Chinese evegreen (Aglaonema 'Cutlass')
Aglaonema 'Cutlass', the Chinese evegreen, offers distinctive grey-green foliage with dark margins, thriving in low light indoors.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’, commonly known as the Chinese evegreen, is prized almost entirely for its striking, easily maintained foliage. This herbaceous perennial develops long, slender, lanceolate leaves featuring a cool grey-green center contrasting sharply with dark green margins and streaks, making it an excellent architectural addition to interiorscapes. While technically a seasonal bloomer, the insignificant white spadix is secondary to the showy leaf display that defines this cultivar.
This variety is adaptable, performing best in conditions mimicking its tropical Asian origins—warm temperatures, high humidity, and consistently moist soil. As a low-maintenance plant, Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’ fits seamlessly into busy schedules, requiring only diffused light and medium watering, which appeals to both novice and experienced indoor gardeners.
The natural elegance afforded by the dense, upright habit of the Chinese evegreen ensures that Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’ remains a staple for brightening moderately bright or shaded indoor environments year-round. Its ability to tolerate deeper shade than many other houseplants adds immense practical value when styling darker corners or rooms lacking direct sun exposure.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Araceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-4 ft
- Spread: 1-4 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: White spadix with greenish-yellow spathe
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal growth, plant Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’ in a rich, well-drained potting mixture that has a peaty base. When grown as an indoor plant, placement near an unobstructed window facing north or east provides excellent diffused sun or good bright indirect light, which is ideal. Absolutely avoid exposing this Chinese evegreen to direct sunlight, as this can easily scorch the attractive foliage of Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’.
Maintain consistent moisture from spring through fall, ensuring the soil remains evenly damp but never waterlogged, as overwatering is a primary cause of rot. While the plant appreciates high humidity, it tolerates normal atmospheric dryness. During the winter rest period, typically from early fall to late winter, reduce watering frequency, but never allow the soil to completely dry out.
Temperature management is crucial for this tropical perennial; ensure the location maintains normal house temperatures, with a recommended minimum of 60°F during winter months. Be mindful of minimizing cold drafts, which can cause significant leaf damage to your Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’. This plant requires very little fuss, living up to its low maintenance rating when environmental needs are met.
Landscape Uses
While primarily cherished as an outstanding houseplant for bright to moderately bright areas, the evergreen nature of the Chinese evegreen makes it suitable for sheltered frost-free landscapes in USDA Zones 10 and 11. In these warmer climates, utilize Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’ as a vibrant understory planting beneath taller trees or as a consistently colorful border feature where dappled light prevails.
Indoors, the architectural shape and slender foliage of Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’ make it an excellent specimen plant for tables or pedestals, especially when placed against contrasting dark or light wall colors. Its medium height (up to 4 feet) allows it to function well on tabletops without overwhelming the space, providing year-round tropical texture. Consider grouping various Aglaonema cultivars together to enhance the visual impact of their diverse leaf patterns.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Aglaonema is a genus of about 20 species of herbaceous perennials from tropical Asia. Genus name comes from the Greek words aglaos meaning bright or clear and nema meaning a thread in reference to the stamens. ‘Cutlass’ is a hybrid selection of Chinese evergreen that features long, slender, lanceolate, grey-green foliage with darker green margins and streaks. Grown mostly for its showy foliage rather than the blooms, mature plants will reach up to 4’ tall with a similar spread.
Tolerances
- Heavy Shade
Potential Problems
Watch carefully for common houseplant pests, including aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, or scale, which can compromise the health of your Chinese evegreen. Regular inspection of the leaf undersides and stems is the best preventive measure.
Rots are a significant risk primarily if you over-water your Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’; always allow the top portion of the soil to dry slightly between waterings, particularly in cooler winter months. Additionally, foliage health relies on consistent environment—leaves may brown and crisp if the air is excessively dry or if the plant is placed in a location susceptible to cold drafts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Chinese evegreen suitable for?
The Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’ is winter hardy outdoors in warm regions, specifically USDA Zones 10 through 11. For cooler areas, it performs excellently as a container or indoor houseplant.
How large does Chinese evegreen grow?
This cultivar generally reaches a mature height between 1 and 4 feet tall, maintaining a spread of 1 to 4 feet, resulting in an upright, bushy form.
What sun exposure does Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’ need?
Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’ requires part shade to full shade conditions. It thrives best in diffused sunlight or bright indirect light, and direct sun exposure must be avoided entirely.
When does Chinese evegreen bloom?
This plant is considered a seasonal bloomer. When flowers do appear, they manifest as typical arum-type inflorescences, consisting of a white spadix surrounded by a greenish-yellow spathe.
Conclusion
The Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’ is an incredibly valuable specimen for low-light environments, delivering year-round visual interest through its signature slender, streaked foliage. If you seek a low-maintenance, robust Chinese evegreen that tolerates deep shade, this cultivar is an exceptional choice. Before bringing one home, confirm that your growing area avoids direct sun and cold drafts to ensure the best performance from your Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’ in an indoor setting, group it with plants that share similar needs for bright indirect light and medium moisture. Plants like the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) or certain varieties of Dracaena pair well, creating a lush, jungle-like container arrangement. Ensure all companions are known to thrive in similar humidity levels to prevent one plant from suffering due to uneven watering schedules.
For outdoor planting in Zones 10-11, site the Chinese evegreen beneath the high canopy of larger, established shade trees. Good companion pairings include ferns, Calathea species, or broad-leafed Hostas (where shade permits), as these all appreciate the consistent, filtered light that protects the delicate leaves of the Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’.
Common Mistakes
The most frequent error when growing Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’ indoors is improper watering mechanics. Because this plant requires medium water but mandates excellent drainage, gardeners often mistake damp soil for proper hydration, leading to root rot, especially in non-draining decorative containers. Always check soil moisture several inches down before rewatering.
Another common pitfall is placing the Chinese evegreen near fluctuating temperatures or direct environmental stressors. Placing the plant near exterior doors, heating vents, or air conditioning units subjects the leaves to damaging cold drafts or overly dry, hot air, resulting in leaf browning and decline. Maintain a stable temperature zone for continuous healthy growth.
