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Philippine evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)

Aglaonema commutatum is a clumping, upright, herbaceous foliage plant and a perennial; 'Silver Queen' has an upright habit.

LightIt suits bright indirect light, bright shade, or partial sun, tolerates low light, and should be protected from strong direct sunlight, which can cause yellowing or scorching of the leaves.
WaterDuring the growing season, water after the surface of the growing medium begins to dry, and reduce watering amount or frequency in winter; avoid prolonged wetness because overwatering can cause root rot.
HumidityIt is generally reported to prefer high humidity.
TemperatureIt is reported to be frost tender and should be kept above freezing. A single source reports a lower temperature of about 15 °C, so sources are few. A single source also reports a USDA hardiness zone, without a confirmed
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Philippine evergreen illustration

Overview

Aglaonema commutatum is a clumping, upright, herbaceous foliage plant and a perennial; 'Silver Queen' has an upright habit.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range, describing it as native to the Philippines and northeastern Sulawesi or, more broadly, to Southeast Asia. It is a tropical to subtropical plant that prefers warmth, tolerates heat, and does not tolerate low temperatures.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature height, giving a range of about 20–60 cm. The leaves range from narrow and elongated to elliptical; 'Silver Queen' has green leaves with extensive silver-green markings, including silvery-gray bands generally following the lateral veins, while green remains along the margins, near the midrib, and between paler areas. It has the typical aroid inflorescence, with a white spadix and a white to greenish-white spathe; flowering begins around early summer, though plants grown indoors do not flower often. Clusters of red berries may form after flowering.

Light

It suits bright indirect light, bright shade, or partial sun, tolerates low light, and should be protected from strong direct sunlight, which can cause yellowing or scorching of the leaves.

Watering

During the growing season, water after the surface of the growing medium begins to dry, and reduce watering amount or frequency in winter; avoid prolonged wetness because overwatering can cause root rot.

Humidity and airflow

It is generally reported to prefer high humidity.

Temperature and dormancy

It is reported to be frost tender and should be kept above freezing. A single source reports a lower temperature of about 15 °C, so sources are few. A single source also reports a USDA hardiness zone, without a confirmed numerical range here.

Growing medium and mounting

Use a humus-rich, well-drained growing medium; a standard mix is suitable.

Feeding

Slow-release fertilizer can be used during the growing season; sources also describe using fast-acting liquid fertilizer or a long-lasting complete fertilizer on differing schedules.

Propagation

It can be propagated by division, stem cuttings, or seed, with division and cuttings described as more practical in cultivation; cuttings are reported to root under appropriate management.

Common problems

Reported pests include scale insects, spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Reported problems include damping-off, soft rot, and root rot. Strong sunlight can yellow or scorch leaves, overwatering can cause root rot, and very dry air or exposure to drafts can cause leaf browning. It is sensitive to low temperatures and frost and should be protected from freezing conditions, while being relatively heat tolerant.

Identification

'Silver Queen' is distinguished by extensive silver-green to silvery-gray bands on green leaves, generally arranged along the lateral veins to create prominent linear silver-green markings, together with a clumping habit.

Photos

Aglaonema commutatum
📷 Kurt Stüber [1] · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Aglaonema commutatum
📷 W. Fitch (d. 1892) (drawn & engraved by Fitch) · Public domain · source
Aglaonema commutatum
📷 Daderot · CC0 · source

Sources