Understanding Aglaonemas

Aglaonemas are originally found in the tropical areas of Southeast Asia. Probably the first Aglaonema grown was Aglaonema modestum. Modestum is seldom seen today and is limited to collectors.

The common name for Aglaonema is the Chinese evergreen. This wonderful group of plants earned its common name because the Chinese were the first to cultivate the dark green, slow growing Aglaonema modestum for centuries, before it slowly made its way to Europe and then America.

Today, we don’t hear the common name used as much and the plants are simply referred to as Aglaonemas or Ag’s. The name Aglaonema comes from the compound Greek words:

aglos = bright
nema = thread.

Aglaonemas are part of the (Aroid) Araceae family. This versatile and diverse family have  brought us so many different plants for indoor use. What belongs to the aroid family besides Aglaonemas? How about Spathiphyllum, Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, Anthurium, Zamiocaucas, to name a few.

There are approximately 50 or so different species of Ag’s. Most of these species are not grown commercially at all. However, there have been dozens of hybrids made, which is where most of today’s commercially grown plants come from.

The names of some of these varieties can get confusing. The same variety may be marketed under different names or the same plant may be known by a different name in other growing areas. For instance, Aglaonema “B.J. Freeman” is also sold as Aglaonema “Cecelia” and Aglaonema “Gabrielle”. Plants that are patented help solve some of the “name” problem.