Philippine evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)
Aglaonema commutatum, the Philippine evergreen, is a low-maintenance perennial known for its attractive silver-blotched foliage and shade tolerance.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Philippine evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum) offers striking, evergreen foliage that brightens the dimmest corners of the landscape or home. This species typically maintains an appealing compact size, rarely exceeding 1.5 feet in height, making it ideal for understory planting or indoor container use. Its thick, elliptic leaves feature attractive silver-gray blotches against dark green, providing year-round visual interest.
As a member of the Araceae family, Aglaonema commutatum is prized for its robustness and low cultural demands once established in suitable conditions. It thrives in warmth and appreciates consistent moisture, proving itself a reliable, long-lived perennial where frost is absent. For gardeners in cooler climates, this plant excels as a durable houseplant, tolerating conditions where many tropical foliage plants struggle.
Valuable for its aesthetic appeal in low-light situations, the Philippine evergreen is often substituted for other, more demanding shade lovers. While it may occasionally offer a subtle bloom—a creamy white spadix with a pale green spathe—garden value primarily centers on its beautifully patterned leaves, lending texture and brightness to shaded garden beds or sheltered patios.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Araceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Philippines, northeastern Celebes
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: White spadix with green spathe
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
The best time to plant Aglaonema commutatum outdoors in suitable tropical zones (10-12) is when temperatures are consistently warm, mimicking its native environment. It requires a well-drained, peaty potting mixture that retains adequate moisture without becoming waterlogged. When grown as indicated for use in cooler areas, treat it as a houseplant that prefers diffused sun or good indirect light; never place Aglaonema commutatum in direct, harsh sun, as this can scorch the foliage.
Maintain consistent moisture from spring through fall, ensuring the soil never completely dries out, which is crucial for the health of this Philippine evergreen. While it does not require a specific winter dormancy period, reducing watering slightly from early fall into late winter allows the plant a period of rest. Normal room temperatures are suitable, provided the minimum winter temperature remains around 60°F.
This plant handles atmospheric dryness reasonably well compared to some other tropicals, but maintaining humidity is beneficial. Treat maintenance as low effort; routine pruning is typically unnecessary unless removing old or damaged leaves. If you are growing Aglaonema commutatum indoors, always ensure exceptional drainage in its container to prevent critical root issues.
Landscape Uses
The primary utility of Aglaonema commutatum is as indoor foliage, thriving in bright to moderately bright areas within the home, where its patterned leaves become a focal point. Outdoors in warm climates (Zones 10-12), the Philippine evergreen excels as an outstanding groundcover beneath dense tree canopies. It is an excellent choice for filling shaded areas along pathways or nestled among larger shrubs where light levels restrict more colorful bloomers.
When designing, pair the broad texture of the Aglaonema commutatum with fine-textured, shade-loving companions such as ferns like Maidenhair Ferns or other low-maintenance foliage plants that share its preference for indirect light. Because of its manageable size, it fits perfectly into ceramic containers flanking an entryway that receives only filtered light, offering a sophisticated tropical welcome.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Aglaonema commutatum, commonly called Chinese evergreen, is an evergreen perennial that generally resembles dieffenbachia (dumb cane) in appearance. It typically grows to 20” tall. Thick, elliptic to lance-shaped, dark green leaves (to 4-8” long and 2-3” wide) with attractive silver-gray blotches on erect, sometimes branched stems. Clusters of red berries can follow the flowers, though this is rare when grown indoors.
Tolerances
- Heavy Shade
Potential Problems
Gardeners should vigilantly watch for common houseplant pests that affect Aglaonema commutatum, including aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, or scale insects. Implementing routine inspections, particularly under the leaves, aids in early detection. Root rots are a possibility if plants are consistently over-watered, underscoring the need for excellent drainage and mindful watering schedules appropriate for this Philippine evergreen. Foliage browning or leaf edge crisping can occur if the plant is subjected to excessively dry air or placed in a cold, drafty location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Philippine evergreen suitable for?
Aglaonema commutatum is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 10 through 12.
How large does Philippine evergreen grow?
This perennial typically matures to a height between 1 and 1.5 feet, with a corresponding spread of 1 to 1.5 feet.
What sun exposure does Aglaonema commutatum need?
This plant requires part shade to full shade conditions, thriving best under diffused light indoors or shielded from direct sun outdoors.
When does Philippine evergreen bloom?
It is a seasonal bloomer, typically producing a small white spadix enclosed by a green spathe in late summer to early fall.
Conclusion
The Aglaonema commutatum offers exceptional value as a resilient, low-maintenance specimen perfect for shaded habitats, both indoors and out within tropical zones. Its variegated, silver-blotched foliage ensures that the Philippine evergreen brings consistent color where sunshine is scarce. Before incorporating this plant, confirm your climate falls within USDA Zones 10-12 or designate a bright indoor location.
Companion Planting for Shady Spots
When situating Aglaonema commutatum outdoors in its native zones, consider companions that appreciate similar filtered light and consistent moisture. Pairing the broad leaves of the Philippine evergreen with plants offering contrasting textures, such as Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’) or various Hostas (in suitable microclimates), creates a rich, layered effect beneath canopy trees.
For indoor growers seeking visual harmony, place Aglaonema commutatum near other low-light tolerant tropicals. Plants like ZZ Plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) or Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum) share similar water and light requirements, allowing you to create a cohesive, low-maintenance indoor jungle display that emphasizes rich green and silver tones.
Indoor Care Calendar for Aglaonema commutatum
Focusing on watering adjustments provides the most reliable schedule for indoor Aglaonema commutatum. From the active growing period of spring through fall, maintain consistent moisture; this means checking the top inch of soil regularly and watering before it dries out completely.
As daylight hours shorten and temperatures stabilize in the early fall, begin reducing your watering frequency. This mimics a slight rest period, even though true dormancy is not required for this species. Continue to provide reduced moisture throughout the winter months (early fall to late winter), ensuring the soil remains slightly damp but never saturated. Monitor leaves carefully during winter; browning tips often signal air that is too dry or a cold draft.
