Family: Araceae
Common names: Chinese Evergreen Silver Bay
Botanical Names: Aglaonema commutatum ‘Silver Bay’
This easy-care chinese evergreen is low-light tolerant and a plant that only gets better -- like a long-running Broadway play that you enjoy more each time you see it. Each leaf on this aglaonema is touched with a silver interior surrounded by an irregular band of emerald green. This house plant will grow denser and taller over time, turning into the perfect floor plant for your home or office. It is highly adaptable to most interior lighting, even fluorescent light.
Light
Green varieties like Silver Bay Aglaonema can tolerate low light, but they will maintain their luster in medium to bright, indirect sunlight. The ideal Chinese Evergreen Silver Bay setting is in a location that receives over 5 hours of indirect sunlight daily! They can grow under fluorescent lighting, making them ideal for offices and interior low-light spaces. They should not be placed in direct sunlight, which will cause their leaves to burn! They can tolerate gentle, early morning sunlight (between 5-7 am!).
Water
Water, as needed, in the growing season (spring through summer), and water less frequently in the winter. Chinese evergreens located in lower-lit areas should be watered less often; indoor plants placed in brighter spots require more frequent watering. These plants don’t like being soggy, so wait until the top two inches of soil are dry, and then water thoroughly. Never let the roots sit in standing water; ensure the pot has proper drainage.
Soil
You may need to transplant your Silver Bay Aglaoenama every year or so, depending on how fast it grows. We recommend using a soil mixture that is rich in organic matter, has good drainage, and is light and loose. Most bagged potting soil will be fine, but avoid potting mixes that contain moisture retaining crystals, and they can keep the soil wet for long periods, which can cause root damage.
Temperature
Aglaonema houseplants prefer to live in temperatures of 60℉ and up. Keep them away from cold drafts, air conditioning, and heating vents as they’re cold-sensitive.
Humidity
Aglaonema potted plants can tolerate typical household humidity levels. If the tips of the leaves turn brown, it means the air is too dry, and you should increase the humidity with a humidifier. Trays filled with pebbles and water can also help increase the humidity immediately surrounding your plants, as can grouping your indoor plants close together.
Fertilizer
Chinese Evergreen Silver Bay doesn't require much food, so use a complete , balanced, liquid fertilizer, fish/seaweed emulsion, or slow-release fertilizer once or twice in the growing season (spring through summer). Add a layer (1/2") of organic compost to the soil in the spring if you do not plan on fertilizing throughout the growing season. Be sure to water in the compost after you apply it!
Growth Rate
Chinese Evergreen Silver Bay is a slow-medium growing plant and rises to a mature height of around 3-4'+ indoors and is properly cared for!
Pet Friend or Foe
Chinese Evergreen Silver Bay indoor plant is toxic! Foe!
Pro Tips
1. Leave the lower browning leaves on the plant until you can pull them out by hand. This will help prevent any unwanted critters from invading the plant.
2. When going on vacation, place your chinese evergreen house plants with your other indoor plants in a low-light area. They’ll use less water, and the nearby plants will help keep the humidity higher.
3. Rotate your aglaonemas 90 degrees (quarter circle) every week so they’ll maintain a well-rounded shape.