Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema commutatum · also called aglaonema, Philippine evergreen
The Chinese evergreen is a tough, low-light aroid with patterned leaves. Water when the top half of the soil dries; it tolerates neglect and dim corners.
Aglaonema commutatum is a slow-growing aroid from the forest floors of Southeast Asia, where it thrives in deep shade. This shade adaptation makes it one of the most reliable houseplants for low-light rooms and offices. Its broad lance-shaped leaves come in striking patterns of silver, green, cream, and, in newer cultivars, vivid pink and red, giving year-round color without flowers.
Chinese evergreens are prized for being nearly indestructible, tolerating irregular watering, low humidity, and dim light that would kill fussier plants. Green and silver varieties handle the lowest light, while the colorful red and pink types need brighter conditions to keep their hues. They are slow growers that rarely need repotting, but like all aroids they are toxic to pets and people if chewed.
How to care for Chinese Evergreen
Light
Green and silver varieties thrive in low to medium indirect light, making them ideal for dim rooms; they tolerate shade better than almost any houseplant. Pink and red cultivars need brighter indirect light to keep their color. Avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Watering
Water when the top half of the soil has dried, roughly every 1 to 2 weeks, and less in low light or winter. It is sensitive to overwatering and prefers to dry out somewhat between drinks. When in doubt, wait, since it tolerates a bit of drought far better than soggy roots.
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity but adapts to average household air. Brown leaf tips can develop in very dry conditions. A nearby humidifier helps in winter but is not essential.
Temperature
Keep it warm, between 65 and 80F. It is cold-sensitive and suffers below 60F, developing grayish blotches from chilling. Keep it away from cold drafts, doors, and air conditioning vents.
Soil & potting mix
Use a well-draining, peat- or coir-based potting mix with perlite for aeration. It is not fussy about soil but must never sit in waterlogged conditions. A pot with drainage holes is essential.
Feeding
Feed lightly once a month during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Being a slow grower, it needs little feeding. Stop entirely in fall and winter.
Pruning & grooming
Minimal pruning is needed. Remove yellowing or damaged lower leaves at the base, and cut off the occasional flower spike to direct energy into foliage. Wipe the broad leaves to keep them dust-free.
Repotting
Repot only every two to three years, as it likes to be slightly root-bound and grows slowly. Move up one pot size in spring. Disturb the roots as little as possible.
Propagation
Propagate by division when repotting, separating rooted offshoots from the parent clump. Stem cuttings can also be rooted in water or soil, though division is the most reliable method.
Common Chinese Evergreen problems
- Grayish patches or cold damage. Exposure to temperatures below 60F causes grayish-green blotches and curled, damaged leaves. Move the plant to a warmer spot away from drafts and trim off the worst affected leaves.
- Yellow leaves. Overwatering is the usual culprit, causing soggy roots and yellowing foliage. Let the top half of the soil dry before watering and confirm the pot drains. Old lower leaves also yellow naturally with age.
- Brown leaf tips. Dry air, inconsistent watering, or fertilizer salt buildup cause crispy tips. Maintain steadier moisture, raise humidity slightly, and flush the soil occasionally to clear excess salts.
Chinese Evergreen FAQ
How much light does a Chinese evergreen need?
Green and silver-leaved varieties are among the best plants for low light and will grow happily in a dim room or office with only indirect light. The brightly colored pink and red cultivars are less shade-tolerant and need medium to bright indirect light to keep their vivid coloring. None should be placed in direct sun, which burns the foliage.
Why does my Chinese evergreen have gray blotches on the leaves?
Grayish or pale blotches are usually a sign of cold damage. Aglaonema is a warm-climate plant that suffers below about 60F, and chilly drafts or a cold windowsill in winter can chill the leaves. Move it to a consistently warm spot away from drafts and trim the damaged leaves.
How often should I water a Chinese evergreen?
Water when roughly the top half of the soil has dried out, which is often every one to two weeks indoors. It tolerates some drought far better than overwatering, so it is safer to wait than to keep the soil constantly wet. Water less frequently in low light and during winter.