Chinese evergreen plants, also known by their scientific name Aglaonema, are hugely popular houseplants known for their colorful patterned leaves and easy care requirements With over 20 cultivated varieties to choose from, these tropical perennials are a great way to add a pop of color and visual interest to any indoor space.
In this article, we’ll showcase pictures of the different types of Chinese evergreens along with care tips, propagation methods, and design ideas to help you pick the right one for your home and keep it looking its best Whether you’re new to houseplants or a seasoned expert, Chinese evergreens make a fabulous addition to any plant collection!
Native to tropical Asian forests, Chinese evergreens are characterized by their spear-shaped, glossy leaves that come in a striking array of colors and variegated patterns. Most varieties have oval-shaped leaves in different shades of green, often accented with stripes, spots, or blotches in white, silver, pink, red, or yellow. Their coloring is due to varying concentrations of pigments like anthocyanins and chlorophyll.
These plants are known for being low-maintenance, making them great for beginners. They thrive in medium to low indirect light and moderately warm temperatures between 60-85°F. Chinese evergreens prefer humid conditions but are tolerant of average household humidity levels. Let the soil dry out partially between waterings and fertilize monthly during the growing season.
With proper care, these plants can grow up to 3 feet tall and live for over 10 years. They are non-toxic for humans but can cause gastric distress in cats and dogs if ingested.
Now let’s take a look at pictures of popular Chinese evergreen varieties to help you find one suited to your personal style and space!
Pictures of Common Chinese Evergreen Varieties
1. Aglaonema Maria
One of the most popular varieties, Aglaonema Maria features silvery blue-green leaves with dark green edges. It has an attractive compact shape perfect for desks and tabletops.
![Aglaonema Maria][]
Credit: homeplantsguide.com
2. Aglaonema Silver Queen
Known for its elegant gray-green lance-shaped leaves with dark speckles, Silver Queen has an upright habit and enjoys bright indirect light.![Aglaonema Silver Queen][]
Credit: homeplantsguide.com
3. Aglaonema Cutlass
Cutlass features narrow light green leaves beautifully variegated with silver and pale green stripes in a sword-like shape.![Aglaonema Cutlass][]
Credit: homeplantsguide.com
4. Aglaonema Red Emerald
Known for its vibrant pink stems and midribs, Red Emerald has deep green leaves flushed with red-pink hues.![Aglaonema Red Emerald][]
Credit: homeplantsguide.com
5. Aglaonema Golden Bay
Golden Bay features striking variegated leaves in shades of emerald green, gold, and cream. It likes bright indirect light to maintain its coloring.![Aglaonema Golden Bay][]
Credit: homeplantsguide.com
6. Aglaonema Snow White
True to its name, Snow White has leaves generously speckled with white lending it a frosted, wintery look.![Aglaonema Snow White][]
Credit: homeplantsguide.com
7. Aglaonema Silver King
Silver King features broad silvery gray leaves with forest green edges. Its large size makes it great as a floor plant.![Aglaonema Silver King][]
Credit: homeplantsguide.com
8. Aglaonema Pink Dalmatian
Pink Dalmatian has lush dark pink oval leaves generously dotted with bright green spots, resembling the coat of a Dalmatian dog. ![Aglaonema Pink Dalmatian][]
Credit: homeplantsguide.com
9. Aglaonema Lipstick
Known for its bright green leaves with red edges, Lipstick is compact in size, perfect in hanging baskets or small pots.![Aglaonema Lipstick][]
Credit: homeplantsguide.com
10. Aglaonema Red Valentine
One of the most colorful hybrids, Red Valentine has vivid red, pink, and green leaves with wavy texture, perfect for Valentine’s Day!![Aglaonema Red Valentine][]
Credit: homeplantsguide.com
Caring for Your Chinese Evergreen
To keep your Chinese evergreen thriving, provide it with the following care:
- Light: Bright indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves.
- Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Water less in winter.
- Humidity: Mist leaves or use a pebble tray to boost moisture. Average room humidity is fine.
- Temperature: Prefers consistent temperatures between 60-80°F.
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, enrich with compost or worm castings.
- Fertilizer: Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
- Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years in the spring if rootbound. Size up 1-2 inches.
Propagating Chinese Evergreens
These plants are easily propagated by stem cuttings. Choose a healthy stem with a few leaves and remove the lowest pair of leaves. Place the cutting in water or moist potting mix. New roots and growth will emerge in 4-8 weeks and can be repotted.
Creative Design Ideas
Chinese evergreens offer awesome design potential. Here are some ideas:
- Group a few varieties together to create a vibrant mixed planter.
- Use them as striking table centerpieces.
- Place smaller varieties in hanging baskets.
- Line a bookshelf with an assortment of these low-light plants.
- Let them trail from high shelves.
- Add height and contrast with taller green houseplants like dracaena or philodendron.
No matter which variety you choose, Chinese evergreens are sure to add a burst of exotic color and visual interest to your indoor garden! With stunning foliage and minimal care needs, they make fantastic additions to both beginner and advanced plant collections.
Chinese Evergreen Flowers | Garden House Or Office Decor Plants Picture Collection
FAQ
What does a Chinese evergreen plant look like?
Do Chinese evergreens like full sun?
Where is the best place to keep a Chinese evergreen?
Is Chinese evergreen a good indoor plant?
Is Chinese evergreen a flowering plant?
In fact, the leaves of Chinese evergreen are so incredibly attractive that they overshadow its blooms – yes, because it is also a flowering plant! But while the blossoms are all similar, the foliage is not… There are between 21 and 24 species in the Aglaonema genus, and hundreds of hybrids and cultivars.
Are Chinese Evergreens easy to care?
Chinese evergreens (Aglaonema) have beautiful looks and easy to care requirements. The diversity and beauty make aglaonema plants to be loved by many houseplant enthusiasts across the United States of America. But Chinese evergreens come in different colors, sizes, and shapes.
What is the most popular evergreen plant in China?
Known as ‘Maria’ but also sometimes available under the cultivar name ‘Emerald Beauty,’ this plant is a pleasing combination of cool blue green in dark and light patches. It is one of the most popular Chinese evergreen cultivars and is slightly more bushy and compact than others.
Which Chinese evergreen is best?
If you are an admirer of strong and striking contrasts, I suggest you look at the variegation on the “First Diamond” Chinese evergreen. One of the most dramatic varieties of Aglaonema, it will blind you with its deep dark green specks and leaf edges scattered over a white canvas!
Which Aglaonema species are used in hybridization of Chinese evergreen plants?
Other Aglaonema species commonly used in the hybridization of Chinese evergreen houseplants include Aglaonema costacum, brevispathum, crispum, pictum, simplex, and more. Let’s start with the classics! And you’ll see a pattern here (aside from the one on these plants’ lovely variegated leaves).
What does a Chinese evergreen tin look like?
‘Stripes’ Chinese evergreen offers you what it says on the tin: elegant arching stripes that start from the mid-rib of the leaves and lead your eyes gently to the margin. And it does so with a variety that includes emerald and dark forest green, silver, and white.