How to Grow Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema commutatum
Chinese evergreen is one of the most forgiving houseplants, tolerating low light, dry air, and irregular watering. It prefers bright indirect light — brightly variegated varieties need more light to keep their colour — and temperatures above 15°C. Water when the top 2 cm of soil dries out and feed monthly in spring and summer. An excellent choice for beginners or low-light rooms.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed monthly with a diluted balanced liquid fertiliser during spring and summer. Stop feeding in winter when growth slows significantly.
Watch For
- Mealybug
- Scale insects
- Spider mites in dry conditions
- Root rot from overwatering
- Leaf tip browning from low humidity
Track your Chinese Evergreen care schedule — pruning, feeding, and seasonal tasks
Start planning freeCare Requirements
☀️ Light
Bright indirect light preferred; plain green varieties tolerate low light
Place in bright indirect light for best growth and colour. Plain green varieties can adapt to quite low light but grow more slowly. Avoid direct sun which scorches the leaves. Brightly variegated pink and red varieties fade in low light.
💧 Watering
Water when the top 2 cm of soil dries out
Allow the top 2 cm of compost to dry before watering. Water thoroughly then allow to drain fully. Use room-temperature water to avoid root shock. Reduce frequency in winter. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
🌱 Fertilizing
Monthly feed in spring and summer; none in winter
Feed monthly with a diluted balanced liquid fertiliser during spring and summer. Stop completely in autumn and winter when growth naturally slows. Over-feeding causes salt build-up and leaf tip browning.
✂️ Pruning
Remove yellowing or damaged leaves as needed
Aglaonema requires very little pruning. Cut away yellow, brown, or damaged leaves cleanly at the base of the stem. If the plant becomes leggy, it can be cut back hard in spring and will reshoot from the base.
🌿 Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity; tolerates average indoor levels
Aglaonema prefers humidity of 50% or above but tolerates typical indoor levels. Brown leaf tips indicate air that is too dry. Mist the leaves occasionally, place on a pebble tray with water, or use a humidifier in heated rooms during winter.
Growing Tips
Match variety to light level
Plain green varieties tolerate very low light; brightly variegated pink/red varieties need bright indirect light to maintain their colour. Choose accordingly for the room.
Wipe leaves regularly
The broad leaves collect dust which blocks photosynthesis. Wipe with a damp cloth monthly to keep them glossy and healthy.
Keep away from cold draughts
Aglaonema is very sensitive to cold air from open windows or air conditioning. Keep above 15°C and away from draughts at all times.
Water with room-temperature water
Cold tap water can cause root stress. Leave water to stand for an hour before using, or use lukewarm water.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Mealybugs
Pest Spider Mites
Pest Scale Insects
Disease Root Rot
Disease Bacterial Leaf Spot
Log Chinese Evergreen in your garden — track growth, care, and harvests year after year
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