Aglaonema Care (Chinese Evergreen): The Easygoing Houseplant You Need

Learn how to care for your aglaonema (Chinese evergreen) with this comprehensive guide. Includes tips on light, water, soil, and propagation.

Remember those first houseplants you successfully kept alive? The ones that defied the odds and actually thrived under your care? For me, one of those plants was the Chinese Evergreen. It all started over 10 years ago with a single, vibrant little Aglaonema, and let me tell you, it’s been a flourishing relationship ever since!

This plant is seriously the definition of low-maintenance. It’s so resilient and adaptable that it’s practically unkillable (though I wouldn’t recommend putting that to the test!). Over the years, my initial plant has grown into a lush, leafy plant, and my love for this species has only deepened. I’ve even expanded my plant family to include several other stunning aglaonema varieties because I just can’t get enough of their gorgeous foliage!

If you’re looking for a houseplant that’s both easy on the eyes and easy to care for, the Chinese Evergreen is your perfect match. Here’s why.

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close up of chinese evergreen in the sunroom — Chinese Evergreen Plant

Getting to Know the Chinese Evergreen Plant

The Chinese Evergreen, known scientifically as Aglaonema, is a popular houseplant prized for its stunning foliage and easy-going nature. Native to the tropical and subtropical forests of Asia and New Guinea, this plant thrives in the humid, shady understory, making it well-suited to indoor environments.

A Natural Air Purifier: Not only is the Chinese Evergreen a visual delight, but it also helps to purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. This makes it a healthy and attractive addition to any home or office.
A Diverse Family: The Aglaonema genus boasts a wide array of varieties, each with its own unique foliage patterns and colors. From the classic silver-green variegation of ‘Silver Queen’ to the vibrant red and green hues of ‘Red Gold’, and rare camouflage foliage of ‘Tricolor’, there’s a Chinese Evergreen to suit every taste.
A Touch of the Tropics: With its lush, broad leaves and air-purifying qualities, the Chinese Evergreen brings a touch of the tropics indoors, creating a calming and refreshing atmosphere.

chinese evergreen in the sunroom — picture of Chinese evergreen plant

Chinese Evergreen Care: Light and Location

These plants are incredibly adaptable when it comes to light. Their natural habitat is the shady understory of tropical forests, so they’re used to dappled light.

Ideal conditions: Bright, indirect light is best. Think of the light that filters through a sheer curtain. This will keep the leaves looking vibrant and encourage healthy growth.
Low light tolerance: One of the reasons Chinese Evergreens are so popular is their ability to tolerate lower light conditions. They can even survive in rooms with only fluorescent lighting! However, in very low light, their growth may slow down and the variegation in some varieties might fade.
Direct sunlight: Avoid placing your Chinese Evergreen in direct sunlight, especially during the midday hours. The intense rays can scorch the leaves, leaving unsightly brown spots.

To find the perfect spot for your plant, observe how much light different areas of your home receive throughout the day. A spot a few feet away from a north- or east-facing window is usually a good choice. To drill down on how to determine your home’s light conditions so you can provide the best environment for this beautiful plant, check out this article on houseplant light requirments.

A vibrant green aglaonema plant (Chinese evergreen) with large leaves featuring a mix of light and dark green patterns, bathed in sunlight near a window.

Aglaonema Care: Soil and Water

Proper soil and watering are crucial for keeping your Chinese Evergreen happy and healthy.

Soil: A well-draining potting mix is essential to prevent root rot, a common problem for these plants. Choose a peat-moss based mix with added perlite or sand to improve drainage. I like to make my own chunky soil mix that includes peat moss, perlite, potting mix, and orchid bark to ensure really good drainage. But you can also buy a chunky soil mix premade for you from the nursery too!
Watering: Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Stick your finger into the soil to check the moisture level. When it’s dry to the touch, it’s time to water. But you can also use this moisture meter if you prefer.
Thorough watering: When you water, do it thoroughly, ensuring the water reaches all the roots. Let the excess water drain out of the drainage holes to prevent the roots from sitting in soggy soil.
Adjust watering frequency: You’ll need to water more frequently during the warmer months when the plant is actively growing. In the winter, when growth slows down, you can reduce the frequency of watering.

Chinese Evergreen Care: Best Temperature and Humidity

As tropical plants, Chinese Evergreens thrive in warm temperatures and appreciate a bit of humidity.

Temperature: Normal household temperatures are ideal for these plants. Aim for a range between 65-85°F (18-29°C).
Cold sensitivity: Avoid exposing your Chinese Evergreen to cold drafts or temperatures below 60°F (15°C). Cold temperatures can damage the leaves and stunt growth.
Humidity: While Chinese Evergreens prefer moderate to high humidity, they can tolerate average household humidity levels. If you notice the leaf tips browning or the leaves becoming crispy, you can increase the humidity around your plant by:
- Misting the leaves: Use a spray bottle to mist the leaves regularly.
- Using a pebble tray: Place the plant pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. As the water evaporates, it will create a more humid microclimate around the plant.
- Add a humidifier: Bump up the humidity by adding a humidifier to the room. This is the one I use.
- Grouping plants together: Plants naturally release moisture, so grouping them together can increase humidity levels.

Fertilizing: Light Feeders

Chinese Evergreens are not heavy feeders, so you don’t need to fertilize them frequently.

Growing season feeding: Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) when the plant is actively producing new leaves.
Fertilizer type: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. I love to use this one with the tab that’s easy to use.
Winter dormancy: During the winter months, when growth slows down, you can stop fertilizing altogether.

Common Pests and Diseases

While Chinese Evergreens are generally hardy, they can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases so prevention is key.

Common pests: Mealybugs, spider mites, and scale are the most common pests that affect Chinese Evergreens. These pests can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt.
Disease: Root rot is the most common disease affecting Chinese Evergreens, usually caused by overwatering.
Prevention: The best way to prevent pest and disease problems is to provide your plant with proper care, including good air circulation and avoiding overwatering. I use this systemic granule that helps treat and prevent issues from the start. It lasts 8 weeks and works really well.
Treatment: If you do notice signs of pests or disease, treat the problem promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

A colorful indoor plant with vibrant green leaves edged in red and pink stems sits in a white, textured pot on a wooden surface. In the background, there is another plant with large green leaves and part of a decorative wall hanging, creating a cozy atmosphere. The plant is called aglaonema (Chinese evergreen)

One of the joys of growing Chinese Evergreens is how easy they are to propagate. This means you can create new plants from your existing one to expand your collection or share with friends. Here are some common methods:

Stem cuttings in water: This is a simple and effective method for propagating Chinese Evergreens. Take cuttings from healthy stems, ensuring each cutting has at least one leaf and node. Place the cuttings in a clear glass or jar of water, making sure the nodes (the bumps on the stem where leaves emerge) are submerged. Change the water every few days to prevent bacteria buildup. You should start to see roots developing within a few weeks. Once the roots are a couple of inches long, you can carefully plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix.
Stem cuttings in soil: You can also root stem cuttings directly in soil. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone (optional but helpful) and plant it in a small pot filled with a moist, well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Tip cuttings: Similar to stem cuttings, but taken from the tip of the stem, which usually roots more quickly. You can root tip cuttings in water or soil.
Air layering: This method involves wounding a stem, wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss, and enclosing it in plastic until roots develop.
Division: Mature Chinese Evergreens can be divided into smaller sections, each with its own roots and leaves. This is best done during repotting.

Garden Blogger Stacy Ling watering a chinese evergreen (aglaonema) on the deck -Watering houseplants - The Secret to Keeping Houseplants Alive

Chinese Evergreen Varieties: A Rainbow of Foliage

The incredible variety of Chinese Evergreens is one of the things that makes them so appealing. Here are a few popular varieties:

‘Silver Queen’: This classic variety boasts striking silver-gray leaves with green margins.
‘Emerald Beauty’: A true beauty with dark green leaves and silvery markings.
‘Red Gold’: If you’re looking for a pop of color, this variety’s red and green variegated leaves are sure to impress.
‘Maria Christina’: A compact variety with green and white variegated leaves, perfect for smaller spaces.
‘Pink Dalmatian’: Green leaves splashed with pink speckles make this a unique and eye-catching variety.
‘Tricolor‘: A rare variety with beautiful camouflage foliage.

With so many stunning varieties available, there’s a Chinese Evergreen to suit every taste and style.

A hand holds a potted plant with variegated green leaves, featuring splashes of lighter green and white. The background shows other plants and a wooden plant stand. — Aglaonema ‘Tricolor’

Final Thoughts About Aglaonema Care

So, if you’re ready to embark on your own Chinese evergreen journey, I say go for it! You won’t regret adding this low-maintenance, high-impact plant to your home. Trust me, it might just be the start of a beautiful, decade-long relationship.

For more information about growing Aglaonema plants, check out this article from the North Carolina State Cooperative Extension.

To drill down on houseplant care basics and growing an indoor garden that thrives, please read my articles:

Thank you for visiting the blog today!

Enjoy your day! xo

A vibrant Aglaonema plant with colorful green and pink leaves is shown. Text on the image reads, "Aglaonema Care: The Easy Houseplant You Need to Grow." The plant is in a pot on a light-colored surface.

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