Houseplant
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema commutatum · Araceae
Also called: Aglaonema, Philippine Evergreen, Poison Dart Plant
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum) is a low-water houseplant well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It's a slow to moderate-growing houseplant.
Chinese Evergreen at a glance
- Water use
- Low (established)
- Sun
- Low to medium indirect light indoors; one of the best low-light houseplants. Green-leaved forms tolerate quite low light, while heavily variegated/red cultivars want brighter indirect light. In Tucson keep out of direct sun through glass, which scorches the leaves.
- Mature size
- Indoors typically 1-3 ft tall and wide.
- Growth rate
- Slow to Moderate
- Bloom
- Greenish-white spathe (calla-like); grown for foliage, blooms are minor, Occasionally spring-summer indoors
- Cold hardiness
- Cold sensitive; keep above ~60F, ideal 65-80F. Leaves can be damaged below ~55F. Not cold hardy outdoors in Tucson.
- Soil
- Well-draining peat/coir-based potting mix with perlite. Not desert soil.
- Native range
- Tropical forests of Southeast Asia (Philippines and northeastern Sulawesi)
- Best used as
- Low-light indoor foliage plant, Office/interior decor, Tabletop or floor accent
- Wildlife
- None relevant; grown indoors.
- Toxicity
- Toxic to dogs, cats and humans; contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (Araceae) that cause oral/GI irritation, drooling and swelling if chewed, plus sap skin irritation. Keep away from pets and children.
How to grow Chinese Evergreen in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Grown indoors in Tucson. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry, about every 7-10 days in summer and every 2-3 weeks in winter; tolerant of occasional underwatering but rots if kept soggy. Tucson's dry indoor air is acceptable, though it prefers moderate humidity; flush salts from alkaline tap water periodically.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Feed lightly with a balanced dilute liquid houseplant fertilizer every 4-6 weeks in spring-summer; little to none in winter. Low feeder overall.
Pruning & care
Minimal pruning; remove yellowing or damaged leaves and spent flowers at the base. Older plants can become leggy and may be cut back or propagated to refresh.
Notes
Grown as an indoor houseplant in Tucson; tropical origin and frost sensitivity rule out outdoor landscape use. One of the most forgiving, low-light-tolerant houseplants - ideal for interior Tucson spaces away from windows. Watch for cold-draft damage near AC vents and for spider mites/mealybugs in dry air.
Sources: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension (houseplant care); ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List; Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder