Chinese Evergreen

Overview

The Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is a remarkably versatile and forgiving houseplant that has earned its place as one of the most popular indoor plants worldwide. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, these plants have been cultivated for centuries both for their ornamental value and their legendary ability to bring good luck and prosperity according to Chinese folklore.

What makes Chinese Evergreens particularly appealing is their striking foliage. Depending on the variety, their leaves display an impressive range of patterns and colors—from deep greens with silver markings to vibrant combinations of pink, red, and cream. The leaves are typically oval or lance-shaped, with prominent veining that adds to their visual interest. They grow in a rosette pattern from a central stem, creating a lush, full appearance even as young plants.

One of the Chinese Evergreen's most celebrated qualities is its exceptional tolerance for less-than-ideal conditions. These plants can thrive in low light environments where many other houseplants would struggle, making them perfect for offices, apartments with limited natural light, and interior spaces away from windows. They're also remarkably forgiving when it comes to watering, tolerating both occasional overwatering and underwatering better than many other tropical plants.

Chinese Evergreens are moderate in size, typically growing to 1-3 feet tall and wide indoors, depending on the variety. They grow relatively slowly, which means they won't quickly outgrow their space. While they can produce small, calla lily-like flowers (spadix surrounded by a spathe) when mature, they're primarily grown for their attractive foliage rather than their blooms.

As an added benefit, Chinese Evergreens were included in NASA's clean air study, which found them effective at removing certain indoor air pollutants, potentially contributing to healthier indoor environments. Their only drawback is that they contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation if ingested, so they should be kept away from pets and small children who might chew on the leaves.

With their stunning foliage, exceptional adaptability to indoor conditions, and minimal care requirements, Chinese Evergreens are ideal plants for beginners, busy individuals, or anyone looking to add a touch of tropical elegance to their indoor spaces with minimal fuss.

Care Guide

Light Requirements

One of the Chinese Evergreen's most appealing qualities is its adaptability to various light conditions:

• Low light: Can survive and maintain attractive appearance
• Medium indirect light: Ideal for balanced growth and coloration
• Bright indirect light: Suitable, especially for variegated varieties
• Direct sunlight: Avoid as it can scorch the leaves

Chinese Evergreens are among the most shade-tolerant houseplants available, making them perfect for spaces where other plants might struggle. The solid green varieties can thrive in quite dim conditions, while the more colorful, variegated cultivars need somewhat brighter light to maintain their vibrant patterns.

For optimal growth, place your Chinese Evergreen in a location with medium indirect light, such as near an east-facing window or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window. If you only have low light available, opt for the green varieties like 'Silver Queen' or 'Maria' rather than the more colorful cultivars.

If you notice your variegated Chinese Evergreen losing its distinctive coloration and producing predominantly green leaves, this indicates it needs more light. Conversely, if leaves develop brown, scorched patches, the plant is receiving too much direct sunlight and should be moved to a more sheltered location.

Watering

Chinese Evergreens prefer a moderate watering schedule:

Watering Schedule:

• Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings
• Typically water every 7-10 days, depending on your home's conditions
• Reduce frequency significantly in winter when growth slows
• Increase slightly during hot, dry periods when soil dries more quickly

Watering Technique:

• Water thoroughly until it flows from the drainage holes
• Empty the saucer to prevent the plant from sitting in water
• Water the soil directly, avoiding wetting the leaves and crown
• Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots

Seasonal Adjustments:

• Spring/Summer: More frequent watering as the plant is actively growing
• Fall/Winter: Reduce watering as growth slows and daylight decreases
• Always adjust based on environmental conditions rather than a strict calendar

Chinese Evergreens communicate their watering needs through their leaves. Drooping or wilting indicates underwatering, while yellowing leaves often signal overwatering. The plant prefers consistent moisture but is susceptible to root rot if kept too wet.

These plants are more tolerant of underwatering than overwatering. When in doubt, it's better to wait another day or two before watering. During winter dormancy, the plant's water needs decrease significantly, so be especially careful not to overwater during this period.

Soil

Chinese Evergreens thrive in well-draining soil that retains some moisture:

Ideal Soil Mix:

• 2 parts standard potting soil
• 1 part perlite or pumice
• 1 part coco coir or peat moss
• Optional: Add a small handful of orchid bark for additional aeration

This combination creates a light, airy mix that holds moisture while still allowing excess water to drain away quickly. The addition of perlite or pumice helps create air pockets in the soil, promoting healthy root development and preventing compaction.

Container Considerations:

• Always use pots with drainage holes
• Plastic or glazed ceramic pots retain moisture better than terracotta
• Choose a pot that's proportional to the plant's size—too large a pot can lead to overwatering issues
• Consider the mature size when selecting a container, but remember that Chinese Evergreens grow relatively slowly

Repot your Chinese Evergreen every 2-3 years, or when it has clearly outgrown its container. The best time to repot is in spring during the active growing season. When repotting, handle the plant gently to avoid damaging the roots and position it at the same depth it was previously growing.

These plants don't mind being somewhat root-bound, so don't rush to repot them into much larger containers. When repotting, choose a pot that's only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Temperature & Humidity

As tropical plants, Chinese Evergreens have specific temperature and humidity preferences:

Temperature:

• Ideal range: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Minimum temperature: 60°F (15°C)
• Will suffer damage below 55°F (13°C)
• Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations
• Keep away from cold drafts, heating vents, and air conditioners

Humidity:

• Prefers moderate to high humidity (40-60%)
• Can tolerate average indoor humidity better than many tropical plants
• Increase humidity if desired through these methods:
  • Use a humidifier near the plant
  • Place on a humidity tray (pebble tray with water)
  • Group with other plants to create a microclimate

One of the appealing aspects of Chinese Evergreens is their adaptability to normal household humidity levels. While they appreciate higher humidity, they generally don't require the high humidity levels that many other tropical plants demand. This makes them particularly well-suited to modern homes and offices with dry air from heating and cooling systems.

Temperature stability is important for Chinese Evergreens. During winter, be especially mindful of keeping them away from cold windows and doors. Similarly, avoid placing them near heating vents, which can create hot, dry conditions that stress these plants.

Fertilizing

Chinese Evergreens have modest fertilizer requirements:

Fertilizing Schedule:

• Apply a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength
• Fertilize once a month during spring and summer (active growth period)
• Reduce to once every 2-3 months in fall
• Do not fertilize in winter when growth naturally slows
• Resume fertilizing in spring when new growth appears

Fertilizing Tips:

• Use a balanced formula (such as 10-10-10) or one specifically formulated for foliage plants
• Liquid fertilizers are easier to control and less likely to cause fertilizer burn
• Always apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn
• Flush the soil thoroughly with water every few months to prevent salt buildup

Chinese Evergreens are light feeders and can be sensitive to over-fertilization, which can cause leaf burn, brown leaf tips, or salt buildup in the soil. Signs of over-fertilization include brown or black spots on leaves, especially near the edges, and a white crust on the soil surface.

Under-fertilization typically manifests as smaller leaves, less vibrant coloration, and slower growth. Finding the right balance of nutrients is important for maintaining the plant's ornamental value and supporting healthy growth.

Propagation

Chinese Evergreens can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, or occasionally by seed:

Division Propagation:

1. Division is best done during repotting in spring
2. Remove the plant from its pot and gently shake off excess soil
3. Look for natural divisions in the plant where stems emerge separately from the root ball
4. Using clean, sharp scissors or a knife, carefully separate the clumps, ensuring each division has both stems and roots
5. Plant each division in its own pot with fresh soil mix
6. Water thoroughly and place in bright, indirect light
7. Keep soil consistently moist and humidity high during the establishment period
8. Avoid fertilizing for at least a month after division

Stem Cutting Propagation:

1. Select a healthy stem with at least 2-3 leaves
2. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut a 4-6 inch section
3. Remove leaves from the bottom portion of the cutting
4. Optional: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to improve success rates
5. Place the cutting in a container with clean water, ensuring the cut end is submerged but leaves remain above water
6. Place in bright, indirect light (avoid direct sun)
7. Change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth
8. Roots typically develop in 3-4 weeks
9. Once roots are 1-2 inches long, transplant to soil
10. Keep soil consistently moist for the first few weeks after transplanting

Important Propagation Tips:

• The best time to propagate is during spring or early summer when growth is most active
• Maintain higher humidity around new divisions or cuttings
• Avoid direct sunlight, which can stress new plants
• Be patient—while roots may develop relatively quickly, it can take several months for new plants to establish and begin active growth
• Division is generally more successful and produces more mature plants more quickly than stem cuttings

Propagation is an excellent way to expand your Chinese Evergreen collection or share these easy-care plants with friends. Division is particularly effective as it immediately creates new plants with established root systems.

Common Problems

While Chinese Evergreens are generally resilient, they can experience several common issues:

Yellowing Leaves:

• Cause: Overwatering is the most common cause, though normal aging of older leaves also produces yellowing
• Solution: Reduce watering frequency, ensure proper drainage, and remove only completely yellow leaves

Brown Leaf Tips and Edges:

• Cause: Low humidity, underwatering, or fertilizer buildup
• Solution: Increase humidity, adjust watering schedule, and flush soil occasionally to remove mineral buildup

Brown Spots on Leaves:

• Cause: Sunburn, cold damage, or fungal infection
• Solution: Move to a location with appropriate light, protect from cold drafts, and improve air circulation

Pale, Faded Leaves:

• Cause: Too much direct light or nutrient deficiency
• Solution: Move to a location with filtered light and ensure proper fertilization

Leggy Growth:

• Cause: Insufficient light causing the plant to stretch toward light sources
• Solution: Move to a brighter location (still avoiding direct sun) and rotate the plant regularly

Pests:

• Spider Mites: Tiny pests that cause stippling on leaves and fine webbing, particularly in dry conditions
• Mealybugs: White, cotton-like clusters in leaf joints and on stems
• Scale: Small brown bumps on stems and leaves that don't scrape off easily
• Solution: Increase humidity (for spider mites), wipe leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil, isolate affected plants

Root Rot:

• Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or compacted soil
• Symptoms: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, mushy stems, foul smell
• Solution: Reduce watering, ensure proper drainage, and in severe cases, unpot the plant, trim affected roots, and repot in fresh soil

Most Chinese Evergreen problems can be prevented with proper care focused on appropriate light, careful watering, and stable environmental conditions. Regular inspection helps catch issues early when they're easier to address.

Popular Varieties

The Aglaonema genus includes numerous species and cultivars with diverse leaf patterns and colors. Here are some of the most popular and distinctive varieties:

'Silver Queen'

• One of the most common and recognizable varieties
• Dark green leaves with silver-gray marbling
• Highly tolerant of low light conditions
• Grows to about 24 inches tall
• Classic, elegant appearance

'Silver Bay'

• Similar to 'Silver Queen' but with broader leaves
• Silver-gray variegation on green background
• Compact growth habit
• Very adaptable to different light conditions
• Excellent choice for beginners

'Maria' or 'Maria Christina'

• Dark green leaves with silver-white central veining
• More compact than 'Silver Queen'
• Extremely tolerant of low light
• Dense, bushy growth habit
• Reliable and easy to grow

'Siam Aurora' (Red Aglaonema)

• Green leaves with bright pink or red veining and edges
• Compact growth habit
• Requires brighter light to maintain coloration
• Adds a pop of color to indoor spaces
• More recent introduction to the market

'Red Valentine'

• Striking red and pink variegation
• Green leaves with pink veins and edges
• Medium-sized variety
• Needs more light than green varieties
• Dramatic, eye-catching appearance

'Emerald Beauty'

• Solid, deep green glossy leaves
• Minimal variegation
• Extremely tolerant of low light
• Classic, elegant appearance
• Very forgiving nature

'Sparkling Sarah'

• Pink stems and leaf veins
• Green leaves with pink speckles
• Medium-sized variety
• Bright, cheerful appearance
• Requires moderate light to maintain coloration

'Golden Bay'

• Green leaves with golden yellow variegation
• Compact growth habit
• Bright, sunny appearance
• Moderate light requirements
• Distinctive yellow coloration

'Cutlass'

• Unique, narrow blade-shaped leaves
• Silver-gray variegation on green background
• More architectural appearance than most varieties
• Distinctive leaf shape
• Creates interesting textural contrast

'Pink Moon'

• Round, compact leaves
• Pink and cream variegation on green background
• Smaller, more compact growth habit
• Needs brighter light to maintain coloration
• Modern, trendy appearance

'Jubilee'

• Compact variety with short stems
• Dark green leaves with silver markings
• Dense growth habit
• Very tolerant of low light
• Perfect for small spaces

'Emerald Star'

• Star-shaped leaf pattern
• Dark green with lighter green variegation
• Distinctive leaf shape
• Medium-sized variety
• Architectural appearance

These diverse Chinese Evergreen varieties offer something for every plant enthusiast, from beginners to advanced collectors. While they share similar care requirements, the different leaf forms, colors, and patterns create distinctly different visual effects, allowing for creative combinations in plantings and displays.

With their adaptability to various light conditions, minimal care requirements, and attractive foliage, Chinese Evergreens make excellent houseplants for both beginning and experienced plant enthusiasts. Their ability to thrive in lower light levels makes them particularly valuable for indoor spaces where many other plants would struggle.