Plant comparison
Chinese evergreen vs Dieffenbachia
Two bushy variegated aroids that look similar but have different toxicity and light needs.
| Chinese evergreen | Dieffenbachia | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Aglaonema commutatum | Dieffenbachia seguine |
| Light | Low light (north window or shaded room) | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) |
| Water | When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days | When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days |
| Soil | Free-draining houseplant mix | Free-draining potting compost |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 50-60% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C (65-80°F) | 18-27°C (65-80°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 10-12 (indoor-only) | 11-12 (indoor-only) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H1b |
| Mature size | 45-90 cm tall and wide | 60-150 cm tall |
| Growth habit | Clumping or bushy evergreen | Upright cane-stemmed evergreen |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Mildly toxic to pets | Toxic to pets |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Chinese evergreen — Chinese evergreen if your spot has less light — it tolerates low light (north window or shaded room), where Dieffenbachia prefers medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window).
- Choose Dieffenbachia — Dieffenbachia if you prefer its upright cane-stemmed evergreen habit at 60-150 cm tall indoors.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Chinese evergreen care and Dieffenbachia care. For pet-safety detail see Chinese evergreen and Dieffenbachia.
Chinese evergreen vs Dieffenbachia — frequently asked questions
Is Chinese evergreen the same as Dieffenbachia?
No — Chinese evergreen is Aglaonema commutatum and Dieffenbachia is Dieffenbachia seguine. Two bushy variegated aroids that look similar but have different toxicity and light needs. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, chinese evergreen or dieffenbachia?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Chinese evergreen wants low light (north window or shaded room) and to be watered when the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days. Dieffenbachia wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and watering when the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days. Match the species to the brightest spot you actually have and how often you remember to water — both can be the easier pick for the right home.
Is chinese evergreen or dieffenbachia safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Chinese evergreen is mildly toxic to pets and Dieffenbachia is toxic to pets. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do chinese evergreen and dieffenbachia get indoors?
Chinese evergreen matures to 45-90 cm tall and wide, with a clumping or bushy evergreen habit. Dieffenbachia reaches 60-150 cm tall, upright cane-stemmed evergreen. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can chinese evergreen and dieffenbachia live in the same room?
Yes — both can share a room as long as you give each one a spot that matches its light requirement. Chinese evergreen needs low light (north window or shaded room); Dieffenbachia needs medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.