema modestum can lead to significant oral and gastrointestinal distress due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals cause mechanical irritation and inflammation, resulting in discomfort and potential secondary complications.

⚠️ Symptoms:
drooling pawing at the mouth vomiting difficulty swallowing oral pain lack of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant away from pets. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Humans
Toxic

Aglaonema modestum contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe irritation and inflammation upon ingestion. The crystals are needle-like and can penetrate mucous membranes, leading to pain and swelling. The plant's toxic effects are primarily localized to the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract.

⚠️ Symptoms:
mouth pain difficulty swallowing burning sensation swelling of the tongue and throat nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Aglaonema modestum toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Aglaonema modestum?

A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks depending on conditions.

Q: Does Aglaonema modestum need bright light?

A: It tolerates low light but thrives in medium to bright indirect light.

Quick Reference
Family: Araceae
Care: easy
Light: low to medium indirect light
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","elderly gardeners"]
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