Ammaj Jareon Chinese Evergreen

Ammaj Jareon Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum 'Ammaj Jareon') is a compact foliage plant for shaded corners and bright indoor rooms. It reaches about 40cm high and 30cm wide, with glossy green leaves patterned along the veins and central rib in cream and pink, and the colour strengthens as the plant matures. It comes from shady tropical Asian forests, so it wants filtered light rather than sun.

Why you'll love it

• Cream and pink patterning. Glossy green leaves are marked along the veins and midrib in cream and pink, which brightens a dull corner without a single flower.
• Colour that builds. The pink and cream become stronger as the plant grows, so a young plant keeps getting better.
• Compact size. At about 40cm by 30cm it fits a table, shelf or small pot without crowding.
• Easy to look after. Once established it needs water only when the soil feels dry, and it needs no pruning.
• Indoors or out. Grow it inside in a well lit room, or outdoors in shade in subtropical and tropical gardens.

Where it works best

Indoors in a well lit room. Give it bright, indirect light in a pot with drainage holes. It is a good choice for a lounge, hallway or office where the colour of the leaves matters more than flowers.

Shaded patios and courtyards. A container suits a sheltered spot out of direct sun, where the patterned leaves lift a shady corner.

Underplanting in tropical gardens. In frost-free gardens, plant 30cm apart beneath shrubs and palms to create a lush, patterned ground layer in the shade.

Growing Ammaj Jareon Chinese Evergreen in Australia

Position and climate. A shady spot with indirect light. It grows outside year round only in tropical and subtropical gardens without frost, and it is frost tender, so in cooler climates keep it in a pot indoors or in a sheltered, frost-free spot.

Soil. Free draining soil or a good quality potting mix. Pots need drainage holes so the roots never sit in water.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 12 weeks, then only when the soil seems dry. Apply a slow release fertiliser once a year and a liquid feed every three months to keep the foliage vibrant.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. Remove old leaves to tidy the plant, and wash your hands afterwards because the sap can irritate skin.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Ammaj Jareon Chinese Evergreen as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, with the pink and cream patterning still developing, and it is a slow, steady grower rather than a quick filler. Pot it into a container with drainage or plant it into a shaded bed, and it will gradually build volume.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• How to keep your indoor plants alive
• Browse Chinese evergreens and aglaonemas
• More indoor plants for the home
• Tropical plants for shaded gardens

Common questions

How much light does it need?

Bright, indirect light. A well lit room or a shaded patio suits it, and strong direct sun will bleach and burn the leaves. If the patterning fades, move it to a brighter spot out of the sun.

Is it safe for pets?

No. The sap is irritating and the plant is toxic if eaten. Keep it away from pets and children who chew leaves, and wash your hands after handling it.

How big will it get, and how fast?

About 40cm high and 30cm wide at maturity. It grows steadily rather than quickly, so choose it for the leaf colour, not for fast cover.