Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema
Aglaonema, Philippine Evergreen
The Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is a stunning and incredibly resilient houseplant, beloved for its lush, patterned leaves that come in a variety of colors, from deep greens to vibrant pinks and reds. This durable plant is perfect for beginners and seasoned plant parents alike, thriving in a wide range of indoor conditions and known for its excellent air-purifying qualities.
📝 Chinese Evergreen Care Notes
🌿 Care Instructions
⚠️ Common Pests
📊 Growth Information
🪴 In This Guide 🪴
☀️ Chinese Evergreen Light Requirements (Indoor Lighting Guide)
Best Light for Aglaonema (Adaptable to All Conditions)
One of the best traits of the Chinese Evergreen is its incredible adaptability to various lighting conditions.
Ideal Lighting: Most Aglaonema varieties thrive in medium to bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window is perfect. The key to vibrant colors, especially for the pink, red, and highly variegated types, is providing plenty of bright, filtered light.
Low Light Tolerance: The darker green varieties of Chinese Evergreen are superstars in low-light environments. They can flourish in offices with fluorescent lighting or in north-facing rooms where other plants might struggle.
Avoid Direct Sun: Direct, harsh sunlight is the enemy of the Aglaonema. It will scorch the leaves, causing them to burn, fade, or develop brown patches. Keep it out of direct sun, especially during the hot afternoon hours.
Lighting for Variegated vs. Green Varieties
A simple rule for Aglaonema: the more color and variegation the leaves have, the more bright, indirect light it needs to maintain that coloring. Dark green varieties can handle much lower light levels. If you notice your colorful ‘Siam Aurora’ or ‘Red Valentine’ looking dull, the first thing to do is move it to a brighter spot.
💧 Chinese Evergreen Watering Guide (How and When to Water)
Watering Frequency for Chinese Evergreen
Proper watering is crucial for a healthy Aglaonema, and they are quite drought-tolerant, making them forgiving plants.
Watering Frequency – The golden rule is to water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. This typically means watering about once a week in the spring and summer. In the fall and winter, when growth slows, you should reduce watering to every two weeks or so, always checking the soil first.
How to Water Your Aglaonema
Watering Method – Water the plant thoroughly, allowing water to soak the root ball and flow out of the drainage holes. Discard any excess water from the saucer. This plant hates “wet feet” and should never be left sitting in water, as this is the fastest way to cause root rot.Signs of Overwatering vs Underwatering
Know the Signs – Yellowing leaves and mushy stems are classic signs of overwatering. If you see this, let the plant dry out completely before watering again. Drooping, wilting, or crispy brown leaf edges can be a sign of underwatering. The best way to know is to feel the soil.🪴 Best Soil Mix for Chinese Evergreen (Drainage is Key)
Recommended Potting Mix for Aglaonema
The right soil mix for an Aglaonema is one that holds some moisture but drains exceptionally well.
Soil Composition – A peat-based potting mix is ideal. Standard houseplant potting soil works well, but it’s best to amend it to improve aeration and drainage.
DIY Mix – For a perfect Aglaonema mix, combine equal parts potting soil, perlite, and peat moss or coco coir. This creates a rich, airy medium that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged, which is crucial for preventing root rot.
Why Drainage is Crucial for Chinese Evergreen
Good Drainage is a Must – No matter what soil mix you use, a pot with drainage holes is non-negotiable. Aglaonema roots are susceptible to rot when they sit in soggy soil, so ensuring excess water can escape is the most important part of its potting setup.🍼 Fertilizing Chinese Evergreen (Feeding Guide)
Best Fertilizer for Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreens are not heavy feeders, but a little food during the growing season will support their beautiful foliage.
Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer for houseplants, such as a 20-20-20 formula. Diluting it to half-strength is a good practice to prevent over-fertilizing.
How Often to Fertilize Your Aglaonema
Frequency: Fertilize your Aglaonema once a month during the spring and summer. Do not fertilize in the fall and winter when the plant is resting.
Application: Always water the plant before fertilizing to avoid burning the roots. Apply the diluted fertilizer to moist soil.
🌡️ Chinese Evergreen Temperature Range (Ideal Indoor Temps)
Ideal Temperature for Aglaonema
As a tropical plant, the Chinese Evergreen loves warmth and dislikes the cold.
Ideal Temperature Range: This plant is perfectly happy in average household temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). It thrives in the same conditions that are comfortable for us.
Avoid Cold Drafts: Keep your Aglaonema away from cold drafts from windows, doors, or air conditioning vents. They are not cold-hardy and can be damaged by temperatures below 60°F (15°C).
💦 Chinese Evergreen Humidity Needs (How to Keep it Happy)
Ideal Humidity for Chinese Evergreen
Coming from tropical forests, Aglaonema appreciates higher humidity levels.
Ideal Humidity Range – Chinese Evergreen prefers a humidity level between 50-70%. While it can tolerate average household humidity, increasing the moisture in the air will prevent brown, crispy leaf tips and keep the foliage lush.
Simple Ways to Increase Humidity for Aglaonema
- Misting: A light misting every few days can provide a temporary boost.
- Pebble Tray: Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. The evaporation will create a humid micro-environment.
- Humidifier: The most effective method is to place a small humidifier nearby.
- Grouping Plants: Group it with other plants that love humidity to create a naturally more humid area.
- Location: A bright bathroom or kitchen is a perfect spot due to the naturally higher humidity.
🌸 Chinese Evergreen Flowers (A Rare Sight Indoors)
While grown for its spectacular foliage, a mature and happy Chinese Evergreen may produce flowers in the spring or summer. The bloom is not particularly showy, resembling that of a Peace Lily-a small, greenish-white flower spike (spadix) enclosed by a leaf-like bract (spathe). Many growers choose to snip off the flowers as they appear, which encourages the plant to direct its energy into producing more of its beautiful leaves.🏷️ Chinese Evergreen Types and Varieties (Popular Aglaonema Cultivars)
The world of Aglaonema is vast and colorful, with hundreds of stunning cultivars. Here are a few popular ones to look for:
Pink and Red Aglaonema Varieties
- ‘Red Valentine’: Features bright green leaves heavily splashed with vibrant pink and red.
- ‘Siam Aurora’: Known as ‘Red Aglaonema’, it has green leaves with striking red or pink edges and veins.
- ‘Pink Dalmatian’: Dark green leaves are speckled and spotted with a lovely soft pink, like a Dalmatian’s coat.
Silver and White Aglaonema Varieties
- ‘Silver Bay’: One of the most popular varieties, with wide, lush leaves showcasing a silvery-green center and dark green margins.
- ‘Silver Queen’: A classic variety with elegant, lance-shaped leaves that are almost entirely silver-green with a few dark green markings.
- ‘First Diamond’: A striking variety with mostly creamy-white leaves edged in dark green. Needs very bright, indirect light.
Green and Variegated Aglaonema Varieties
- ‘Maria’ (‘Emerald Beauty’): A classic, easy-care variety with deep green leaves variegated with bands of silvery-gray chevrons. Extremely low-light tolerant.
- ‘Cutlass’: Has narrow, dagger-shaped leaves with a creamy-green center and dark green edges.
- ‘BJ Freeman’: A large, bushy variety with long, pale green leaves beautifully variegated with dark green speckles.
🪴 Potting and Repotting Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema is a slow-growing plant that doesn’t mind being a bit snug in its pot.
When to Repot Chinese Evergreen
Repotting Frequency: You’ll likely only need to repot every 2-3 years. The best signs it’s time to repot are roots growing out of the drainage holes or the plant drying out extremely quickly. Spring is the best time for this task.How to Repot Your Aglaonema (Step-by-Step)
- Choose a new pot that’s only 1-2 inches larger in diameter.
- Gently remove the plant from its old pot and inspect the roots. Trim any black or mushy roots.
- Add a layer of fresh, well-draining soil to the new pot.
- Place the plant in the center and fill the sides with more soil.
- Water it thoroughly and place it back in its spot.
✂️ Pruning Chinese Evergreen for a Fuller Plant
Aglaonema requires very little pruning, making it a low-maintenance favorite.
How and When to Prune Aglaonema
- Removing Dead Leaves: The main reason to prune is to remove any lower leaves that naturally yellow or die off with age. Use clean scissors or shears to snip them off at the base.
- Encouraging Bushiness: If your plant becomes a bit leggy over time, you can prune the longest stems back. This will encourage new growth from the base, resulting in a fuller, bushier plant. The cuttings can be used for propagation!
🌱 How to Propagate Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Multiplying your Chinese Evergreen is easy and a great way to share with friends. The two best methods are stem cuttings and division.
Propagating Aglaonema from Stem Cuttings
This method is perfect when you prune a leggy plant.
- Take a stem cutting that is at least 4-6 inches long.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top.
- You can place the cutting in a glass of water (water propagation) until roots form (usually 3-4 weeks), then pot in soil.
- Alternatively, you can plant the cutting directly into moist soil (soil propagation). Cover with a plastic bag to increase humidity and encourage rooting.
Propagating Aglaonema by Division
This is the easiest method and is best done during repotting.
- When you have the plant out of its pot, you’ll see it naturally grows in clumps or produces offshoots.
- Gently separate a clump from the main root ball, ensuring it has some roots attached.
- Pot this new division into its own appropriately sized pot. Learn more about the division method.
🐛 Chinese Evergreen Pests and Treatment
Common Pests on Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema is quite pest-resistant, but occasionally it can attract common houseplant pests.
- Mealybugs: Look for white, cottony masses in the nooks of leaves and stems.
- Spider Mites: Check for fine webbing, especially on the undersides of leaves. They thrive in dry conditions.
- Scale Insects: Appear as small, brown, shell-like bumps on stems and leaves.
- Aphids: Tiny insects that cluster on new growth.
Pest Treatment for Aglaonema
If you find pests, isolate your plant. Use a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to remove individual pests like mealybugs and scale. For wider infestations, treat the entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap, making sure to spray the undersides of the leaves.🩺 Chinese Evergreen Problems and Diseases (Troubleshooting Guide)
Aglaonema is generally trouble-free, but here are a few signs to watch for.
- Yellowing Leaves: The number one cause is overwatering. Check the soil moisture and allow it to dry out more between waterings.
- Brown, Crispy Edges: This usually points to low humidity or mineral buildup from tap water. Increase humidity and switch to filtered water.
- Wilting or Drooping: Can be caused by both overwatering (leading to root rot) and underwatering. Always check the soil to determine the cause.
- Mushy Stems: This is a serious sign of root rot from excessive watering. You may need to repot into fresh soil and trim away any rotten roots.
- Curling Leaves: Often a sign of underwatering or temperature stress. Ensure the soil is evenly moist and the plant is away from cold drafts.
- Leggy Growth: While not a disease, leggy stems with sparse leaves indicate the plant needs more light.
🖼️ Chinese Evergreen Display Ideas (Styling Your Aglaonema)
The Chinese Evergreen’s beauty and resilience make it a fantastic decor element.
- Floor Plant: Larger varieties like ‘Silver Bay’ or ‘BJ Freeman’ make stunning floor plants when placed in a beautiful ceramic or basket planter.
- Tabletop Star: The colorful varieties are perfect for adding a pop of color to a desk, side table, or kitchen counter.
- Low-Light Solution: Use the dark green varieties to bring life to a dim corner, hallway, or a shelf that doesn’t get much sun.
- Bathroom Beauty: Its love for humidity makes it a perfect candidate for a bright bathroom, where it will thrive.
- Colorful Grouping: Create a high-impact display by grouping two or three different Aglaonema cultivars with contrasting colors together.
🌟 Chinese Evergreen Care Tips (Pro Advice)
💧 Err on the side of underwatering. If you’re unsure whether to water, wait another day or two. This is the key to preventing root rot.
🎨 More color = more light. To keep those pinks and reds vibrant, give your colorful Aglaonema a spot with bright, indirect light.
🧼 Wipe the leaves. Keep the large leaves dust-free by gently wiping them with a damp cloth once a month. This helps the plant breathe and keeps it looking glossy and beautiful.
🥶 Keep it warm. Aglaonema hates the cold. Keep it away from drafty windows and doors, especially in winter.
🔄 Rotate your plant. Give your plant a quarter turn every time you water to ensure all sides receive equal light for even, balanced growth.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the leaves on my Chinese Evergreen turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves are the most common sign of overwatering. Aglaonema prefers its soil to dry out partially between waterings. Make sure the pot has good drainage and you’re not letting it sit in a saucer of water. Cut back on watering and only water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.Can my Chinese Evergreen really survive in low light?
Yes, especially the darker green varieties are famous for their tolerance of low light conditions, making them perfect for offices or dimmer corners of your home. However, the colorful varieties with pink, red, or light variegation will need bright, indirect light to maintain their vibrant colors.Are Chinese Evergreens toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, Chinese Evergreen is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation of the mouth, drooling, and vomiting. It’s best to keep this plant out of reach of curious pets and children.What causes brown, crispy tips on my Aglaonema's leaves?
Brown, crispy leaf tips are usually a sign of low humidity or a buildup of salts and minerals from tap water. Try increasing the humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray, and consider using filtered or distilled water.How often should I repot my Chinese Evergreen?
Aglaonema is a relatively slow grower and prefers to be slightly root-bound, so you’ll only need to repot it every 2-3 years. Choose a new pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.My colorful Aglaonema is losing its bright colors. What's wrong?
A loss of color or variegation in your Chinese Evergreen is a sign that it’s not receiving enough light. While they tolerate low light, the colorful cultivars need bright, indirect light to produce and maintain their stunning pinks and reds. Move it to a brighter location, but avoid direct sun.What are the small, white, cottony spots on my plant?
Those are likely mealybugs, a common pest for Aglaonema. Isolate your plant and treat it by dabbing the pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, and then spray the entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.ℹ️ Chinese Evergreen Info
Care and Maintenance
🪴 Soil Type and pH: Well-draining, slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5)
💧 Humidity and Misting: Moderate to high, 50-70%
✂️ Pruning: Trim yellow or dead leaves as needed.
🧼 Cleaning: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free and glossy.
🌱 Repotting: Every 2-3 years or when root-bound.
🔄 Repotting Frequency: Every 2-3 years
❄️ Seasonal Changes in Care: Reduce watering and stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Growing Characteristics
💥 Growth Speed: Slow to moderate
🔄 Life Cycle: Perennial
💥 Bloom Time: Spring or summer (rarely flowers indoors)
🌡️ Hardiness Zones: 10-12 (outdoors)
🗺️ Native Area: Tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and New Guinea
🚘 Hibernation: No (growth slows in winter)
Propagation and Health
📍 Suitable Locations: Living rooms, offices, bathrooms, low-light corners
🪴 Propagation Methods: Easy via stem cuttings or division.
🐛 Common Pests: spider-mites, mealybugs, scale-insects, and aphids
🦠 Possible Diseases: Root rot, fungal leaf spots
Plant Details
🌿 Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
🍃 Foliage Type: Evergreen
🎨 Color of Leaves: Green, silver, pink, red, cream, variegated
🌸 Flower Color: Greenish-white spathe (similar to a Peace Lily)
🌼 Blooming: Rarely blooms indoors, grown for foliage
🍽️ Edibility: Not edible; toxic if ingested.
📏 Mature Size: 1-3 feet indoors
Additional Info
🌻 General Benefits: Excellent for air purification, low-light tolerant, easy care.
💊 Medical Properties: None; toxic if ingested.
🧿 Feng Shui: Brings good fortune and positive energy.
⭐ Zodiac Sign Compatibility: Taurus
🌈 Symbolism or Folklore: Longevity, luck, and well-being.
📝 Interesting Facts: Aglaonema is one of NASA’s top ten air-purifying plants, effective at removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Its ability to thrive in low light has made it a staple in homes and offices for decades.
Buying and Usage
🛒 What to Look for When Buying: Look for a plant with vibrant, healthy leaves and no signs of pests. Check the soil to ensure it’s not waterlogged. The plant should be full and bushy.
🪴 Other Uses: Perfect for adding a pop of color to mixed planters or as a standalone statement piece on a floor or tabletop.
Decoration and Styling
🖼️ Display Ideas: Place in a decorative pot on a desk, a floor planter in a living room corner, or group different varieties together for a colorful display.
🧵 Styling Tips: The colorful varieties pair beautifully with neutral-toned pots that make their foliage pop. It looks great alongside other easy-care plants like the Snake Plant or ZZ Plant.
