Chinese Evergreens: 10 Beautiful Aglaonema Varieties to Look Out For

There are so many beautiful Aglaonema varieties to choose from! In this article, Epic Gardening founder Kevin Espiritu highlights ten of his favorite Chinese evergreen plants. You'll want them all!

A close-up shot of a composition of vibrant red-pink colored leaves placed on a small pot, featuring aglaonema varieties

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There are between 21 and 24 species of Aglaonema, although the exact number varies depending on which botanical registry you reference. Beyond the species list, there are hundreds of different Aglaonema varieties in a wide range of leaf colorations, with countless beautiful combinations.

It is more common to find Chinese evergreen plants classified by their cultivar names than by their true botanical names, which can complicate identification. Sorting through them can feel dizzying because of the sheer variety.

Here is a mixture of Aglaonema varieties we love. The list is only a starting point, since there are so many specimens available that choosing just one can be a challenge. Whether you want something emerald-toned or a red-tipped Aglaonema, there is a perfect plant waiting for you. These low-light, easy-care foliage plants reward even beginner gardeners.

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Aglaonema modestum

A close-up shot of large vibrant green and striated leaves and pale stems of a variety of a houseplant
This variety features white leaves and pale green stems.

Named one of NASA’s top ten air-cleaning plants, this Chinese evergreen Aglaonema features white striated green leaves rising from pale green stems. The plant in the photo shows slight signs of overwatering, with some leaf yellowing, but the distinctive patterning is still easy to see and appreciate.

Aglaonema nitidum

Bushy plant with large, lance-shaped leaves displaying delicate green and silver patterns sits in a pot by a bright window.
The variety features dark-green, lush foliage.

With deep, dark green leaves, Aglaonema nitidum is well known for its ability to tolerate very low light. This species is especially popular in office environments where natural light is limited. As an evergreen Aglaonema, it remains lush and green even with minimal light exposure, making it a reliable foliage plant for indoor spaces.

Aglaonema widuri ‘Red Peacock’

A close-up shot of a small composition of large ovate, green leaves with large red patches called the Red Peacock variety, all placed on a white pot indoors
The variety features green leaves with bright red-pink veins and dappling.

Green leaves accented with bright pink veins and soft dappling bring a vibrant splash of color indoors. These red Aglaonema varieties handle slightly brighter conditions than their darker relatives, although they still perform best in indirect, low-light settings to keep the foliage healthy and the colors vivid.

Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’

An overhead and close-up shot of a small composition of slender variegated leaves of the Cutlass variety of houseplants
The variety is known for its long, streaked leaves, which are almost dagger-like.

Long, streaked leaves give the Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’ its name, since they appear almost dagger-like. The creamy green white surface, paired with a dark green central vein and edging, creates a striking look that works well both indoors and in sheltered outdoor spaces.

Aglaonema ‘Emerald Bay’

A close-up and overhead shot of a composition of large silvery grey-green colored leaves of the Emerald bay variety of houseplant, placed on a well lit area outdoors
Emerald Bay features dark green and silvery grey-green colored lush foliage.

Aglaonema ‘Emerald Bay’ combines deep green tones with silvery grey-green coloring to create a full, lush indoor plant. This variety is more tolerant of low light than many other variegated types, making it an ideal choice for houseplant beginners.

A related cultivar, ‘Silver Bay’, leans even more toward cool silver tones, offering a brighter look while maintaining the same easy-care nature.

Aglaonema ‘Harlequin’

A close-up shot of a composition of green leaves with mottled yellow patches and pale-pink colored stems of the Harlequin variety of houseplant
The houseplant features green leaves with mottled yellow patches and pink veins.

In low light, Aglaonema ‘Harlequin’ develops deep green foliage mottled with yellow and highlighted by pink veining. Brighter conditions shift the leaves toward a more uniform yellow and soften the pink into pastel tones. This colorful, shape-shifting habit makes these Aglaonema varieties especially popular with indoor plant lovers.

Aglaonema ‘Silver Queen’

A close-up shot of a small composition of lush green foliage of the Silver Queen variety of houseplants, all placed on a small pot outdoors
The Silver Queen features cream colored patterns on its dark green leaves.

Often considered the gold standard of Chinese evergreen plants, Aglaonema ‘Silver Queen’ is one of the most widely grown Aglaonema varieties. Its foliage shows creamy patterning over a dark green base, and it thrives in low to moderate light, staying attractive with very little maintenance.

Aglaonema ‘Silver King’

A close-up and overhead shot of elongated leaves with cream-colored patterns, all situated in a well lit area outdoors
This variety is similar to Silver Queen, except it has fewer patterns on its leaves.

Aglaonema ‘Silver King’ is similar to ‘Silver Queen’ but has fewer chevron-style stripes across its leaves.

The flowers offer little ornamental value and produce a significant amount of pollen, so it is best to snip them off before the buds open.

Aglaonema ‘Suzy’

An overhead and close-up shot of dark green leaves with messy creamy-white patches and bright pink veins of the Suzy variety of houseplant
The variety features dark leaves with bright pink veins.

One of the popular indoor Aglaonema varieties, ‘Suzy’ combines the low light tolerance of darker varieties with the vibrant pink tones usually seen in more light-loving types. Its blend of easy care and standout color has made it an especially sought-after houseplant.

Aglaonema ‘Red Gold’

A close-up and overhead shot of a composition of bright green colored leaves with pink colored veins and edges of the Red Gold variety of houseplant
The variety features leaves with red-pink colored edges.

This standout houseplant grows well indoors or outdoors in protected shade. Its leaves are framed with red along the edges, surrounding a rich green center. The veins carry a soft red tint, and the stems show the same warm color. These Aglaonema varieties are a popular choice for shaded planters where their contrast really shines.

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