How to Grow Aglaonema modestum Plants in your Garden

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Chinese evergreen / Green-for-ten-thousand-years

Aglaonema modestum is a foliage plant commonly known as Chinese evergreen.

It is one of a number of varieties of Aglaonema that are part of the arum family of Araceae.

Native to tropic and sub-tropic regions of Asia and New Guinea, these plants are perennial herbs that prefer a shady, humid habitat.

Green-for-ten-thousand-years
Aglaonema modestum - Chinese Evergreen, this plant filters indoor air photograph by marissa anderson.

Aglaonema modestumhas large, lance-shaped leaves that are waxy in texture.

Colors can vary from a more common deep or medium green to a variegated pattern of green and yellow.

Mature, well-established specimens may produce arum-like flowers, but these plants are more popular for their foliage than any potential to bloom.

Chinese Evergreen is known for its air purifying qualities and it can grow well in poorly lit conditions. This makes it a good choice for brightening up indoor rooms like bedrooms and bathrooms.

Aglaonema modestum plant in bloom
Blooming Aglaonema modestum photograph by Stinky Steve; CC.

Gardener's HQ Aglaonema modestum Growing Guide

Aglaonema modestum grow in USDA hardiness zones of 10 and 11, and require a high degree of humidity.

Outdoors, these foliage plants can be used as ground cover in shady areas, but they cannot tolerate drought, extreme temperature changes, or winter temperatures below 55°F (12°C).

Indoors, Aglaonema modestumdoes best in typical room temperatures of 60 to 70°F (16-21°C).

While some sun can help houseplants to thrive, they should not be placed in direct sun as this can scorch the leaves.

Only moderate watering is needed, and the soil should be allowed to dry between watering's.

These houseplants can also benefit from frequent misting to sustain high humidity in a dry environment.

Aglaonema modestum Growing and Care Guide

Scientific Name: Aglaonema modestum
Common Name: Chinese Evergreen Plant, Green-for-ten-thousand-years, Chinese evergreens
Growing Zone: USA: 10 to 11; UK - tropical plant grow indoors only - UK hardiness H1a.
Life Cycle / Plant Type: Perennial

Plant Details

Plant Height (Inches): 12 to 24
Plant Spread (Inches): 12 to 36
Time of Bloom: Summer
Flower Details: Green
Leaf Foliage: Green
Fruit:
Growth Form: Upright / erect

Ideal Growing Conditions

Best Light Conditions: shade to partial shade
Rate of Growth: slow
Suitable Soil Types: Acidic, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Well drained
Soil Moisture:

Caring Conditions

Care:
Level of Maintenance: Low
Propagation: From divisions or root in a glass of water
How to Prune: Not usually required
Pests: Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, scale
Diseases: Usually pest free

Further Information

Can Attract:
Tolerant of: different light
Best Garden Use: Container, Ground cover, En masse , Woodland garden, Houseplant
Family: Araceae.
Closely Related Species: Arum.

Miscellaneous: Attractive foliage, Non-native to North America, Inconspicuous, flowers or blooms, poisonous, skin irritant
Genus Detail: Aglaonema
Further Reading and References: Here and Here

Aglaonema modestum Inflorescence
Close up of Aglaonema modestum Inflorescence, image by by 阿橋 HQ; CC.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Aglaonema modestum. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Zantedeschia aethiopica and other Zantedeschia plants.