Cookies seem to be disabled in your browser, therefore this website will NOT work properly! Please, consider enabling Cookies in order to maximise your user experience while browsing.
Recent discussions at Aqua-Fish+
  1. ja at Aquarium Water Chemistry: Essential Guide to pH, Ammonia, Nitrites & More on
  2. ja at Comprehensive Care Guide for Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) – Habitat, Breeding & Tank Setup on …display more of the recent discussions
  3. ja at Caring for Rainbow Sharks: Tank Setup, Behavior, and Maintenance Guide on
  4. ja at Comprehensive Guide to Clown Loach Care: Habitat, Diet, Behavior & Health on
  5. ja at Comprehensive Guide to White Cloud Mountain Minnow Care: Habitat, Diet, and Breeding on
  6. ja at A Comprehensive Guide to Aquarium Air Stones: Usage, Suppliers, and Product Images on
  7. ja at Comprehensive Guide to Caring for and Breeding Electric Blue Haps on
  8. ja at Complete Guide to Growing and Propagating Hygrophila Corymbosa in Aquariums on
  9. PondSealer at Garden Pond Guide: Design, Construction, Equipment & Year-Round Care on
  10. TheFishWorks at A guide on growing aquarium plants with FAQ, forum and species on
Aglaonema simplex

Aglaonema simplex

Scientific name: Aglaonema simplex

Family: Araceae

Maximum size reached under cultivation: 20 - 40 cm (7.87 - 15.75 inch)

014

Recommended pH range: 6 - 8

Recommended water hardness: 4 - 12°dGH (71.43 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 22 - 28 °C (71.6 - 82.4°F)

Preferred propagation method: Rhizome

Native to: Southeast Asia

Growth rate: Slow

Recommended substrate: Sand

Lighting requirements: Medium

Ideal placement in tank: Foreground

🌿 Marginal 💧 Semi-aquatic 🐸 Suitable for paludarium

🏞️ Ideal Planting Area

Aglaonema simplex is best suited for moist foreground or midground zones of paludariums, ripariums, and other semi-aquatic environments. While it is sometimes used in aquariums, this species is not a true aquatic plant and should never be kept fully submerged for extended periods, as this can cause rhizome rot and decline. With its modest height of 20–40 cm (7.87–15.75 inches), it adds depth and vertical texture without overshadowing nearby plants. For best results, keep the roots moist while allowing the foliage to remain above water. Provide moderate lighting and avoid shading from taller species.

🌱 Propagation Methods

Propagating Aglaonema simplex is easy and is primarily done through rhizome division. When planting, avoid burying the rhizome completely—this increases the risk of rot. Instead, place the rhizome on top of the substrate and lightly cover it with sand or fine gravel. Over time, the rhizome will develop new shoots. To propagate, gently split the rhizome into sections, making sure each has healthy roots and a few leaves. These divisions can then be placed in paludariums or shallow setups, where they will establish and grow gradually.

🧑‍🌾 Difficulty Level

Aglaonema simplex is a low-maintenance plant, ideal for beginners and advanced aquarists alike. It performs best in humid, semi-aquatic setups such as paludariums, ripariums, and pond edges. Although sometimes introduced into aquariums, long-term full submersion is not advised. This species tolerates a broad pH range (6–8), prefers moderate lighting, and benefits from occasional liquid fertilization. It is slow-growing but resilient, requiring only occasional trimming of older or damaged leaves.

🌿 Short Description

Also known as the Malayan Sword, Aglaonema simplex is native to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, the Philippines, and Borneo. It is not an aquatic plant and should never be fully submerged. Instead, it thrives in paludariums, ripariums, and moist marginal zones where its roots stay wet and the foliage grows above the waterline. This species is appreciated for its broad green leaves, which bring a lush, tropical appearance to semi-aquatic layouts. Due to its slow growth and preference for sandy, well-drained substrates, it requires minimal maintenance once established.

❓ FAQ

Can I grow Aglaonema simplex in a fully submerged aquarium?
🚫 No. This species is not a true aquatic plant. Prolonged submersion can lead to rhizome rot and plant decline. It's better suited for paludariums, ripariums, or pond edges.
How tall does this plant grow?
📏 It typically reaches a height of 20–40 cm (7.87–15.75 inches), making it ideal for foreground or midground zones in semi-aquatic layouts.
What substrate is best for planting?
⛏️ Use fine gravel or sand. Ensure the rhizome is placed above the substrate and only the roots are buried to avoid rotting.
Can it grow in low light?
💡 It prefers moderate lighting. While it can tolerate some shade, growth may become slower and the foliage less vibrant in low-light conditions.
Is this plant suitable for beginners?
✅ Yes. Aglaonema simplex is a low-maintenance species that thrives with minimal care in the right environment.

Did you know?

Please, verify whether your login and password are valid. If you don't have an account here, register one free of charge, please. Click here to close this box.

You have been logged out successfully! This box will close automatically!

Something went wrong during processing your message, please try again!

Your message has been sent, thanks a lot!

Page has been saved, refresh it now, please!

The page has been created, you will now be redirected!

URL already exists!

Path to the photo is not unique!

Really delete this page from the database?

The page has been removed successfully, you will be redirected now!

The page couldn't be deleted!!

Unfortunately this page doesn't allow discussion. Please, find any other page that fits your area of interest as over 99% of our pages allow discussion. The reason why no discussion is allowed here is this page is too general. Thanks a lot for understanding! Click here to search, please!

Really delete this comment from the site?

Really delete this image from the site?

Really delete this image from the site?

Selected comment has been removed successfully!

Selected image has been removed successfully!

Either login or email address is required

Account has been recovered, please check your email for further instructions