The Story
Plant Bio
Aglaonema modestum is an evergreen tropical perennial forming upright clumps of glossy, deep green, lance-shaped leaves on sturdy stalks. Native to the humid rainforests of tropical Asia, it is cultivated globally as a durable indoor foliage plant that thrives in low-light conditions.
This species is distinguished by its solid, dark green foliage and exceptional tolerance for deep shade and dry indoor air. In summer, mature plants occasionally produce small, arum-type flowers consisting of a pale green spathe and a creamy white spadix.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tropical
Height
36"
Width
48"
Light
Shade
Zones
10
Water
Consistent moisture; low drought tolerance
Humidity
High preferred; tolerates average indoor humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Tropical Asia
Toxicity
Toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Summer
In flower about 3 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a pot with ample drainage holes and fill it with a rich, peat-based potting mix amended with perlite.
- Position the plant in a location receiving bright indirect light to deep shade, avoiding any direct sun exposure.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring excess water drains away completely.
- Maintain temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit and shield the plant from cold drafts or heating vents.
Pro Tip
Keep the potting medium barely moist during winter, as overwatering in cool, dark conditions rapidly triggers fatal Pythium or Rhizoctonia root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Use a well-draining, organic-rich potting mixture.
- Prune yellowing or damaged leaves at the base with sterile shears.
- Wipe leaves periodically with a damp cloth to remove dust.
Don't
- Do not place the plant in direct sunlight, which scorches and bleaches the foliage.
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely or waterlog.
- Do not cut into old, leafless woody stems when pruning.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Chinese Evergreen questions
What zones can Chinese Evergreen grow in?
Chinese Evergreen is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Chinese Evergreen bloom?
Chinese Evergreen typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Chinese Evergreen with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.