Aglaonema 'Amazon Silver' - Chinese Evergreen

These stunning Chinese Evergreens catch the eye with their silver and forest green patterning splashed and speckled across each leaf in almost-regular almost-stripes of variegation. This is also a handy way to tell if your plant is getting enough light; if new leaves are growing without this patterning it means it could do with a bit more light. Your Amazon Silver is used to the shady undergrowth, though, so won't want to be in your brightest window - its foliage can brighten up another corner of the room to really lift your interior aesthetic. Make a statement with this gorgeous plant's upright growth, which can grow up to a metre tall indoors (!) and enjoy its funky foliage for years to come.

Scientific Name
Aglaonema 'Amazon Silver' (shining thread plant, variety: Amazon silver)

This variety is probably a hybrid variety of two species in the genus Aglaonema.

Common Name
Chinese Evergreen, Philippine Evergreen, Poison Dart Plant

Origin
Native to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand and Indonesia

Light
Likes bright, indirect light; too little natural light and you may lose the variegation - so keep an eye out for this as your plant acclimatises!

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, but if you spot the leaf edges turning brown and crispy it will appreciate the introduction of a humidity tray to increase local humidity.

Soil
Adelonema will grow best in a chunky soil medium with a mixture of aeration and moisture retention. A mix designed for monstera or philodendrons, or one which includes elements like bark, coir and perlite, will work well here. Repot every couple of years as the plant 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 tap water stand for 24 hours before using it. Your Amazon Silver is also sensitive to not being fed, so if it hasn't had any extra nutrition in a couple of months it will start to look sad. This is an easy fix, though; add a houseplant feed in with your next water!