Plant Library

Chinese Evergreen Care Guide

Aglaonema

By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated · How we research · Report an error

Patterned leaves in silver, pink and red. One of the most tolerant plants for dim offices.

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Photo of a chinese evergreen plant (Aglaonema)
Photo: Digigalos / CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons. Source · License

Plant profile

Light
Low to medium indirect light (colorful types need more)
Water
When the top inch or two is dry
Humidity
Average
Pets
Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA) [ASPCA]
Difficulty
Easy
Size
1-3 ft
Growth
Slow
Free: 12-month care calendarWhen to water less, feed and repot a chinese evergreen, month by month.

Light

Low to medium indirect light (colorful types need more). Rotate the pot every few weeks so growth stays even.

Water

When the top inch or two is dry. Always use a pot with drainage holes and empty the saucer after watering. Plants use far less water in winter.

Humidity and temperature

Humidity: average. Most houseplants prefer 60-80°F (16-27°C) and dislike cold drafts and heating vents.

Soil and feeding

Use a well-draining potting mix with bark or perlite for air. Feed lightly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength; skip feeding in winter.

Our tip

Keep above 60°F; it dislikes cold drafts.

Common problems

Pets

Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), according to the ASPCA plant list. If a pet chews it and shows symptoms, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Check any plant in our Pet-Safe Plant Checker.

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Free download

Free 12-month plant care calendar

Keeping a chinese evergreen happy all year? Get our free month-by-month calendar: when to water less, when to feed, when to repot, and the seasonal notes for all 71 plants in our library.

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Sources

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
  2. NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Aglaonema
  3. RHS: Houseplants, how to grow and care
Where to buyAmazon