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Indoor plant care

Chinese Evergreen

Aglaonema

• LightChinese Evergreen grows in low to medium indirect light of…
• WaterWater Chinese Evergreen after the topsoil feels dry. Check…
• ToxicityToxic to pets
• Mature sizeIt reaches about 12 to 18 in / 30 to 45…

Chinese Evergreen is a slow-growing, clump-forming houseplant valued for its lush patterned foliage. Depending on the cultivar, its leaves may show green, cream, silver, pink, or red markings. Its compact shape works well on desks, shelves, and shaded room corners. It tolerates lower light than many colorful plants, making it suitable for beginners who can avoid overwatering.

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Care data checked 25 September 2026 · Dany · A-Z Plants

Light requirements

Chinese Evergreen grows in low to medium indirect light of 50 to 150 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. It can handle dimmer rooms better than many patterned plants.

• Place it about 8 ft / 2.5 m from a north, east, or west-facing window.
• A position is bright enough if you can comfortably read a book there without artificial lighting.
• Too much light: direct sun can bleach or scorch the leaves.
• Too little light: growth becomes slower and colorful markings may fade. A PAR meter or PAR meter app can check PPFD in μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹.

Watering

Water Chinese Evergreen after the topsoil feels dry. Check with a finger rather than using a fixed calendar. The lower mix should retain some moisture, but the roots must never remain saturated.

• Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
• Pour slowly until water exits the drainage holes. Let all extra water escape before placing the pot in a saucer or decorative planter.
• Always use a pot with drainage holes. Wet soil can lead to root rot, yellow leaves, and weak stems.
• Water considerably less during winter, when the plant is not growing actively. Long dry periods may cause drooping and crisp brown edges.

Soil

Chinese Evergreen needs an airy mix that balances moisture retention with drainage. Amend 2 parts organic all-purpose potting mix with 1 part bark and 1 part biochar.

• DIY recipe: mix 1 part coir, 1 part pumice, 1 part bark, and 1 part biochar.
• Add worm castings as a top dressing.

Feeding

Feed with an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks from March to October. Use the label strength and apply it after watering. Do not fertilize dry roots or continue the same schedule during winter, when Chinese Evergreen grows much more slowly.

Temperature & humidity

Chinese Evergreen prefers 65 to 80°F / 18 to 27°C. Keep it away from cold windows, drafts, and sudden temperature shifts. Aim for humidity between 50 and 60%. Stable warmth and moderate humidity help the leaves remain full and reduce dry edges.

What to expect

Chinese Evergreen is slow-growing and usually needs 2 to 3 years to mature. It reaches about 12 to 18 in / 30 to 45 cm tall. Its eventual spread is 8 to 12 in / 20 to 30 cm, forming a compact clump rather than a tall specimen.

Varieties & cultivars

• Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’: Large oval leaves have silver-gray centers surrounded by dark green edges.
• Aglaonema ‘Red Emerald’: Lance-shaped leaves show red veins against green margins.
• Aglaonema ‘Maria’: Narrow lance-shaped leaves combine dark green centers with silvery-green edges.
• Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’: Long, narrow leaves carry silver-gray stripes and dark green borders.
• Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora’: Oval leaves feature pink and red variegation framed by green edges.