Bright, soft and almost snow white, the Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema 'White Joy') is one of the prettiest foliage plants around. Its large, paddle-shaped leaves are washed in creamy white, finely edged and speckled with mid to deep green, so the contrast shifts leaf to leaf and the whole plant seems to glow in a well-lit corner.

It brings a calm, elegant note to a shelf, desk or side table, and pairs beautifully with plainer green foliage that lets all that pale colour stand out. Because of its striking variegation, it doesn't do well with low light.

Care at a glance

Light: Bright, indirect. Keep it out of direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Water: Little and often. Keep the compost lightly moist but never waterlogged, letting any excess drain away.

Humidity: Happy in average rooms, and appreciates a little extra humidity in a bathroom or kitchen.

Temperature: Warm and steady indoor temperatures suit it well. Avoid cold draughts and hot, drying radiators.

Feed: A dilute houseplant feed every few weeks through spring and summer.

Note: Mildly toxic if chewed, so best kept away from curious pets and little ones.

As a living plant, size and leaf pattern vary from one to the next, so yours will be one of a kind.