Plant guides / Chinese evergreen
'Maria' Chinese evergreen guide
Aglaonema 'Maria', also called Maria, 'Emerald Beauty', 'Maria Christina'
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Low
- Water
- When the top 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine
- Temperature
- 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
- Soil
- Well-draining houseplant mix
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes mouth pain and drooling.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) tall
- Propagation
- Division, or stem cuttings in water
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes 'Maria' aglaonema different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the Chinese evergreen care guide.
What it is
‘Maria’ is a Chinese evergreen with dark green leaves marked with lighter gray-green bands and blotches. It has more green than gray. That much green lets it handle lower light than any other aglaonema. It is also sold as ‘Emerald Beauty’. Select-A-Plant lists it at up to 60 cm (2 ft) tall.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Maria’ | Dark green with gray-green bands | More green than gray |
| ‘Silver Bay’ aglaonema | Wide silver center | More silver than green |
| ‘Siam Aurora’ aglaonema | Green with red edges | Red outlines |
Care differences
‘Maria’ is the best Chinese evergreen for a dim spot. It grows in an office or a north window where other plants fade. It grows slow there.
Grow it by division
Divide the clump in spring. Each piece needs stems and roots.
Buying it
‘Maria’ is common at garden centers and big box stores. Look for a full, compact plant with leaves down to the soil.