Family: Araceae

Aglaonema nitidum (aglaonema) is a tropical understory plant in the arum family (Araceae), native to Southeast Asia. It is widely cultivated as a houseplant and in shaded landscapes for its attractive, glossy, dark green leaves, which may be mottled or variegated in some cultivars. The plant thrives in low-light, high-humidity environments, making it a popular choice for indoor spaces, hotels, and offices. It reproduces by seed and vegetative cuttings, and in suitable climates, it may persist outside of cultivation.

In Hawaiʻi, Aglaonema nitidum is present in cultivation but is not known to be naturalized. While it has not shown invasive tendencies locally, it has the potential to spread if discarded into wet, shady areas where conditions are favorable. As with many ornamental species, responsible planting and proper disposal of green waste are important to prevent unintended escape into natural areas. Aglaonema is best enjoyed as an indoor or managed landscape plant, where its striking foliage can be appreciated without risk to Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Climate Suitability: Highly suited to tropical/subtropical climates.
  
• Introduction History: Repeatedly introduced outside its native range.
  
• Toxicity: Unpalatable to animals and toxic to humans, reducing herbivory.
  
• Shade Tolerance: Can establish in forest understories.
  
• Disease Host: Host to significant fungal pathogens.
  
• Reproduction: Produces viable seeds and is self-compatible.
  
• Dispersal: Bird-dispersed berries; seeds survive gut passage.

Low Risk Traits:

• No Invasion History: No evidence of naturalization or weediness anywhere.
  
• No Nuisance Traits: Lacks spines, allelopathy, and a climbing habit.
  
• Soil Specificity: Not adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions.
  
• Limited Spread: Does not reproduce vegetatively or form dense thickets.
  
• Low Output: Not a prolific seed producer.
  
• No Seed Bank: Seeds are short-lived and germinate immediately.
  
• Low Contamination Risk: Propagules not dispersed by wind, water, or as a contaminant.