Chinese Evergreens are bushy plants used to shady parts of tropical rainforests, so can often put up with lower light conditions than most- despite its silvery variegation, the Aglaonema 'Maria' can cope with some shade. The Maria has been popular for decades- and with foliage like this it's easy to see why! The stunning silvery variegation on this plant's leaves adds to its beauty as an ornamental houseplant. This plant also grows outwards rather than upwards, as its new leaves sprout from the bottom of the stem and add to the density of its foliage, whilst keeping it a manageable height for your sideboard or shelf! Add a Maria to your collection for silvery-green leaves; keep it happy and it will reward you with more wonderful, bushy foliage.
Scientific Name Aglaonema commutatum 'Maria' (transformed shining thread, variety: Maria)
Common Name Chinese Evergreen, Philippine Evergreen, Poison Dart Plant
Origin Tropical and subtropical Asia and New Guinea Description Chinese Evergreens are bushy plants used to shady parts of tropical rainforests, so can often put up with lower light conditions than most- despite its silvery variegation, the Aglaonema 'Maria' can cope with some shade. The Maria has been popular for decades- and with foliage like this it's easy to see why! The stunning silvery variegation on this plant's leaves adds to its beauty as an ornamental houseplant. This plant also grows outwards rather than upwards, as its new leaves sprout from the bottom of the stem and add to the density of its foliage, whilst keeping it a manageable height for your sideboard or shelf! Add a Maria to your collection for silvery-green leaves; keep it happy and it will reward you with more wonderful, bushy foliage. Light Likes medium, indirect light; this plant can cope well in shadier spots. Water Allow the top third of the soil to dry out in between waters; keep in mind it will need slightly less watering in the cooler months.
Humidity Average household humidity is fine; keep an eye out for leaf browning which indicates too dry air. Will benefit from an occasional mist or hose down to keep it free of dust. Soil Use a coarse, well-draining soil and repot every couple of years as it grows.
Food Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. Temperature Ideally likes room temperatures of 18-26°C, make sure it doesn't drop below 12°C in winter.
Pet-safe No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.
Sprouts Top Tips Always water with lukewarm water, and let tapwater stand for 24 hours before using it. If you notice a loss of variegation, try moving it to a brighter location!
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.