Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema
- Light
- Low light to medium light. Best spot: an east window, or a few feet back from a south or west one.
- Water
- Water when the top of the mix is dry
- Humidity
- Does better with extra humidity
- Potting mix
- An indoor potting mix with good drainage
- Size
- About 1.5 feet
- Pets
- Toxic to pets
How to care for a Chinese evergreen
NC State calls it one of the easiest plants for a home or office, and an excellent choice for low-light spots. Diffuse or good indirect light suits it. It prefers high humidity but tolerates drier air, and likes daytime temperatures of 70 to 80°F; it does not take cold. Keep the mix moist from spring to fall, let it dry between waterings, and water less in winter. Use room-temperature water.
Common problems
No serious problems; watch for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites and scale. Overwatering and cold water lead to root rot, and very dry air or drafts brown the leaves. It gets leggy with age.
Questions people ask
How much light does a Chinese evergreen need?
Low light to medium light. Best spot: an east window, or a few feet back from a south or west one.
How often should I water a Chinese evergreen?
Water when the top of the mix is dry.
Is Chinese evergreen toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Toxic to dogs, cats and horses: calcium oxalate crystals cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing.
Sources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a clear consensus of positive, independent reviews, or ones we bought and use ourselves. Each item on our gear page says which.