As autumn deepens and daylight shortens, few plants embody calm, resilience, and quiet colour like the Aglaonema, also known as the Chinese evergreen. With its striking patterned leaves and tolerance for low light, it’s the perfect November companion — bright enough to lift dark corners, and strong enough to thrive while many plants rest.
At Planteka, we celebrate plants not just for their looks, but for their stories — and the Aglaonema’s story is one of endurance, adaptability, and understated elegance. This is why we chose it for November’s Plant of the month edition.
Origins and symbolism
Aglaonema is native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia — especially Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines — where it grows in the dim, humid understory, sheltered from direct sunlight.
Its name comes from Greek: aglaos meaning “bright” and nema meaning “thread,” referring to the delicate variegation running through its leaves.
In Chinese culture, Aglaonema is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity, often given as a housewarming gift. In feng shui, it’s believed to attract positive energy and harmony, making it a traditional choice for offices and living rooms.
The plant first appeared in European collections in the late 19th century and quickly became a favourite among Victorian houseplant enthusiasts for its longevity and decorative foliage.
Botanical profile
Scientific name: Aglaonema (family Araceae)
Common name: Chinese evergreen
Origin: Tropical Southeast Asia
Growth habit: Compact, slow-growing perennial
Leaf type: Broad, glossy, and often patterned with silver, green, cream, or pink variegation
Aglaonema varieties range from deep green forms (Aglaonema modestum) to vividly coloured hybrids like ‘Siam Aurora’, ‘Red Valentine’, and ‘Silver Queen’. The diversity in leaf patterns makes it a versatile decorative plant for almost any style of home.
Why it’s perfect for November
November’s shorter, dimmer days can challenge many indoor plants. But Aglaonema prefers indirect light and moderate conditions — it continues to grow slowly and steadily even when sunlight is scarce.
Its thick leaves retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering during colder months. And the splash of red or silver variegation brings warmth to winter interiors, balancing the earthy tones of the season.
Care guide
Light
Aglaonema adapts well to low to medium light. It tolerates shade better than most tropical plants, but it’s happiest in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can bleach or scorch the leaves.
💡 Tip: Variegated varieties (especially red or pink) need a bit more light to maintain their colour, while dark green types thrive in lower light conditions.
Watering
Water moderately — about every 10–14 days in autumn and winter, or once the top 2–3 cm of soil feel dry. Overwatering is the most common mistake: Aglaonema’s roots are sensitive to excess moisture.
Ensure the pot has good drainage and never leave the plant sitting in standing water.
If you’re unsure, it’s better to underwater slightly than overwater.
Humidity and temperature
Native to humid rainforests, Aglaonema appreciates moisture in the air. Ideal humidity is above 50%. In heated indoor environments, occasional misting or placing the pot on a tray with water and pebbles can help.
Temperature should stay between 18–27 °C — avoid cold drafts and sudden drops below 15 °C.
Soil and substrate
Use a loose, well-draining mix, like this one. This ensures aeration while retaining enough moisture.
Repot every 2–3 years, preferably in spring, when roots start to outgrow the pot.
Fertilising
Feed once a month during the growing season (spring–summer) with a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength. Stop fertilising in autumn and winter when growth slows.
Pruning and propagation
Trim yellow or damaged leaves at the base to maintain the plant’s shape.
Propagation is simple: take a stem cutting with at least one node and root it in water or moist soil at around 25 °C. New roots usually appear within 3–4 weeks.
Common problems and their solutions
| Symptom | Possible cause & solution |
|---|---|
| Yellowing leaves | Overwatering — check drainage and let soil dry out before watering again. |
| Brown tips | Air too dry — increase humidity. |
| Pale leaves / loss of colour | Too little light — move closer to a bright window. |
| Drooping leaves | Temperature stress or irregular watering — check both. |
| Sticky residue / small webs | Possible pests (mealybugs, spider mites) — wipe leaves with diluted neem oil solution. |
Styling
Aglaonema’s dense foliage and symmetrical shape make it ideal for creating visual balance in a room.
- Place it on a console or low table to bring depth to a corner.
- Combine it with trailing plants like Pothos or Scindapsus for layered contrast.
- Use decorative ceramic or woven pots in warm tones — they highlight the plant’s variegation beautifully.
- For offices or darker areas, choose the Silver Queen or Emerald Beauty varieties — they tolerate fluorescent light remarkably well.
Aglaonema pairs perfectly with wooden textures, rattan, and natural fabrics, enhancing the soft, grounded atmosphere of autumn interiors.
Cleaning Aglaonema’s large leaves regularly helps it breathe and keeps its colours vibrant. Learn here how to clean your plants.
At Planteka, we explore the science of plant care through hands-on learning. Join our plant workshops in Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia, and discover how to keep your home lush, balanced, and full of green life all year round.
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