Growing guide · Houseplant

Aglaonema commutatum

How to grow Chinese Evergreen 'Grey Ghost'.

Fades in and out of focus.

Light
Medium, low
Water
Moderate
Zones
Indoors, any
Size
12–24 in. tall
Pot
4.5 in. ceramic cachepot or tall glass water-culture vase; in soil, size up one inch at a time.
Pets
Not on the ASPCA pet-safe list; keep it out of reach
See sizes · from $25
Chinese evergreen with pale silvery grey and mint leaves and cream stems

Light

Low to medium, indirect light. Direct sun scorches the pale leaves.

Water

In water: keep the roots covered, top it up as the level drops and refresh it every 2–3 weeks. In soil: let the top couple of inches dry between waterings.

Pot and soil

In water: a clean glass vessel and plain water, roots only, no soil, with a drop of liquid fertilizer monthly. It can move to soil later, but pick one and stick with it; switching back and forth stresses the roots. In soil: a well-draining potting mix.

Pot it inRosy Aroid Soil · 4 qtChunky and airy, the way climbing aroids like it. 4 qt repots 2–3 plants. Peat-free, by Rosy Soil

Feeding

In water, one drop of liquid fertilizer monthly. In soil, liquid fertilizer every 6–8 weeks in spring and summer.

Grooming

Remove yellowed lower leaves at the base.

Through the year

Spring and summer: feed and repot if it's crowded. Fall and winter: water less, stop feeding, and keep it above 60 degrees and away from cold drafts.

If something's off

Brown, scorched patches mean direct sun. Cold drafts below 60 degrees damage the leaves. Keep it away from pets that nibble.

Plays well with

Plant it with friends.

Chinese Evergreen 'Timeless Tides'
Aglaonema commutatumChinese Evergreen 'Timeless Tides' from $25
Dracaena 'Silver Sea Monkey'
DracaenaDracaena 'Silver Sea Monkey' from $20

Why we stock it: It's a soft, pale plant that brightens a room that doesn't get much light.

That's the whole guide. Thanks for reading.

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Kits with Chinese Evergreen 'Grey Ghost'.

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