Houseplantdex
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)

Chinese evergreen

Aglaonema commutatum Schott · Araceae

Toxic to pets Also known as Philippine evergreen, Poison dart plant

Pet safety

Toxic to pets. Toxic to cats. Toxic to dogs. Toxic to horses.

Clinical signs: Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. Rarely, swelling of upper airway.

Source: Family-level consensus .

Care

  • LightLow light – Bright indirect
  • WaterLet the top inch dry
  • HumidityAverage household
  • Temperature16°C – 27°C · 61°F – 81°F
  • DifficultyEasy
  • SoilStandard potting mix
  • FertilizingMonthly, growing season

Size & habit

  • Mature height (indoor) 40–60 cm
  • Habit UprightShrubby
  • Growth rateSlow

Common problems

  • Aphids
  • Mealybugs
  • Spider mites
  • Scale
  • Root rot

Propagation

  • Division
  • Stem cutting

Sources

  • Taxonomy GBIF #2866467
  • Toxicity Family-level consensus
  • Supporting sources
    • ASPCA — Aglaonema modestum (sibling species): Toxic to dogs, cats, horses — insoluble calcium oxalates
    • MSD Veterinary Manual — Aglaonema modestum: Entire plant contains calcium oxalate crystals
  • Care references Cross-checked — see methodology.