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Aglaonema commutatum

Common name: Chinese evergreen · Poison dart plant

Aglaonema commutatum is an evergreen perennial in the arum family (Araceae), native to the tropical rainforests of the Philippines and northeastern Sulawesi. It forms low clumps of stems bearing lance-shaped leaves attractively variegated with silver or gray-green patterns. It is one of the most popular houseplants in the world because it tolerates low light, neglect, and dry indoor air better than almost any other foliage plant.

Fun facts

  • Its insoluble calcium oxalate crystals make all parts of the plant irritating if chewed, hence the name "poison dart plant."
  • NASA's Clean Air Study listed aglaonemas among houseplants that help remove indoor air pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde.
  • Dozens of cultivars exist, including 'Silver Bay' and 'Maria', bred for brighter silver variegation.
  • In its native habitat it grows on the shaded rainforest floor, which is why it copes so well with dim rooms.

Care summary

Sun Low to medium indirect light; avoid direct sun
Water Water when top few cm of soil dry out
Soil Well-draining, peat-based potting mix
Hardiness Zones 10–12
Mature height About 30–90 cm (1–3 ft)
Pet safe No — toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty Easy
Propagation Propagate by division or stem cuttings. Divide the clump at repotting, making sure each section has roots and leaves, or take a stem cutting with a few nodes and root it in water or moist potting mix.

Make your own Chinese evergreen · Poison dart plant profile

Common problems

    • Let top inch of soil dry first
    • Use pots with drainage holes
    • Empty saucers after watering
    • Keep plant away from cold windows
    • Raise humidity around the plant
    • Trim off fully browned leaves
    • Wipe leaves with a damp cloth
    • Treat with insecticidal soap
    • Isolate the infested plant
    • Move to brighter indirect light
    • Rotate the pot weekly