Aglaonema Simplex

Quick facts

Handling caution: Sap may cause mild skin or mucous membrane irritation due to calcium oxalate content

Identity

Also known as

Chinese Evergreen; Borneo Sword; Chinagreen; Sumpuh Bulan; Sumpuh Kering; Penggeheh; Wetune

Synonyms

Aglaonema tenuipes; Calla simplex

Environment

Terrestrial

Native to

Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, southern China

Habitat

Shaded understory of primary and secondary forests, stream banks, wet areas, and freshwater swamps at low to mid elevations

Sourcing

Both

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Rhizome

Max height

4 – 16 in (10 – 41 cm)

Spread

12 in (30 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Foreground, Midground, Epiphyte

Water

Temperature

72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C)

Humidity

70 – 90%

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Both

Fertilizer needs

Low

Colors

Green

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Rhizome division, Cuttings

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Care guide

Overview

Spreads slowly from a creeping rhizome, sending up narrow, dark green, lance-shaped leaves that stay well above the waterline. Suited to paludariums, ripariums, and humid terrariums rather than submerged tanks, it tolerates low light and varied water chemistry. Anchor the rhizome on the substrate or mount it epiphyte-style, keeping the crown dry to avoid rot.

Care

A hardy aroid suited to paludariums, ripariums, and high-humidity terrariums rather than fully submerged aquariums. It tolerates low to moderate light and a wide range of water chemistry, making it forgiving for beginners working with emersed setups. Keep the roots consistently moist while allowing the foliage to stay above the waterline, and avoid deep water that covers the crown for extended periods.

Planting & trimming

Plant the rhizome on top of the substrate rather than burying it, lightly anchoring it with sand, gravel, or moss to prevent rot. It can also be mounted epiphyte-style onto wood or rock in humid terrarium and riparium builds where roots can reach moisture. Trim spent or yellowing leaves at the base periodically to maintain a tidy crown.

Fertilizing

Growth is slow to moderate and nutrient demand is modest, but occasional root tabs or diluted liquid fertilizer dosed into the substrate will support fuller foliage. In terrarium or riparium setups, foliar misting with a weak fertilizer solution can supplement root feeding. Pale or yellowing new leaves usually indicate a lack of nitrogen or iron and respond well to a light feeding adjustment.

Propagation

Propagation is done by dividing the rhizome into sections, each retaining some roots and a few leaves, then replanting the divisions in moist substrate or shallow riparium setups. Stem cuttings can also be rooted in high humidity. New shoots typically emerge from the rhizome within a few weeks under stable warm, humid conditions.

Problems

Prolonged full submersion is the main cause of decline, often leading to rhizome rot and leaf collapse, so water level should stay below the crown. Otherwise the plant is disease-resistant and rarely suffers from algae fouling since it is grown emersed. Damaged or aging leaves can simply be trimmed away as new growth emerges from the rhizome.

Sources

1. Aglaonema simplex - Wikipedia
2. NParks | Aglaonema simplex
3. Aglaonema simplex Care - Planting, Propagation, and Maintenance in Aquariums
4. Aglaonema Simplex – Cherries Nature Aquarium

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