Aglaonema costatum is a dwarf, clump-forming member of the Chinese Evergreen group, native to the tropical forest floors of Southwest Asia. It carries broad, leathery, dark green leaves distinguished by a striking creamy-white central vein and fine white speckling, giving it a neat, decorative look even in low light.
Slow-growing and tolerant of shade, it thrives in the warm, humid conditions found across much of India and is one of the most forgiving houseplants for beginners. It rarely exceeds knee height, making it ideal for tabletops, shelves and shaded corners.
Specifications
| Family |
Araceae |
| Native region |
Southwest Thailand and Malaysia (tropical Southeast Asia) |
| Mature height |
20-30 cm |
| Mature spread |
25-40 cm |
| Growth rate |
Slow |
| Foliage |
Evergreen; broad oval dark green leaves with a white midrib and spots |
| Flower colour |
Greenish-white spathe |
| Flower season |
Occasional, mainly monsoon; grown for foliage not flowers |
| Climate zone |
Tropical and subtropical; warm humid conditions |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Bright indirect light to low light; keep out of direct sun which scorches the leaves. |
| Watering |
Keep soil lightly moist; water when the top 2-3 cm feels dry. Reduce in winter and avoid waterlogging. |
| Soil / mix |
Well-draining, rich potting mix; e.g. garden soil, compost and coco-peat or sand in equal parts. |
| Temperature |
20-30 C ideal; protect from cold below 15 C and from cold drafts. |
| Humidity |
Prefers moderate to high humidity; mist leaves or group plants during dry summers. |
| Fertilizer |
Feed a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season (Mar-Oct); none in winter. |
| Pruning |
Minimal; remove yellow or damaged leaves and wipe dust off foliage to keep it clean. |
| Repotting |
Every 2-3 years in spring, or when roots fill the pot; prefers being slightly root-bound. |
| Propagation |
By division of clumps at repotting, or stem cuttings; easiest during the warm monsoon months. |
| Pests & problems |
Watch for mealybugs, spider mites and scale; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap. |
| Toxicity / safety |
Toxic to pets and humans if ingested; sap contains calcium oxalate crystals causing mouth and throat irritation. Keep away from children and pets. |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
<p>Aglaonema costatum is grown mainly as an ornamental indoor foliage plant.</p><ol><li>Tabletop, desk and shelf decor in homes and offices</li><li>Brightening shaded corners, lobbies and bathrooms with low light</li><li>Adding greenery to balconies and verandahs in indirect light</li><li>Valued as a low-maintenance air-freshening houseplant</li></ol>
Growing tips
<p>In Indian summers, shift the plant away from hot windows and mist the leaves to counter dry heat; never let it sit in direct afternoon sun.</p><p>During the monsoon, growth is most active, so this is the best time to divide, repot or take cuttings and to apply monthly feeding.</p><p>In winter, reduce watering and stop fertilizing; keep the plant warm and away from cold drafts and unheated rooms in northern India.</p>