Aglaonema spp. (Chinese evergreen) is a fantastic small pond plant, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced keeper.
This species is highly durable and can thrive in different aquatic terrarium setups.
With its numerous varieties and cultivars, you can create a distinctive appearance for your enclosure.
Aglaonema spp. gives a lush, long-lasting feel to any vivarium, and it’s also non-toxic to any inhabitants you might have.
Quick Stats: | |
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Scientific Name | Aglaonema spp. |
Common Name | Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema, Firecracker Plant |
Family Name | Araceae |
Habitat | Woodlands, Shady Tropical Areas |
Temperature | 65°F to 75°F |
Height | 1 to 3 feet tall |
pH | 5.0 to 7.5 |
Lighting | Low to Moderate |
Table Of Contents:
ToggleWhat Is Chinese Evergreen?
Aglaonema is an exceptionally common foliage plant best known for its highly varied leaf patterning and variations in shading.
These plants are native to many areas of Asia and can boast a huge range of leaf colors including various shades of green, grey, pink, and silver.
The leaves are also typically oval-shaped and velvet to the touch, although variations can vary in shape and size depending on their specific cultivar.


Chinese Evergreen Facts
Chinese Evergreen is a great choice for vivariums because it is a slow-growing, easy-to-maintain plant that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance or care.
These plants are well known for having an array of medicinal uses in Southeast Asia, as their leaves are said to have cooling and antibacterial properties.
They’re also known for their air-purifying properties, as they take in nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and other pollutants from the environment and return clean, oxygenated air.
Description
Aglaonema spp. typically grow to about 3 feet in height and are known for their beautiful leaf patterning.
Its leaves can range from light to medium green in color and have silvery-white or pink splotches that can span from one edge of a leaf to the other.
They have a thick, fleshy texture to their stems and branches, enabling them to survive in difficult vivarium conditions.
Habitat
Aglaonema is naturally found in humid tropical and subtropical environments of Asia, where it can be found in woodlands and other shady areas.
In these areas, temperatures are typically warm and steady and humidity is high.
pH Preference
Aglaonema plants prefer to be in a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline medium.
In the wild, they typically grow in moist, slightly acidic soils with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.5.
In captivity, it is best to keep this plant in a slightly acidic medium.
Vivarium Type
Aglaonema plants are quite an easy-going species.
With that in mind, it will not be too complicated when choosing the type of enclosure it is grown in.
It is best to try and replicate the plant’s natural habitat as much as possible.
Doing so will make it easier to provide this foliage plant with its basic needs.
The proper setup and theme of the enclosure will make a big difference to the overall look and health of the plant.
Be sure to choose setups that are moist and high in humidity.
Here are recommended vivariums it will do well in:
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- Paludariums – Half aquatic/ half terrain-based enclosure.
- Ripariums – Mostly aquatic-based enclosures with some terrain features present.
- Terrariums – Fully terrain-based enclosures with little to no aquatic features.
Vivarium Placement
Aglaonema spp. make great midground foliage plants for established vivariums because of their growth structure.
These species are capable of growing fairly tall, so you should make sure to plant them in a spot where they won’t grow too close to the canopy.
They don’t need to be placed in direct light, so darker spots in your vivarium will be perfect for this type of plant.
Substrate
When it comes to the substrate for aglaonema, you’ll want to use one with good moisture and nutrition retention.
A 1:1 mix of sphagnum moss and aquatic soil is ideal. If you’re looking for a more decorative option, create a top layer of your favorite small stones or gravel.
Lighting
Aglaonema spp. thrive in medium and low light setups.
Although they can handle direct sunlight if it is low, in most vivariums, diffused aquarium lighting will be optimal.
Look for bulbs with a cool color spectrum, such as those in the clean white range to encourage the best growth and coloration of your Chinese Evergreen.
Buy Chinese Evergreen
When buying Aglaonema spp., there are a few things to keep in mind.
Making sure the plant is healthy when purchased is essential for its success in a vivarium or pond.
Vegetation that is already in poor conditions will have a very hard time adjusting to new environments.
Click the image below to learn more about the current price and other relative info about this plant.
Chinese Evergreen Care & Propagation
Aglaonema requires relatively minimal maintenance, as it is a slow-growing plant.
In terrarium setups, water your plant once per week or as needed, ensuring that the substrate has had a chance to dry out between waterings.
You may fertilize monthly or less with a low-strength fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer.
To propagate, you can take stem cuttings or division.
Stem cuttings should be cut between nodes and placed in moist soil, transplanting once they have established roots.
How To Grow
Aglaonema is an easy-care plant that grows slowly and requires minimal maintenance.
Once you’ve established your plant and it’s settled in the vivarium, you’ll need to maintain adequate moisture levels.
Water when the substrate begins to feel dry to the touch and use a mister to provide adequate humidity.
Aglaonema typically grows slowly and shouldn’t have to be pruned back too often.
Watering
Aglaonema should be watered when the substrate feels dry.
As a tropical plant, it requires higher levels of humidity than many other terrarium plants, so it’s important to keep the substrate moist.
To replicate the humid environment of its origins, try using a mister, or a self-watering system like an atomizer.
Plants Similar To Chinese Evergreen
Adding diversity to an enclosure is key to an aesthetically pleasing setup.
Try mixing up the look of your vivarium with different flora that can easily co-exist in the same types of environment.
Furthermore, if for some reason you find Aglaonema hard to acquire or would like to consider something similar to this plant…
Here are other pond plants you might find will do well with or in place of Chinese Evergreen:
Conclusion
Aglaonema spp. is perfect for any vivarium. With its diverse range of cultivars and leaf patterning, you can create a special look in your enclosure that can last for years to come.
This foliage plant is highly durable and requires minimal maintenance, making it a perfect addition to your semi-aquatic terrarium.
Furthermore, it aids in enhancing the air quality within the vivarium, making it an excellent choice all around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Chinese evergreen plants need indirect sunlight in order to thrive. They can tolerate low light levels, but they will grow fuller and healthier with brighter indirect light. However, LEDs can also be used if grown indoors or in a vivarium.
Chinese evergreen plants should be watered when the top 1–2 inches of the soil is dry, approximately every 7–10 days.
Yes, Chinese evergreen plants are easy to care for and grow. They prefer indirect sunlight and weekly watering, making them a low–maintenance option for even novice gardeners or hobbyists.
Signs of Overwatering on a Chinese Evergreen Plant Include:
– Wilting leaves
– Discolored or yellow leaves
– Edema, which appears as raised and puckered spots on the underside of leaves
– Premature leaf drop
– Brown stems
The Chinese evergreen is an easy–care plant, typically living for 10 to 15 years under the right care.
Yes, Chinese evergreen can grow in just water. It is a popular houseplant that thrives in moist soil, but can survive in just water as long as it is changed regularly to keep the water fresh. Chinese evergreen can even be grown hydroponically, meaning it can thrive in a nutrient–rich water solution.
Prune Chinese Evergreen to encourage bushiness. Cut away any leggy stems in order to promote lateral growth. Make sure to provide the plant with adequate water, fertilize every few months, and provide plenty of indirect light.
Aglaonema spp. is a genus of evergreen, tropical plants in the Araceae family. It is commonly known as Chinese Evergreen and is native to Southeast Asia. These plants are prized for their attractive foliage, which is often variegated with patches of white, green, or grey. They require minimal care and can withstand low light and dry conditions.
Yes, a Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) can produce flowers. However, it is rare for Chinese evergreen plants to bloom in captivity.
Revive Wilted Chinese Evergreens By:
1. Move the plant to a brighter location away from direct sunlight.
2. Water the plant well and often enough to keep the soil consistently moist.
3. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
4. Trim off any yellow or dried leaves to encourage new healthy growth.
5. Provide the Chinese evergreen with consistent temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees F.