Aglaonema 'Maria', also called Emerald Beauty, is a robust Chinese Evergreen with dense, lance-shaped leaves in rich dark green brushed with silvery-grey. One of the hardiest aglaonemas, it tolerates very low light, irregular watering and dim, air-conditioned rooms, making it a top choice for offices and beginners. Its compact, bushy, upright habit keeps it neat on desks, floors and shaded corners, and it is among the most effective plants for purifying indoor air. Maria flourishes with minimal care in the warm, humid conditions found across much of India, staying lush and green year-round.
Specifications
| Family |
Araceae |
| Native region |
Tropical Asia (hybrid) |
| Mature height |
40-60 cm |
| Mature spread |
40-60 cm |
| Growth rate |
Slow to moderate |
| Foliage |
Dark green leaves with silvery-grey |
| Flower colour |
Greenish-white spathe (insignificant) |
| Flower season |
Occasionally warm months |
| Climate zone |
Tropical and subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Very low to bright indirect light; no direct sun |
| Watering |
Water when top 3-5 cm dries; avoid sogginess |
| Soil / mix |
Rich, well-draining peat-based mix |
| Temperature |
18-30°C; avoid below 15°C |
| Humidity |
Moderate; tolerates average indoor air |
| Fertilizer |
Balanced feed monthly in growing season |
| Pruning |
Remove old or yellow leaves only |
| Repotting |
Every 2 years or when root-bound |
| Propagation |
Division or stem cuttings |
| Pests & problems |
Mealybugs, spider mites, scale |
| Toxicity / safety |
Toxic if ingested; irritant sap |
| Difficulty |
Very easy |
Uses
Grown as a hardy decorative foliage houseplant for low-light offices, floors and shaded corners, and prized as a top indoor air-purifier.
Growing tips
In India it thrives even in dim, air-conditioned interiors; keep it out of direct sun and cold, and let the soil dry slightly between waterings, especially in the monsoon.