Aglaonema Silver Bay Care: Growing Silver Bay Chinese Evergreen

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The Aglaonema Silver Bay plant is a perennial member of the Araceae family and is one of the newer hybrid Aglaonema varieties developed by Doctor Jake Henny of the University of Florida, Apopka Foliage Research Station.

This evergreen perennial is native to tropical regions of Asia and New Guinea.

Attractive leaves of Aglaonema Silver BayPin

Aglaonema Silver Bay (ag-lay-oh-NEE-muh) is also called:

  • Silver Bay Chinese Evergreen
  • Silver Chinese Evergreen

Aglaonema Silver Bay Quick Care Tips

  • Botanical Name: Aglaonema Silver Bay
  • Common Name(s): Chinese Evergreen
  • Synonyms: Aglaonema commutatum
  • Family & Origin: Araceae family, native to tropical regions of Asia and New Guinea.
  • Growability: Easy to grow
  • Grow Zone: 10-11
  • Size: Can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide
  • Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors
  • Light: Thrives in low to medium light, avoid direct sunlight
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity; mist regularly or place on a pebble tray
  • Temperature: Ideal temperature range is 60°F to 70°F.
  • Soil: Well-draining potting soil
  • Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, do not overwater
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season
  • Pests & Diseases: Susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs; watch for yellowing leaves, which may indicate root rot
  • Propagation: Can be propagated through stem cuttings or division
  • Plant Uses: Great for adding greenery to indoor spaces and air-purifying properties.

Aglaonema Silver Bay Care

Size and Growth

This robust plant can grow to about 3′ feet high with an equal spread when kept as a potted plant.


Planted in the landscape, Silver Bay plants may attain a height and spread of about 4′ feet.

The stems of this plant are relatively short, and the leaves are lance-shaped and unfurl in an interesting manner.

Close-up of variegated green leaves.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @phillyfoliage

The pretty variegated leaves and stems are glossy and exhibit attractive silver, light green, and dark green combinations.

Each leaf blade may grow to a width of two or three inches and 8″ -10″ inches long.

The inner part of individual leaves is typically an interesting shade of solid gray. The outer edges of the leaves are marked with alternating gray and green patches.

Flowering and Fragrance

This plant occasionally blooms, producing green and white spathes and spadices.

If your plant does bloom, you might want to consider cutting them off, as they suck energy from the rest of the plant. If left in place, the flowers may transition into clusters of red berries.

Light and Temperature

Silver Bay is an excellent houseplant because it does well in medium to bright indirect light.

These hardy plants can even do well in reasonably low-light conditions. They also tend to thrive in fluorescent lighting.

Variegated houseplant in a patterned pot.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @forgetmenotflowermarkets

Moreover, remember to avoid direct sunlight because it can burn the leaves.



Chinese Evergreen is winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11.

The plant does well at temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F. However, it’s wise to protect the plant from sudden temperature changes and cold and hot drafts.

Watering and Feeding

Don’t allow the plant’s soil to dry out entirely, but allow the top couple of inches to dry before thoroughly watering.

As with most plants, keeping the soil too wet can cause root and leaf rot.

Generally speaking, you can water Lucky Plant once every couple of weeks. Reduce watering during the wintertime.

When container-grown, make sure there are drainage holes to allow excess water to drain properly.

Keep an eye on the plant, and if you notice that it’s beginning to droop, check the soil. It may be time to water.

Keep in mind that this tropical plant needs high humidity. You can use a humidifier, pebble tray, or mist the plant daily.

Woman with a large potted plant, smiling.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @ohkhayeplants

Chinese Evergreen does not tend to need much fertilizer.

If you repot annually with fresh soil, you should provide ample nutrition.

If you want to fertilize one treatment of any water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, first thing in the springtime is plenty.

A general houseplant fertilizer that is diluted to half strength once a month during its growing season will also work well.

Soil and Transplanting

Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix for your Chinese Evergreen.

Any good quality potting soil with 1 part perlite added will do fine.

Repot Silver Bay annually or biannually in the springtime. Be careful not to over-pot. Just choose a pot one size larger than the plant’s current home.

Remember that these plants need good drainage, so it is a pot that has plenty of drainage holes.

Grooming and Maintenance

Keep your Chinese Evergreen looking fresh and lively by trimming away dead, damaged, or dying leaves.

Variegated houseplant with new leaf budding.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @ikeepmycirclegreen

You can pinch them off with your fingers or use a sharp, sterile cutting implement.

Note that it is normal for lower leaves to turn yellow and droop.

This is part of the plant’s natural growth process.

When this happens, simply trim them away. New leaves will appear shortly.

Moreover, keep this plant away from cold drafts, heating vents, and air conditions as it’s cold-sensitive.

How To Propagate Aglaonema Silver Bay?

It is very easy to propagate Chinese Evergreen plants by dividing them when you repot.

You can also simply place stem cuttings in damp soil to start new plants.

Other propagation methods you can use include both water and soil propagation techniques.

Aglaonema Silver Bay Pest or Disease Problems

Silver Bay Aglaonema are hardy plants that are relatively pest-resistant as long as you provide a healthy living environment.

Lush Aglaonema plant in a pot.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @eljardindelula.pr

Ensure your plant has sharply draining soil, good ventilation, and the right water and humidity.

In less than ideal conditions, problems with common insect pests, such as:

  • Spider Mites
  • Mealybugs
  • Aphids
  • Scale

…may ensue.

You may remedy these pests by spraying with Neem oil. Don’t forget to repeat this process to get rid of the infestation.

Overwatering and cool temperatures may result in stem and root rot. One visible sign of root rot is yellowing leaves.

Is Aglaonema Silver Bay Toxic Or Poisonous To People, Kids, or Pets?

Take care to keep pets and kids away from your Aglaonema plants.

The plant is toxic as it contains calcium oxalate crystals. When ingested, the sap can cause skin irritation.

Is The Plant Considered Invasive?

Though not formally listed as invasive, this vigorous, hardy plant could, in rare situations, become invasive in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 and other tropical or semi-tropical locations.

Potted plant in stylish interior.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @chicagogardener

Take great care to keep this plant contained when planting in the landscape in this sort of setting.

Suggested Aglaonema Silver Bay Uses

This attractive foliage plant is big enough to create a real focal point indoors.

They are also hardy enough to live in almost any room in the house and may do especially well in a bathroom.

They also make excellent office or reception area plants in an office setting, such as a general houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, once a month during the growing season.