This week we are talking about Aglaonema ‘Papaya’, more commonly known as Chinese Evergreen. This plant is an Aroid, belonging to the Araceae family and is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and New Guinea. At Tonkadale we carry two beautiful versions of Papaya Aglaonema - Green and Golden. These varieties are known for their striking bright foliage and easy care. Aglaonemas are relatively slow growing but well worth the wait.

Let’s talk about care. Aglaonema love bright, indirect light, in the home, but do tolerate lower light conditions. Direct sun can cause sun scortch on the foliage. A shady spot will suffice if you plan to grow your Aglaonema outdoors for the summer. Aglaonema aren’t too picky when it comes to potting soil, but we recommend using the Sol Soils Houseplant Mix. If you tend to water your plant a little too often this soil provides good drainage. Allow the top 3-4 inches of soil to dry before giving a good soak at the sink. You’ll notice you will water less during our winter months as plants take a bit longer to dry down. Keep an eye out for common pests such as mealy bugs. Check for pests weekly when watering and keep a bottle of Bonide’s Insecticidal Soap on hand for easy treatment.

Aglaonema Golden Papaya is available at Tonkadale in 4” pots and Aglaonema Green Papaya is available in 6” pots. If you have additional questions feel free to reach out to us by phone, Instagram, or email us at hello@tonkadale.com.

Happy Planting!