Snow White Chinese Evergreen

Snow White Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum 'Snow White') is a glossy foliage plant, about 40cm tall and 30cm wide, with light green leaves heavily patterned in cream. The patterning strengthens as the plant grows. It is an easy starter plant for indoor growing and shady garden spots, provided you keep it warm, ideally above 15C.

Why you'll love it

• Cream on green. Each glossy leaf is generously splashed with cream, and the pattern deepens as the plant matures.
• A real starter plant. It is forgiving of ordinary home conditions and does not need fussy care, which suits new indoor gardeners.
• A neat size. At about 40cm by 30cm it fits a shelf, a floor pot or a small garden corner.
• Attractive all year. The evergreen leaves hold their pattern in every season, with no flowers needed.
• Happy in shade. Indirect light is all it asks, which suits rooms and covered patios.

Where it works best

Living rooms and offices. A pot in a well lit room, out of direct sun, gives a bright cream accent. It is easy-going enough for shared and busy spaces.

Shaded patios. In warm regions, a container on a covered patio adds light to a dark corner.

Tropical garden underplanting. In frost free beds, plant 30cm apart beneath larger plants for a speckled green and cream carpet.

Growing Snow White Chinese Evergreen in Australia

Position and climate. A shady spot with indirect sunlight. Like all Chinese evergreens it wants warmth, so outdoors it suits tropical and warm subtropical gardens, and in cooler regions it is a houseplant.

Soil. Free draining soil or a good quality potting mix, with regular irrigation through the growing season.

Water and feed. Water well for the first 12 weeks, then only when the soil seems dry. Feed with a slow release fertiliser each year and add a liquid feed every three months to keep the foliage strong.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. Trim off old leaves as they age, and wash your hands afterwards, because the sap can irritate skin.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Snow White Chinese Evergreen as tube stock, 200mm pots in packs of 6 and 300mm pots, sold singly. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and it starts small while the cream patterning develops. The 200mm pots in packs of 6 are a good middle size for a first display, and the 300mm pot arrives as a more developed plant that suits an immediate indoor feature.

Availability of the tube depends on our grower, who does not always have stock. A sold out tube simply means none is ready, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

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

• Chinese evergreens to choose from
• Low light indoor plants
• More indoor plants for the home
• Keeping indoor plants alive

Common questions

Is it a good plant for beginners?

Yes. Chinese evergreens cope with ordinary home conditions and do not demand fussy care, so they suit people new to indoor plants.

Can it take direct sun?

No. It comes from shady forest and prefers indirect light. Strong direct sun can mark the pale, cream patterned leaves.

Is it safe for pets?

No. The sap is irritating and the plant is toxic if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets and children, and wash your hands after handling it.