Identifying a Houseplant: Aglaonema vs. Spathiphyllum

Identifying a Houseplant: Aglaonema vs. Spathiphyllum

A reader has a plant with shiny 10-inch silver-green leaves with green margins, medium green undersides, and a lily-like stamen emerging. Florist said Aglaonema, but online Spathiphyllum looks similar. Care differs.

Expert Differentiation

• Both have many hybrids with varied leaf patterns.
• Most Spathiphyllum are all-green; variegated ones exist but are less common. Likely an Aglaonema hybrid.
• Flowers: Aglaonema flower is small (<6 inches), hood never fully opens. Spathiphyllum flower is larger, hood opens widely.

Send a photo for confirmation. Don't repot until identified. Care instructions will follow ID.