Chinese Evergreen plants, belonging to the Aglaonema genus in the Araceae family, are tropical perennials prized for their vibrant, patterned foliage and low-maintenance care. Native to Southeast Asia and New Guinea, they thrive in low to medium indirect light, high humidity (50–70%), and well-draining, slightly acidic soil, making them ideal houseplants for beginners or low-light spaces like offices and bathrooms. They are hardy in USDA Zones 10–12 and toxic to pets and humans due to calcium oxalate crystals.
These are evergreen perennials with stems growing erect or decumbent and creeping. Stems that grow along the ground may root at the nodes. There is generally a crown of wide leaf blades which in wild species are often variegated with silver and green coloration. The inflorescence bears unisexual flowers in a spadix, with a short zone of female flowers near the base and a wider zone of male flowers nearer the tip.
The fruit is a fleshy berry that ripens red. The fruit is a thin layer covering one large seed. Plants of the genus are native to humid, shady tropical forest habitat.
Aglaonema have been grown as luck-bringing ornamental plants in Asia for centuries. They were introduced to the West in 1885, when they were first brought to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. They have been cultivated, hybridized, and bred into a wide array of cultivars. They live in low-light conditions and are popular houseplants.
This mainly tropical genus is known for its intolerance of cold temperatures. Chilling injury can begin at 15 °C (59 °F). The injury manifests in dark, greasy-looking patches on the foliage.
Cultivars have been selected for their shape and size, and especially for the color and pattern of the leaves. Many have white or cream-colored stems. Some have also been developed to tolerate colder temperatures. The most common cultivar is ‘Silver Queen’, which has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Plants
Silver Queen Aglaonema
The Silver Queen Aglaonema features lance-shaped, silvery-green leaves with dark green speckles, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in low to medium indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, tolerating irregular watering. Its classic, silvery foliage makes it a timeless choice for offices or shaded corners.
Silver Bay Aglaonema
The Silver Bay Aglaonema has broad, glossy leaves with a silvery center and dark green edges, growing 2–3 feet tall. It prefers medium to bright indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-draining soil. Its lush, contrasting foliage adds a bold, elegant touch to indoor spaces.
Siam Aurora Aglaonema
The Siam Aurora Aglaonema, also called Red Aglaonema, boasts vibrant green leaves with cherry-red veins and edges, growing 1–2 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light to maintain color, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Its fiery, red-accented foliage is a stunning focal point.
Red Anjamani Aglaonema
The Red Anjamani Aglaonema features heart-shaped, bright red leaves with thin green rims, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing consistent moisture. Its bold, holiday-like coloration makes it a festive indoor accent.
Pink Dalmatian Aglaonema
The Pink Dalmatian Aglaonema has large, green leaves with delicate pink spots, growing 1–2 feet tall. It prefers medium to bright indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, tolerating low light. Its charming, spotted foliage adds a playful, tropical vibe to homes.
Sparkling Sarah Aglaonema
The Sparkling Sarah Aglaonema features bright green leaves with bubblegum-pink splashes and pink stems, growing 1–3 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil to maintain vibrancy. Its vivid, pink-accented foliage is a favorite for colorful interiors.
Emerald Beauty Aglaonema
The Emerald Beauty Aglaonema, sometimes called Maria, has dark green leaves with light green and white spots, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in low to medium indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Its subtle, speckled foliage suits low-light offices or homes.
Modestum Aglaonema
The Modestum Aglaonema (Aglaonema modestum) features glossy, deep green leaves, growing 1–3 feet tall. It tolerates near-shade, high humidity, and well-draining soil, making it ideal for low-light spaces. Its lush, solid green foliage adds a classic, tropical feel to interiors.
Cutlass Aglaonema
The Cutlass Aglaonema has long, narrow, dagger-like leaves with cream-green-white surfaces and dark green veins, growing 1–2 feet tall. It prefers medium to bright indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Its sleek, blade-like foliage adds a modern, architectural touch.
Pictum Tricolor Aglaonema
The Pictum Tricolor Aglaonema, also known as the Camouflage Plant, features green leaves with light green and cream splotches, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in low to medium indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Its unique, camo-like foliage is a collector’s gem.
Lady Valentine Aglaonema
The Lady Valentine Aglaonema has rippled, green leaves mottled with pink and green spots, growing 1–2 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil to enhance its pink hues. Its romantic, colorful foliage is perfect for gifting.
Red Emerald Aglaonema
The Red Emerald Aglaonema features rich pink-red leaves with green spots along veins, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing consistent moisture. Its vibrant, jewel-like foliage lights up indoor spaces.
Spring Snow Aglaonema
The Spring Snow Aglaonema has white and green patterned leaves, growing 1–3 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, tolerating low light but losing vibrancy. Its crisp, snowy foliage brightens dim rooms or offices.
Diamond Bay Aglaonema
The Diamond Bay Aglaonema features long, lance-shaped leaves with a pale, silver-green center and dark green edges, growing 1–3 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Its striking, contrasting foliage is ideal for elegant decor.
White Rajah Aglaonema
The White Rajah Aglaonema has lance-shaped leaves with bold white variegation and deep green edges, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Its dramatic, white-heavy foliage adds a regal touch to interiors.
Golden Bay Aglaonema
The Golden Bay Aglaonema, developed by the University of Florida, features gray-green leaves with creamy-white and silvery variegation, growing 1–3 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Its warm, golden foliage enhances tropical displays.
Maria Aglaonema
The Maria Aglaonema has longer, wider leaves with light green edges and a creamy-white center, growing 1–3 feet tall. It tolerates low to medium indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Its lush, variegated foliage is perfect for under-planting taller plants.
Red Ruby Aglaonema
The Red Ruby Aglaonema features rich pink-red leaves with green speckles along veins, growing 1–2 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil to maintain color. Its bold, ruby-red foliage adds a vibrant, festive accent.
Pink Panama Aglaonema
The Pink Panama Aglaonema has dark and light green striped leaves with a warm pink midrib, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Its colorful, striped foliage makes it a striking, tropical houseplant.
Lotus Delight Aglaonema
The Lotus Delight Aglaonema features pale pink leaves with olive-green edges and pink veining, growing 1–2 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, enhancing its pink hues. Its delicate, pastel foliage adds a soft, elegant charm.
Nitidum Aglaonema
The Nitidum Aglaonema (Aglaonema nitidum) has dark green, narrowly oblong leaves with colorful petioles, growing 1–3 feet tall. It thrives in near-shade, high humidity, and well-draining soil, ideal for low-light offices. Its lush, deep green foliage creates a tropical ambiance.
Suzy Aglaonema
The Suzy Aglaonema mixes dark green leaves with pink splashes, growing 1–2 feet tall. It tolerates low to medium indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, thriving in dim spaces. Its vibrant, pink-accented foliage adds a pop of color to interiors.
Red Catrina Aglaonema
The Red Catrina Aglaonema has vivid cherry-red leaves with thin green and white edges, growing 1–2 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil to maintain its red hues. Its festive, red foliage is a holiday favorite.
Key Lime Aglaonema
The Key Lime Aglaonema features narrow leaves with green and yellow bands on creamy stems, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing careful watering. Its zesty, lime-like foliage adds a fresh, tropical vibe.
Prestige Aglaonema
The Prestige Aglaonema features bright red and pink leaves with green speckles, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light to enhance its vivid colors, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing consistent moisture. Its bold, fiery foliage makes it a striking addition to modern interiors.
Pink Moon Aglaonema
The Pink Moon Aglaonema has soft pink leaves with green veins and speckles, growing 1–2 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, tolerating moderate drought. Its delicate, lunar-like pink foliage adds a dreamy, tropical charm to small spaces.
Emerald Star Aglaonema
The Emerald Star Aglaonema boasts dark green leaves with creamy yellow star-like spots, growing 1–3 feet tall. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, ideal for low-light rooms. Its starry, variegated foliage creates a vibrant, elegant accent.
Green Papaya Aglaonema
The Green Papaya Aglaonema features broad, glossy green leaves with lighter green and yellow mottling, growing 1–2 feet tall. It tolerates low to medium indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing moderate watering. Its lush, tropical foliage suits shaded corners or offices.
Harlequin Aglaonema
The Harlequin Aglaonema has green leaves with pink, cream, and yellow splashes, growing 1–2 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light to maintain variegation, high humidity, and well-draining soil with consistent moisture. Its colorful, patchwork foliage adds a playful, artistic vibe.
BJ Freeman Aglaonema
The BJ Freeman Aglaonema features large, gray-green leaves with darker green veins and splotches, growing 2–3 feet tall. It thrives in low to medium indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, tolerating low light. Its bold, patterned foliage is perfect for large pots or offices.
Golden Fluorite Aglaonema
The Golden Fluorite Aglaonema has glossy green leaves with yellow and cream variegation, growing 1–2 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing careful watering to avoid root rot. Its glowing, golden foliage brightens up indoor spaces.
Super White Aglaonema
The Super White Aglaonema features nearly pure white leaves with minimal green veins, growing 1–2 feet tall. It requires bright, indirect light to maintain its pale coloration, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Its striking, snowy foliage adds a luxurious, modern touch to interiors.
Red Valentine Aglaonema
The Red Valentine Aglaonema has pink to red leaves with green speckles, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, enhancing its red hues with proper care. Its romantic, heart-shaped foliage is ideal for festive decor.
Prosperity Aglaonema
The Prosperity Aglaonema features dark green leaves with vibrant pink and red splashes, growing 1–3 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, with moderate watering. Its bold, colorful foliage symbolizes good fortune, perfect for homes or offices.
Lemon Mint Aglaonema
The Lemon Mint Aglaonema has light green leaves with yellow and mint-green variegation, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing consistent moisture. Its fresh, citrusy foliage adds a bright, tropical vibe to spaces.
Red Zircon Aglaonema
The Red Zircon Aglaonema features glossy, red-pink leaves with green veins, growing 1–2 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light to maintain vibrant colors, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Its jewel-like, red foliage makes it a stunning, compact houseplant.
Creta Aglaonema
The Creta Aglaonema has green leaves with pink and cream splotches, growing 1–3 feet tall. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, tolerating low light with less color intensity. Its soft, variegated foliage adds elegance to indoor settings.
Golden Madonna Aglaonema
The Golden Madonna Aglaonema features broad, green leaves with golden-yellow variegation, growing 1–3 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, with moderate watering. Its radiant, golden foliage creates a warm, tropical ambiance.
Pink Star Aglaonema
The Pink Star Aglaonema has bright pink leaves with green speckles and veins, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing careful watering to maintain color. Its vibrant, starry foliage is a bold, tropical standout.
Emerald Holiday Aglaonema
The Emerald Holiday Aglaonema features dark green leaves with silver-green splashes, growing 1–2 feet tall. It tolerates low to medium indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, ideal for dim spaces. Its festive, shimmering foliage adds a holiday-like charm to interiors.
Red Gold Aglaonema
The Red Gold Aglaonema has green leaves with red, pink, and gold variegation, growing 1–3 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, enhancing its colors with proper light. Its multicolored, glossy foliage is a vibrant addition to homes.
Moonstone Aglaonema
The Moonstone Aglaonema features pale pink leaves with green veins and speckles, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing consistent moisture. Its soft, moonlit foliage adds a delicate, tropical elegance.
Chocolate Aglaonema
The Chocolate Aglaonema has dark green, almost chocolate-brown leaves with pink veins, growing 1–2 feet tall. It tolerates low to medium indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, ideal for shaded areas. Its rich, moody foliage creates a dramatic, tropical vibe.
Sapphire Suzanne Aglaonema
The Sapphire Suzanne Aglaonema features green leaves with pink and cream splotches, growing 1–3 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, with moderate watering. Its vibrant, sapphire-like foliage adds a jewel-toned accent to interiors.
Wishes Aglaonema
The Wishes Aglaonema has pink leaves with green splashes and veins, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, enhancing its pink hues with proper care. Its hopeful, colorful foliage is a charming houseplant choice.
Green Sun Aglaonema
The Green Sun Aglaonema features green leaves with yellow-green variegation, growing 1–2 feet tall. It prefers medium to bright indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, tolerating low light. Its sunny, variegated foliage brightens up shaded corners or offices.
Pink Splash Aglaonema
The Pink Splash Aglaonema has green leaves with bold pink splashes, growing 1–2 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil to maintain vibrant colors. Its eye-catching, pink-accented foliage adds a playful, tropical touch.
Silver Moon Aglaonema
The Silver Moon Aglaonema features silvery-green leaves with dark green veins, growing 1–3 feet tall. It thrives in low to medium indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, ideal for low-light spaces. Its luminous, moon-like foliage adds a serene, elegant charm.