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Description
Aglaonema Commutatum Crete is a beautiful and popular indoor plant that belongs to the Araceae family. It is commonly known as Chinese Evergreen and is native to Southeast Asia. The plant is known for its attractive foliage and is widely grown as a houseplant due to its low maintenance and ability to thrive in low light conditions. The leaves of the Aglaonema Commutatum Crete are variegated with dark green and silver markings that can be either speckled or splashed. It is an excellent air purifier and can remove toxins from the air.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Aglaonema |
Appearance
The Aglaonema Commutatum Crete has a compact and bushy growth habit with a maximum height of around 2-3 feet. The leaves are glossy, elliptical, and can vary in size from 10-25 cm in length and 5-12 cm in width. The leaf color can range from dark green to silver or gray, with a variety of patterns including stripes, blotches, and speckles. The plant produces small, white flowers in the spring and summer, but they are not particularly showy. The fruit is a small, green berry that is not edible.
Care Guide
The Aglaonema Commutatum Crete is an easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your plant:
- Water: Water your plant once a week, making sure to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The Aglaonema Commutatum Crete prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can be grown indoors in all USDA hardiness zones.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Aglaonema Commutatum Crete is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap from the leaves and cause webbing to appear. Use a neem oil spray to control them.
- Mealybugs: These white, fuzzy pests can also feed on the sap of the plant. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them.
- Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and make sure the pot has drainage holes.
Habitat
The Aglaonema Commutatum Crete is native to Southeast Asia and can be found growing in tropical forests. It prefers warm, humid conditions and can tolerate temperatures between 60-85°F. In the wild, the plant can grow up to 4 feet tall.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Aglaonema Commutatum Crete be grown outdoors?
A: While the plant can tolerate some outdoor conditions, it is primarily grown as a houseplant.
Q: Can the plant be propagated?
A: Yes, the Aglaonema Commutatum Crete can be propagated through stem cuttings or division.
Q: How often should I fertilize the plant?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
Q: What is the best way to prune the plant?
A: Prune the plant by cutting back any yellow or brown leaves at the base of the stem.
Related Plants
- Aglaonema Silver Bay
- Aglaonema Maria
- Aglaonema Red Valentine
- Aglaonema Emerald Bay
References
- “Aglaonema Commutatum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a311.
- “Aglaonema Commutatum Crete.” University of Florida, IFAS Extension, gardening-solutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/houseplants/aglaonema-commutatum-crete.html.
- “Aglaonema Commutatum ‘Crete’.” San Marcos Growers, www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=1475.
