Aglaonema 'Silver Queen'

The early hybrid background of Aglaonema ‘Silver Queen’

‘Silver Queen’ is an interspecific hybrid between Aglaonema commutatum ‘Treubii’ and Aglaonema nitidum ‘Curtisii’. It became an important commercial Aglaonema during the early development of modern foliage-plant breeding in Florida.

Both parent species belong to the wider tropical Asian range of Aglaonema. The long, silver-banded leaves of ‘Silver Queen’ come from this cultivated hybrid background.

Care priorities for Aglaonema ‘Silver Queen’

• Warmth is the main priority: ‘Silver Queen’ is particularly sensitive to chilling and needs stable warmth. Keep it comfortably warm, preferably above 15 °C, and away from cold draughts, unheated rooms and winter-cold glass.
• Light: Medium indirect light is sufficient, with brighter filtered light also suitable. Do not place the striped leaves in strong direct sun.
• Water and roots: Let the upper layer of a loose, airy mix dry before watering the whole root ball. Let all excess water drain so the root zone does not stay saturated.
• Feed conservatively: Indoor Aglaonema can accumulate damaging soluble salts when fertilised heavily. Use a complete fertiliser at low strength during active growth and reduce it when growth slows.
• Maintenance and propagation: Remove fully yellow lower leaves and keep the long blades free of dust. Divide a well-rooted basal shoot or root a firm cane section with a healthy node when propagation is needed.

Solving problems on Aglaonema ‘Silver Queen’

• Grey spots that become dark or greasy after cold exposure: This is the cultivar’s most important trouble sign. Move the plant to stable warmth immediately and prevent further chilling. The damaged areas cannot recover; wait until the injury has stopped developing before removing dead tissue.
• Brown, brittle tips: High soluble salts can cause this in Aglaonema, although repeated drying can look similar. Flush the mix thoroughly, reduce fertiliser and make watering more even. The brown leaf tips guide can help compare patterns.
• Leaves look washed out or stand more upright than usual: Excess heat or excessive light can cause both changes. Move the plant to gentler indirect light and a stable temperature; judge recovery by subsequent growth.
• Several leaves yellow above persistently wet substrate: Hold off watering, check the drainage holes and inspect the root ball if yellowing continues. Remove soft, dark roots, leave firm roots intact and replace the saturated substrate with a fresh, airy mix.

Aglaonema ‘Silver Queen’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

About the name Aglaonema

Aglaonema combines Greek aglaos, meaning shining or splendid, with nema, meaning thread or filament.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Aglaonema in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 1829, page 892.