Spathonema Aglaonema (Aglaonema Spathonema)
Spathonema Aglaonema Plant Features
There are dozens of fabulous, easy-care (and some less-easy-care) Aglaonema varieties out there. When our Plant Hunter found this one in 2016, he knew it was going to be a winner. It features a low-maintenance nature and beautifully variegated foliage. Each green leaf is decorated with a golden-yellow to light green center, and often accented by streaks of cream or white. The plant's habit is unique, as well --- it grows more like a Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) than an Aglaonema (which is how it got its name).
Over time, it grows about 2 feet tall and wide, so you can enjoy its beauty on a desk, tabletop, or plant stand. It's slow growing, especially in lower-light conditions (which it tolerates). The variegation pattern is similar to Brasil Philodendron --- and pairing the two creates a strikingly beautiful combination.
Spathonema Aglaonema Growing Instructions
Spathonema Light NeedsLike other varieties of Chinese Evergreen, Spathonema tolerates low light, but prefers -- and grows fastest -- a spot with medium to bright, indirect light. It's best to avoid direct sunlight on this plant, particularly in Southern regions. Too much light can cause the new growth to scorch. You can grow this eye-catching variegated houseplant under both natural and artificial plant lights with equal success.
Spathonema Water Needs
This low-water houseplant can go a couple of weeks without water if you're not around to water it, but grows best when watered regularly (as the top half or so of the potting mix dries to the touch). Not sure whether it's time to water? It's usually best to wait. Spathonema Aglaonema prefers being too dry than too wet.
Spathonema Humidity Needs
Happily, this variegated houseplant does not require high humidity to thrive. It does just fine in the average relative humidity levels found in most homes and offices.
Spathonema Fertilizer Needs
While this variety of Chinese Evergreen is not a particularly hungry houseplant, ensuring it has a regular supply of nutrients will help you enjoy more of its new growth. You can fertilize with time-release granules, which slowly release nutrients into the soil over the course of weeks or months, or use a fertilizer you mix with water.
No matter what type of fertilizer you use, never exceed the instructions on the product packaging. You can always use less fertilizer, but never use more.
Pruning
A low-maintenance houseplant, Spathonema Aglaonema doesn't require pruning except to remove old leaves as they reach the end of their lifespan.
Note: Spathonema Aglaonema is grown as an ornamental plant and is not intended for human or animal consumption. We advise keeping it out of reach of children or pets that may try to ingest the leaves, roots, or rhizomes.
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Water
Low water needs
Medium water needs
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Light
Indoors: High light
Indoors: Low light
Indoors: Medium light
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Colors
Green
Variegated
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Special Features
Colorful foliage
Purifies the air
Super-easy to grow
Complement your Spathonema Aglaonema
Brasil PhilodendronBrasil Philodendron sports similar variegation to Spathonema, but as a vine, the Philodendron gives you a unique way of contrasting the two plants.
Raven® ZZ Plant
Raven® ZZ Plant has similar low care needs, but dark purple-black mature foliage that makes an excellent foil for Spathonema's variegation.
Global Green Pothos
Global Green Pothos is another easy-care aroid that features lovely green-on-green variegation.