Looking for fabulous foliage that needs little care? Then you should fill your home with Aglaonemas. Welcome to the jungle!
Aglaonema’s leaves offer fantastic colours with delicate markings. The pale green versions are the best-known, but this fabulous houseplant is also available with a silver, yellow and red tinge.
The plant does flower, but modestly at best. The flowers are under the leaf and grow in an ear surrounded by a bract, with female flowers at the base and male flowers higher up. The male flowers have the tiny shiny stamens from which the plant derives its name. As the flowers are pretty unimpressive and Aglaonema puts a lot of energy into them, it’s best to cut them off in order to preserve the plant’s decorative value.
The name Aglaonema derives from the Greek and combines ‘agláos’ (shining) and ‘néma’ (thread). This refers to the flowers’ shiny stamens.
Aglaonemas grow wild in the subtropical rainforests of Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, where the plant is happy beneath the leaf canopy of larger trees and shrubs which ensures that the sun can hardly reach the Aglaonema. The first published reference to the plant was in 1704, by Camellus, a Jesuit priest on the Philippines. The plant is a member of the Araceae family, also known as the Arum-likes, and includes some forty species. Indigenous Aglaonemas also have variegated leaves and generally remain quite small. Alongside the fantastic foliage, this plant’s greatest strength is that it’s very easy to look after compared to other foliage plants. Aglaonema can take a knock, tolerates forgetful waterers and is not quick to disappoint. That makes it a real boon for plant lovers who are just starting out. As an attractive foliage plant, Aglaonema also purifies the air, creating a healthier indoor climate.
The Aglaonema is the recurring theme in the hit film Léon’. The eponymous hero treasures it, and at the end of the film Mathilda gives the plant a fresh start. A very appropriate role for this tough guy.
The aglaonema plant has become an extremely popular houseplant known for its colorful foliage and easy care nature. But where did this tropical beauty originate from and how was it introduced into homes around the world? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating history behind the aglaonema plant.
The Early Discovery in Asia
The aglaonema genus belongs to the Araceae family and is native to the tropical rainforests and subtropical areas of Asia. Specifically, aglaonemas originate from southeast Asian countries including China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
The plant was first discovered by European botanists and explorers in the 19th century during expeditions to Asia. Chinese evergreen was initially documented by German botanist Heinrich Schott who gave the aglaonema its scientific name in 1829 after finding the species in the Philippines.
Naming and Classification
The name ‘aglaonema’ derives from Greek and means “bright thread,” referring to the colorful stamens or threads found in the plant’s flowers. Early botanists first classified the plant under the genus Arum, but it was later distinguished as its own unique genus due to special traits.
There are now 21 known species of aglaonema accepted by botanists with over 100 cultivars commonly grown as houseplants. Popular varieties include ‘Silver Queen,’ ‘Emerald Beauty’ ‘Maria’ ‘Lipstick’ and ‘Chinese Evergreen.’
Spreading Popularity as a Houseplant
After its discovery in Asia, the hardy and ornamental aglaonema was brought back to Europe in the mid-1800s as an exotic new species. This hardy plant became valued for its ability to grow well indoors in shaded rooms with minimal care.
By the late 1800s, aglaonemas appeared in plant catalogs and were sold commercially as indoor potted plants in Europe and America. Aglaonema’s popularity as a decorative yet easy to maintain houseplant surged even more in the 20th century as many new cultivars were developed by breeders with unique leaf shapes, colors and patterns.
Wild Habitats and Growth
In their native Asian jungles, aglaonemas thrive naturally under rainforest canopies where they receive filtered light and ample moisture. Given the right warm, humid environment, aglaonemas can reach heights of 3-6 feet in their wild form.
Outdoors, these tropical plants grow best in shade, though they can tolerate some sun when kept moist. Indoors, they adapt well to the low light and dry air of most homes, since they evolved to handle the fluctuating light and moisture of the rainforest understory.
Benefits as an Indoor Plant
Beyond beauty, aglaonemas provide many benefits that add to their popularity inside:
- They effectively filter toxins and purify indoor air.
- Varied leaf forms, colors and patterns for unique decor.
- Low light and drought tolerance for easy care.
- Unfussy growth habit suitable for beginners.
- Ability to grow in a range of indoor conditions.
Thanks to these perks, the aglaonema remains a treasured houseplant for decorators and plant lovers globally. Though originating in Asia’s steamy jungles, this diverse genus has adapted beautifully to serve as the perfect indoor plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the history and origin of the aglaonema plant:
Where exactly does aglaonema come from? Aglaonema species originated in tropical parts of Asia including Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and southern China.
Who first discovered aglaonema? The plant was first documented in 1829 by the German botanist Heinrich Schott during an expedition to the Philippines.
How did aglaonema get its name? The name comes from Greek words meaning “bright thread,” referring to the colorful floral stamens.
When did aglaonema become popular as a houseplant? It was introduced to Europe in the 1800s and gained popularity indoors by the late Victorian era, becoming widely available commercially by the early 1900s.
Where does aglaonema grow naturally? Across tropical Asian rainforests, they thrive in warm, humid, shady jungle understory areas with dappled light.
An Ancient Plant Right at Home
While aglaonema is now a common sight on windowsills around the world, its history is quite exotic. Tracking back to its Asian jungle origins, we can better understand why this distinctive plant makes such an ideal housemate for modern plant parents everywhere. The aglaonema’s storied past only adds to its timeless appeal.
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Looking for fabulous foliage that needs little care? Then you should fill your home with Aglaonemas. Welcome to the jungle!
Aglaonema’s leaves offer fantastic colours with delicate markings. The pale green versions are the best-known, but this fabulous houseplant is also available with a silver, yellow and red tinge.
The plant does flower, but modestly at best. The flowers are under the leaf and grow in an ear surrounded by a bract, with female flowers at the base and male flowers higher up. The male flowers have the tiny shiny stamens from which the plant derives its name. As the flowers are pretty unimpressive and Aglaonema puts a lot of energy into them, it’s best to cut them off in order to preserve the plant’s decorative value.
The name Aglaonema derives from the Greek and combines ‘agláos’ (shining) and ‘néma’ (thread). This refers to the flowers’ shiny stamens.
Aglaonemas grow wild in the subtropical rainforests of Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, where the plant is happy beneath the leaf canopy of larger trees and shrubs which ensures that the sun can hardly reach the Aglaonema. The first published reference to the plant was in 1704, by Camellus, a Jesuit priest on the Philippines. The plant is a member of the Araceae family, also known as the Arum-likes, and includes some forty species. Indigenous Aglaonemas also have variegated leaves and generally remain quite small. Alongside the fantastic foliage, this plant’s greatest strength is that it’s very easy to look after compared to other foliage plants. Aglaonema can take a knock, tolerates forgetful waterers and is not quick to disappoint. That makes it a real boon for plant lovers who are just starting out. As an attractive foliage plant, Aglaonema also purifies the air, creating a healthier indoor climate.
The Aglaonema is the recurring theme in the hit film Léon’. The eponymous hero treasures it, and at the end of the film Mathilda gives the plant a fresh start. A very appropriate role for this tough guy.