Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)

To tell apart a Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) from a dumb cane (Dieffenbachia), focus on these distinguishing features:

1. **Leaf Shape and Size**:
- **Chinese evergreen**: Leaves are typically more slender and elongated.
- **Dumb cane**: Leaves are broader and more oval-shaped.

2. **Leaf Pattern and Color**:
- **Chinese evergreen**: Leaves often have intricate patterns with various shades of green, silver, and sometimes pink.
- **Dumb cane**: Leaves commonly feature creamy white or yellowish spots and streaks on a green background.

3. **Growth Form**:
- **Chinese evergreen**: Grows in a more compact, bushy form.
- **Dumb cane**: Tends to grow taller and more upright, sometimes developing a cane-like stem.

4. **Sap**:
- **Chinese evergreen**: Sap is less irritating.
- **Dumb cane**: Sap is highly irritating and can cause temporary speechlessness if ingested.

By examining these characteristics, you can easily distinguish between a Chinese evergreen and a dumb cane.