Members only
Unlock the Plant Library
Care guides for 220+ plants: light, water, soil, pets, seasonal calendars and troubleshooting. Enter the password from your welcome email to get in.
Plant Profiles / Chinese evergreen
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Chinese evergreen
Aglaonema spp. and hybrids · Aglaonema
A tolerant houseplant with beautifully patterned leaves in silver, green, pink and red. Ideal for lower-light rooms.
Low to bright indirectLight
Every 1–2 weeksWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Low to bright indirect
ShadeFull sun
Green types handle low light; colourful types need brighter, indirect light.
Water
Every 1–2 weeks
DryWet
Water when the top half is dry.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Likes some humidity.
Temperature
18–27°C (65–80°F)
CoolWarm
Keep above 13°C (55°F).
Growth
Slow, bushy
SlowFast
Grows 30–60 cm.
Soil
Free-draining
LeanRich
Potting mix with perlite.
Fertiliser
Monthly, spring–summer
RarelyOften
Diluted liquid fertiliser.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Contains calcium oxalate crystals.
About this plant
Aglaonemas come from the forests of tropical Asia. Modern hybrids offer vivid pink and red leaves. Darker green types handle low light; colourful types need brighter spots.
Best spots
Offices, bedrooms, living rooms and lower-light corners.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Aglaonema spp. and hybrids |
| Family | Araceae |
| Origin | Tropical Asia |
| Plant type | Evergreen perennial |
| Mature size | 30–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Foliage | Patterned green, silver, pink or red |
| Flowers | Small spathes |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Division or cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Fertilise
Water less
Active growthFertiliseWater less
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering. |
| Brown edges | Cold drafts or dry air. |
| Faded colour | Not enough light. |
| Leggy growth | Low light; cut back. |
| Mealybugs | Treat with alcohol. |
Common questions
Can it handle low light?
Yes, especially green varieties.
Is it toxic?
Yes.
Should I remove flowers?
Optional; removing them directs energy to leaves.
How do I propagate it?
Divide at repotting.
