Fauna
Plant

Chinese Evergreen

Aglaonema modestum

Also known as Green-for-Ten-Thousand-Years, Lily of China

Chinese evergreen thrives in the dense, humid shade of Southeast Asian tropical rainforests and swampy forest floors. Its glossy, deep green leaves are adapted to capture sunlight in dim understories while efficiently shedding heavy rainfall via pointed drip tips. Widely cultivated across the globe as an uncommonly hardy houseplant, it tolerates low light and dry indoor air better than most tropical foliage.

TropicalShade-TolerantHouseplant
Chinese Evergreen reference1 / 4
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyWater, Nitrogen, Dissolved Minerals
Predators
  • Mealybugs
  • Spider Mites
  • Scale Insects
ThreatsDeforestation, local wild harvesting
HabitatsTropical rainforest understories, swamp forests
Life span10–20 years
Classification
  1. FamilyAraceae
  2. SpeciesAglaonema modestum
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Contains calcium oxalate crystals; toxic to pets and humans if chewed or ingested.
Why it is dangerous
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause intense oral burning, tissue swelling, and drooling if leaves or stems are chewed.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for broad, smooth, dark green lance-shaped leaves growing upright from central fleshy stems.
What to do
Keep potted plants away from pets and curious children, and rinse skin if sap contacts cuts.
Responsible observation
  • Light Exposure: Place in medium to low indirect light to preserve the deep green foliage without scorching leaves.
  • Watering: Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
  • Pruning: Wipe dusty leaves with a damp cloth and prune yellowing bottom leaves at the stem base.
Related species
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