Aglaonema modestum in pot

Credit: Marissa Anderson

Aglaonema modestum leaf

Credit: Diogo Luiz

Aglaonema modestum in the ground

Credit: Mangostar

Aglaonema modestum flower

Credit: Stinky Steve

Aglaonema modestum, a houseplant with 3D foliage

In English, Aglaonema modestum is known as Chinese Evergreen. Yet it doesn't grow in China. It can be found in Thailand, Bangladesh, Laos and Vietnam. In our latitudes, this rooted plant with textured foliage is cultivated as a houseplant.

How to recognize Aglaonema modestum?

Aglaonema modestum has a bushy habit. In the wild, it reaches 90 cm in height and 120 cm in width. In pots and indoors, its growth is often more modest. Nevertheless, it can reach 30 centimetres in height and 60 centimetres in spread.

A rhizomatous perennial, it develops multiple stems that support its evergreen foliage. The dark-green leaves are shiny. They are lanceolate and measure 20 cm long by 10 cm wide. While the leaf blades of aglaonema commutatum and aglaonema simplex are smooth, those of Aglaonema modestum are wavy at the veins. The botanical variety has plain leaves. However, hybrids with white or light-green variegated foliage can be found in the wild and on the market.

Flowering takes place in summer. White or greenish spathes hatch. They contain the cream or pale green spadix.

The flowers give rise to fruit. These take the form of red, oval berries, two to five centimetres long.

But don't be tempted! The plant is toxic. It contains calcium oxalate crystals. The substance is dangerous for both humans and animals. It causes skin irritation, swelling of the tongue, burning of the mucous membranes and digestive disorders. If you want to enjoy your Aglaonema modestum safely, wear gloves when handling it. Keep it out of the reach of children, cats and dogs.

Our maintenance tips

Aglaonema modestum do not need much light to reveal the colors of their foliage. They are content with a spot in partial shade. Easy to live with, they require regular care, but are forgiving of oversights and mistakes.

Watering

Aglaonema modestum appreciate moderate, regular watering. Between two applications of water, leave the potting soil to dry out by two or three centimetres. Check this simply by touching the soil.

Always use water at room temperature to avoid thermal shock, which can damage the roots.

Be sure to remove any standing water in the saucer or planter.

Spray

In its natural environment, aglaonema modestum benefits fromhigh humidity. To make your plant feel at home in your home, regularly mist the top and bottom of the foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Aglaonema modestum to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Aglaonema modestum like to be cramped. Re-pot in a pot one or two centimetres wider than the previous one. Choose a pierced plastic pot. This material retains moisture and is better suited to the plant's needs. Line the bottom with clay balls for drainage.

This variety thrives in rich soil. You can use potting soil for green plants and add compost or ground horn. Pour in a layer of substrate and place your subject in the center. Fill in with potting soil and tamp down.

Water to remove air bubbles and encourage rooting.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

During the growing season, feed your Aglaonema modestum with a green plant fertilizer.

Cleaning

Dust accumulating on the leaves slows down the photosynthesis process. To keep your Aglaonema modestum growing, clean the leaf blades with a damp sponge.

Remember that aglaonema modestum are toxic. Wear gloves or wash your hands after handling your plant.

Prune

Your Aglaonema modestum does not need pruning. You can remove wilted leaves and cut back the flowering stem after flowering.

Remember that the plant is irritating. Use pruning shears or wear gloves during the operation.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Gently dig up your Aglaonema modestum. Locate a rhizome on the periphery, with several roots and even leaves. Separate it using a clean, sharp tool, such as disinfected secateurs.

In a pierced pot, pour gravel or clay balls for drainage. Add a rich substrate, such as special cuttings soil or horticultural compost. Dig a hole using a pen or stake. Plant your young Aglaonema modestum and tamp lightly.

Water to encourage rooting.

Diseases / Threats

Information

Family	Araceae - Araceae
Type	Aglaoneme - Aglaonema
Species	Aglaonema modestum - Aglaonema modestum
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Half-shade
Substrats	Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Rhizome Herbaceous
Tags	Beginner Fritillary Toxic
Origins	South Asia Southeast Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	11a
Leaf color
Flower colors
Fruit color