Common Name: Chinese evegreen
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Araceae
Zone: 10 to 11
Height: 1.00 to 4.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 4.00 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Description: White spadix with greenish-yellow spathe
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Insignificant
Leaf: Colorful, Evergreen
Tolerate: Heavy Shade
Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11. Grow as an indoor plant in the St. Louis area. Prefers diffused sun or good bright indirect light with consistent moisture from spring to fall. Plants thrive in warm temperatures with high humidity. Placement at an unobstructed window facing north or east is a good location. Avoid placing in direct sun. Best performance occurs with a rich, well-drained, peaty potting mixture. This plant does not require winter dormancy, but appreciates a winter period of rest. Reduce watering from early fall to late winter, but do not allow soils to dry out. This indoor plant tolerates atmospheric dryness and somewhat shady locations. Normal room temperature with recommended 60°F minimum winter temperature is recommended. Cold drafts may damage the leaves.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Aglaonema is a genus of 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. Mature plants will reach up to 4' tall with a similar spread. Typical arum-type inflorescences are produced seasonally to rarely depending on cultural conditions. Grown mostly for its showy foliage rather than the blooms.
Problems
Watch for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites or scale. Rots may occur if plants are over-watered. Leaves may brown up if plants are grown in very dry air or placed in a drafty location.
Uses
Houseplant for bright to moderatly bright areas.