Beautiful Aglaonema Plant Varieties and How to Grow Them
Aglaonema plants are among some of the most popular for growing in homes and offices because they are low-maintenance, tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions, and highly attractive. With countless varieties that range in size and color, you can incorporate Chinese evergreens into your home or office decor to achieve a variety of looks. In this guide, you’ll find 26 of our favorite types of Aglaonema plants and some helpful tips to successfully grow them at home.
About Aglaonema Plants
Aglaonema is a genus of plants, belonging to the arum (Araceae) plant family. They are commonly called Chinese evergreens, and the genus contains just over 20 species and countless cultivars.
Aglaonema plants should be handled and displayed with care because they contain calcium oxalate crystals which irritate the soft tissues. They are considered poisonous for people and pets.
Despite their toxic properties, Chinese evergreens are thought to be good luck plants. They have been cultivated in Asia and used in feng shui practices for centuries. Chinese evergreens were included in NASA’s clean air study. In this study, aglaonema plants were shown to remove the common toxins, formaldehyde and benzene, from the air.
26 Popular Types of Aglaonema Plants to Grow at Home
1. Aglaonema ‘Sparkling Sarah’
Aglaonema ‘Sparkling Sarah’ is a favorite variety of Chinese evergreen thanks to its large, bright-green, variegated foliage that features gorgeous splashes of bubblegum pink. What really sets the sparkling Sarah Chinese evergreen apart from other species, making it a showstopper of a houseplant, is that the plant’s stems grow in a vibrant pink hue to match the markings on the leaves.
2. Aglaonema ‘Georgi’s Ruby’
Aglaonema ‘Georgi’s Ruby’ is another stunning Chinese evergreen. These plants produce copious amounts of large, dense leaves, making a real impact on a desk, end table, or in a large pot filling an empty corner. What makes this species of Chinese evergreen special are the cherry-red veins that mark each leaf and vibrant arches of chartreuse set against the deep green of the foliage.
3. Aglaonema ‘Silver Stone’
At first glance, you might think that an Aglaonema ‘Silver Stone’ is just another tropical houseplant – green, leafy, and pleasant to look at but with nothing unique to note. However, upon a close inspection, houseplant enthusiasts come to adore this species of Chinese evergreen for its subtle silvery markings and pale, silvery stems that give this houseplant a gentle appeal.
4. Aglaonema ‘Pink Dalmatian’
The Aglaonema ‘Pink Dalmatian’ might be one of the prettiest Chinese evergreens available for growing in your home. This species features the lovely, large leaves for which most Chinese evergreens are known. However, this species’ leaves are delicately dappled with slightly translucent pink spots, hence the name “pink dalmatian.”
5. Aglaonema ‘Snow White’
Another beautiful Chinese evergreen species is the Aglaonema ‘Snow White’. This species produces large leaves that are so heavily variegated with a snowy-almost-white shade of the lightest green that they appear to be simply rimmed and lightly speckled with dark green. This heavy variegation gives this plant’s leaves the appearance of being covered in snow.
6. Aglaonema ‘Red Sumatra’
The Aglaonema ‘Red Sumatra’ is notable for its strikingly large leaves, which grow to somewhat surprising sizes even on smaller, immature plants. In addition to being large, the foliage of this species is also quite attractive in a deep green that is artfully veined in fire-engine red and flecked with yellow specks.
7. Aglaonema rotundum tiger
The Aglaonema rotundum is a less common Chinese evergreen. However, it is beautiful to cultivate indoors, preferring low-light areas that mimic the rainforest floor. This species produces spade-shaped leaves in a dark, almost-black shade of green. The foliage of younger plants is glossy and unmarked. As the plant matures, its leaves produce intricate, lacy, white veins.
8. Aglaonema ‘Emerald Bay’
The Aglaonema ‘Emerald Bay’ produces notably pinnate-shaped foliage that, with a texture similar to the foliage of a peace lily plant, is slightly less stiff and more fluttery than that of other Chinese evergreen species. Each of this plant’s leaves has a nearly solid feathering of silvery green that runs over the center vein that is surrounded by a bright-green rim.
9. Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora’ (Red Aglaonema)
Also commonly called the red aglaonema, the Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora” is a strikingly beautiful Chinese evergreen cultivar. With fiery red sunset-colored stems and leaves rimmed and veined with a deep, crimson, this easy-to-care-for plant promises to warm up any interior space with minimal effort.
10. Aglaonema ‘Red Emerald’
When gazing upon an Aglaonema ‘Red Emerald’ it becomes immediately obvious how this Chinese evergreen cultivar got its name. This plant produces broad, glossy leaves in a deep emerald shade of green, and each striking green leaf is bisected through the center with a blood-red vein. The leaves are also freckled with golden amber spots to add additional allure.
11. Aglaonema pictum tricolor (Camouflauge Plant)
The Aglaonema pictum tricolor is also known as the camouflage plant because of the unusual pattern of its leaves’ tricolored variegation, which closely resembles the patterned blotches of color used in camouflage clothing. In addition to being unique, this is also one of the rarest Chinese evergreens, which means they can be pretty expensive to acquire. Although this plant offers the same easy-to-care-for profile as other Chinese evergreens, it’s usually only recommended for more experienced green thumbs because of the upfront cost to acquire one.
12. Aglaonema nitidum (Burmese Evergreen)
The Aglaonema nitidum, commonly called the Burmese evergreen, is a popular houseplant. It has an erect central stalk that can reach about 3 feet in height with leaves (up to 18-inches long!) spreading about the same width. The plant’s foliage is usually mainly a silvery green color that’s lightly variegated with brighter green splotches. The Burmese evergreen is perfect for filling up an empty corner where it will have enough space to grow comfortably.
13. Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’
The Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’ is another trendy variety of Chinese evergreen. Potted indoors, these plants grow to be about 3 feet tall and equally wide with 8 to 10 inch-long leaves that seem to unfurl and cascade from the center of the plant. The leaves and stems are of a vibrant green color with variegations of silvery feathers marking the centers of the lance-shaped leaves.
14. Aglaonema ‘Black Lance’
Although it can sometimes be challenging to find this plant for sale at everyday garden centers, it is popularly used in commercial indoor gardens. The Aglaonema ‘Black Lance’ has thin, lance-shaped leaves that burst from the center of the plant in a pom-pom shape. The leaves have a prominent, silvery marking that runs down their centers, and they are rimmed with a darker shade of green.
15. Aglaonema ‘Stripes’
Thanks to its decorative appeal, the Aglaonema ‘Stripes’ variety of Chinese evergreen is a popular cultivar commonly grown in homes and offices. This cultivar produces large, ovate leaves and stems in a bright shade of lime-green. The large leaves a noticeably striped with narrow bands of silvery white. These symmetrical stripes start at the centerline of the leaves and arch upward on either side.
16. Aglaonema widuri (Red Peacock)
The leaves of the Aglaonema widuri are indeed just as showy and attractive as a red peacock would be. These ovate leaves are primarily a vibrant green color, but they look as if they have been dipped or spray-painted in a bright, primary red paint. This plant’s leaves sprout from pinkish-colored stems and make a wonderful centerpiece to any room, office, or houseplant display.
17. Aglaonema ‘Butterfly’
The Aglaonema ‘Butterfly’ is another beauty of a Chinese evergreen with distinctive foliage. The leaves of this cultivar feature a delicate pink stripe that runs down their centers. Each vibrant green leaf is lightly dappled with a sunny yellow and attached to pretty pink stems.
18. Aglaonema ‘Silver Queen’
The Aglaonema ‘Silver Queen’ gets its name from the appearance of its large, ovate leaves that are predominantly covered in a silvery-green hue and marked with dark green splotches and edges. As this plant matures, it will develop a central stem that is more like a trunk while its lower leaves begin to fall off. At maturity, this Chinese evergreen plant reaches about 2 feet in height.
19. Aglaonema ‘Golden Hope’
This variety of Chinese evergreen really stands apart from the rest. It has broad, ovate leaves that seem to spiral outward from the plant’s center, creating a striking rosette shape that is apparent when the plant is viewed from above. Aglaonema ‘Golden Hope’ gets its name from the golden hue of its leaves. The plant is not only shaped like a starburst but colored like one too, with leaves in a sunny-golden yellow hue and marked with green stripes.
20. Aglaonema ‘Diamond Bay’
The Aglaonema ‘Diamond Bay’ is another attractive Chinese evergreen variety. This cultivar features long, lance-shaped leaves that can grow to be more than 12 inches in length. The leaves burst from the central plant in clumps, and each is marked with a silvery green center that spans more than half the surface area. Each leaf is rimmed with dark-green edges.
21. Aglaonema ‘Creta’
Like other Chinese evergreens, the Aglaonema ‘Creta’ is a stunning plant that is, of course, prized for its ornamental foliage. The leaves are large and ovate, growing right up toward the sky. They are predominantly green in color but are marked with yellow freckles, tinted red, and rimmed with a crimson center vein and edges.
22. Aglaonema commutatum (Philippine Evergreen)
The Aglaonema commutatum is a species of Chinese evergreen that has many common names. Among them is the poison arrow plant. The plant gets this name due to the toxic nature of its juices. While all aglaonema plants are toxic for pets and people, this species is particularly poisonous. Simply touching the juices of this species will seriously irritate the skin with a painful rash. So, be sure to handle and display this plant with care.
23. Aglaonema ‘Red Valentine’
The Aglaonema ‘Red Valentine’ variety of Chinese evergreen is another beauty with large, variegated green, ovate foliage that is heavily dappled with splotches in various shades of bright red and pink. The undersides of this plant’s leaves and stems are also stained a vibrant shade of red, making it the perfect Chinese evergreen for Valentine’s Day.
24. Aglaonema ‘Silver King’
The Aglaonema ‘Silver King’ is another silvery-hued Chinese evergreen cultivar. This one features long and narrow, lance-shaped leaves in a glossy, moderate shade of green. The leaves are heavily variegated with a silvery hue, as well, and grow to about 10 inches in length.
25. Aglaonema ‘Maria’
The Aglaonema ‘Maria’ is a long-time favorite Chinese evergreen plant. It has been popular in home decor and design since the 1970s, and today, it is considered perfect for the retro-chic style. This cultivar has tightly packed, ovate leaves with interesting patterns of alternating lighter and darker green that help the plant create subtle visual interest without being overly ornate.
26. Aglaonema ‘Red Anjamani’
If accidentally mistook this Chinese evergreen for a poinsettia, no one would blame you. The Aglaonema ‘Red Anjamani’ produces leaves in a red hue that would be perfect for celebrating the holiday season. The slightly lance-shaped leaves of this cultivar are almost entirely bright red in color, except for the plant’s stems and the narrow rims of green around the leaf edges.
Aglaonema Plant Care at Home
Best Soil for Aglaonema Plants
Aglaonema plants grow best in a peat-based, loosely packed, slightly acidic (5.6 to 6.5 pH) potting mix that is well-draining and contains perlite. In a pinch, a standard potting mix designed for orchid plants can work well.
Light Exposure
Aglaonema plants grow best with bright, indirect/filtered sunlight. Direct sun will scorch their leaves. Chinese evergreens can also tolerate lower light conditions. However, they will not grow as quickly in low light. Additionally, the more heavily variegated an aglaonema’s leaves are, the more sunlight it needs to stay healthy. An east-facing aspect is a great position for aglaonema plants to thrive.
Temperature and Humidity
Aglaonema plants prefer an ambient temperature that ranges between 65°F and 75°F and moderate to high humidity ranging from 70-90%. If your home is dry, you can increase humidity by misting your plant, running a humidifier near the plant, or placing the plant on top of a water-filled pebble tray.
When and How Often to Water Aglaonema Plants
Aglaonema plants require a moderate amount of water. They should be watered when the top half of the soil is dry. A moisture meter or soil probe can help you determine when your plan requires water. The frequency will increase or decrease depending on the season and the amount of moisture in the air.
When watering an aglaonema, soak its soil until water drains through the plant’s container, and allow all excess water to drain.
When and How Often to Fertilize Aglaonema Plants
Aglaonema plants should be fertilized once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Dilute a well-balanced (20-20-20-), all-purpose, liquid houseplant fertilizer to half strength and apply it monthly to the soil.
Growth Expectations
Aglaonema plants grow slowly, usually requiring about one to two years to reach their full, mature size.
Different varieties of Chinese evergreens grow to be a variety of sizes. Compact varieties stay fairly small, growing to be less than a foot tall and wide, while larger types can reach up to about three feet tall and wide.
Common Aglaonema Plant Pests and Diseases
Certain pests and diseases more commonly affect aglaonema plants. Keep an eye out for signs of aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, nematodes, and mealybugs, in addition to signs of bacterial leaf spot, root rot, and anthracnose.
Why Choose a Low-Maintenance, High-Impact Chinese Evergreen?
The real question is why not choose a Chinese evergreen? These plants are incredibly attractive and easy to grow, making them the perfect fit for any home, office, or lifestyle. Whether you grow one or collect as many as you can, many types of aglaonema plants are a simple way to improve the look of your interior spaces.
If you’re looking for your next Aglaonema plant to add to your collection, see our in-depth guide to the best plant shops delivering Chinese Evergreens nationwide.
