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Chinese Evergreens (Aglaonema) are among the most versatile and forgiving houseplants, prized for their stunning variegated foliage and exceptional tolerance for low-light conditions. Whether you're caring for a vibrant Chinese Evergreen 'Silver Bay', elegant Chinese Evergreen 'Lady Valentine', or striking Chinese Evergreen 'First Diamond', this complete care guide will help your Aglaonema thrive.
Quick Care Summary
- Light: Low to medium, indirect light
- Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings
- Humidity: 40-60% (moderate humidity preferred)
- Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
- Soil: Well-draining, peat-based potting mix
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans
Light Requirements
Chinese Evergreens are incredibly adaptable to low to medium, indirect light, making them perfect for offices, bathrooms, and north-facing rooms. They tolerate low-light conditions better than most houseplants, though growth will be slower in dimmer spots.
Varieties with more variegation (like Chinese Evergreen 'Lady Valentine' and Chinese Evergreen 'First Diamond') need brighter, indirect light to maintain their vibrant colors. Darker green varieties like 'Maria' thrive in lower light.
Avoid direct sunlight, which will scorch and fade the beautiful foliage patterns.
Watering Your Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreens prefer consistent moisture without being waterlogged:
- Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch
- Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom
- Empty drainage saucers to prevent root rot
- Reduce watering in fall and winter when growth slows
- Use room-temperature, filtered water when possible
- Avoid letting soil completely dry out or stay soggy
Pro tip: Chinese Evergreens are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine in tap water, which can cause brown leaf tips. Let tap water sit overnight or use filtered water for best results.
Humidity & Temperature
Chinese Evergreens appreciate moderate humidity (40-60%) but adapt well to average home conditions. Increase humidity for optimal growth by:
- Misting leaves 2-3 times per week
- Placing the pot on a pebble tray with water
- Using a humidifier nearby
- Grouping plants together
Maintain temperatures between 65-80°F. Chinese Evergreens are tropical plants sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F, which can cause leaf damage and stunted growth. Keep away from air conditioning vents, heating ducts, and drafty windows.
Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. An ideal blend includes:
- 50% peat moss or coco coir
- 30% perlite or pumice
- 20% high-quality potting soil
Repot every 2-3 years in spring when roots become crowded. Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger than the current one. Chinese Evergreens actually prefer being slightly root-bound and will bloom more readily in snug pots.
Fertilizing
Feed your Chinese Evergreen during the growing season (spring-summer):
- Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) diluted to half strength
- Apply every 4-6 weeks during active growth
- Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter
- Flush soil with water every few months to prevent salt buildup
Note: Chinese Evergreens are light feeders. Over-fertilizing causes brown leaf tips and edges.
Common Problems & Solutions
Yellow Leaves
Causes: Overwatering, poor drainage, or natural aging of lower leaves
Solution: Check soil moisture, ensure proper drainage, reduce watering frequency, remove yellow leaves at the base
Brown Leaf Tips or Edges
Causes: Fluoride/chlorine in water, low humidity, over-fertilizing, or salt buildup
Solution: Use filtered water, increase humidity, reduce fertilizer, flush soil with plain water
Fading or Loss of Variegation
Causes: Insufficient light
Solution: Move to a brighter location with indirect light to restore vibrant colors
Drooping or Wilting Leaves
Causes: Underwatering, overwatering, or temperature stress
Solution: Check soil moisture, adjust watering schedule, maintain stable temperatures above 60°F
Leggy Growth
Causes: Insufficient light
Solution: Move to brighter indirect light, prune leggy stems to encourage bushier growth
Pests
Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to prevent infestations and keep foliage glossy.
Flowers & Blooms
Mature Chinese Evergreens occasionally produce small, inconspicuous flowers similar to Peace Lilies - a white or green spathe surrounding a spadix. While not showy, blooms indicate a happy, healthy plant! Flowers typically appear in spring or summer on well-established plants.
You can remove flowers to redirect energy to foliage growth, or leave them to enjoy the novelty.
Propagation
Propagate Chinese Evergreens through several methods:
- Division: Separate offsets or multiple stems during repotting, ensuring each division has roots attached
- Stem cuttings: Cut 4-6 inch stems with several leaves, place in water or moist soil until roots develop (4-6 weeks)
- Tip cuttings: Take cuttings from growing tips and root in water
Spring and summer are the best times for propagation when plants are actively growing.
Popular Chinese Evergreen Varieties
Explore our stunning collection of Chinese Evergreen varieties:
- Chinese Evergreen 'Red Siam' - Bold red and green variegation
- Chinese Evergreen 'Maria' - Classic silver-green foliage, excellent for low light
- Chinese Evergreen 'Pink Pearl' - Vibrant pink and green leaves
- Chinese Evergreen 'First Diamond' - Silvery-white variegation
- Chinese Evergreen 'Wishes' - Pink and green variegation
- Chinese Evergreen 'Karat' - Bright yellow-green variegation
- Chinese Evergreen 'Rich Red' - Intense red coloring
- Chinese Evergreen 'Cutlass' - Narrow, silvery leaves
Air Purifying Benefits
Chinese Evergreens are excellent air purifiers, removing common indoor toxins including:
- Formaldehyde
- Benzene
- Carbon monoxide
- Trichloroethylene
They're particularly effective in low-light spaces where other air-purifying plants struggle. Explore our full collection of air-purifying plants to create a healthier indoor environment.
Safety Note
⚠️ Important: Chinese Evergreens contain calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested. Symptoms include mouth irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Wear gloves when handling if you have sensitive skin.
Final Tips for Success
- Chinese Evergreens are among the most forgiving houseplants - perfect for beginners!
- Wipe leaves monthly with a damp cloth to remove dust and enhance their natural shine
- Don't worry if lower leaves yellow and drop - this is natural as the plant matures
- Rotate your plant weekly for even, balanced growth
- Prune leggy stems to maintain a compact, bushy shape
- Chinese Evergreens can live for decades with minimal care
- They're excellent for low-light offices, bathrooms, and bedrooms
- Start with darker green varieties if you have very low light conditions
Ready to add a Chinese Evergreen to your collection? Browse our selection of healthy, expertly-grown plants with reliable shipping and care support. Perfect for beginners and experienced plant parents alike!
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