Chinese evergreen vs Dieffenbachia
Aglaonema commutatum vs Dieffenbachia seguine
Both upright Araceae with patterned leaves — often mistaken for each other.
Which should you pick?
Pet households: Chinese evergreen is pet-safety unverified; Dieffenbachia is toxic to pets.
Chinese evergreen tolerates lower light; Dieffenbachia needs brighter conditions.
5 of 10 attributes differ (highlighted below).
Side by side
| Chinese evergreen | Dieffenbachia | |
|---|---|---|
| Pet safety | Toxicity unverified | Toxic to pets |
| Light | Low light – Bright indirect | Medium / part shade – Bright indirect |
| Water | Let the top inch dry | Let the top inch dry |
| Humidity | Average household | Average household |
| Temperature | 16°C – 27°C | 18°C – 27°C |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Soil | Standard potting mix | Standard potting mix |
| Fertilizing | Monthly, growing season | Monthly, growing season |
| Mature height (indoor) | 40–60 cm | 0.6–1.8 m |
| Growth rate | Slow | Moderate |