The Chinese evergreen belongs to the Aglaonema family. It is Native to tropical Southeast Asia. This plant thrives on jungle floors, where it enjoys warmth, moisture, and dappled shade. Its natural adaptability makes it an excellent choice for low-light indoor spaces.
Unlike most houseplants that demand precise growing conditions, Chinese evergreen stands out for its resilience. It is an incredibly easy tropical plant to grow as it tolerates low light, dry air, and occasional drought. Chinese evergreen plant care is simple and hassle-free.
Types of Chinese Evergreen
Several popular Chinese evergreen cultivars offer unique foliage patterns and colors:
Frasher – Displays milky green leaves with cream variegation and white petioles.
Pseudobracteatum – Features green-gray splotches with white highlights along the veins.
White Rajah – Boasts broad white variegation across its foliage.
Red Zircon – Showcases green leaves with pink blotches at the center.
Silver Bay – Has a silver-toned center that fades into green edges.
Maria – A shade-tolerant variety with dark green leaves and silvery stripes.
Chinese Evergreen Plant Care
Caring for Chinese evergreen is simple, making it a popular choice for houseplant lovers. Here are a few tips to keep it healthy and happy.
Light
Darker green Chinese evergreen varieties thrive in near-shade, while variegated types with lighter leaves need more bright, indirect light. Keep all varieties out of direct sunlight, as harsh rays can scorch their delicate foliage.
When moving your plant outdoors for spring and summer, gradually introduce it to sunlight over several days. Place it in a mostly shaded spot to prevent stress and leaf damage.
Soil
A well-drained, slightly acidic potting mix works best for Chinese evergreen. If the soil holds too much water, mix in sand or perlite to improve drainage. A blend of houseplant potting soil and perlite provides a reliable growing medium.
Water
Chinese evergreen prefers slightly dry conditions and cannot tolerate soggy soil. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry, reducing the frequency during winter. Avoid letting the plant dry out completely.
Temperature and Humidity
Chinese evergreens are sensitive to cold drafts and cannot tolerate temperatures below 55°F. They thrive in temperatures ranging from 65–80°F. Keep them away from vents, windows, and doors to prevent exposure to fluctuating temperatures.
Chinese evergreen thrives in consistently high humidity. Place it in a kitchen or bathroom or on a pebble tray to boost moisture levels. Use a small humidifier to maintain optimal conditions if the air is too dry.
Fertilizer
Feed Chinese evergreens with slow-release pellets or liquid houseplant fertilizer twice a year. You can do it once at the start and again at the end of its growing season. Alternatively, apply a diluted water-soluble fertilizer monthly during spring and summer for steady growth.
Pests and Plant Diseases
Chinese evergreen rarely faces serious pest or disease problems, but it can occasionally attract scale, mealybugs, or spider mites. To keep pests under control, treat infestations with neem oil.
Most issues stem from excessive moisture. Overwatering may cause fungal infections and root rot, so ensure proper drainage and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Pruning
Chinese evergreen rarely needs pruning, but you can remove brown or dying leaves at the base to keep it tidy. Older plants may produce calla-like blooms in spring or summer, which many growers trim off to encourage foliage growth. However, let the flowers mature and collect seeds for propagation if you prefer. If the plant becomes too large or leggy, a light trim helps maintain its shape.
Common Problems
Curling Leaves
Chinese evergreens are generally trouble-free, but their leaves may curl due to temperature fluctuations, low humidity, or underwatering. When leaf edges curl inward, the plant signals stress.
Increase humidity by using a pebble tray or humidifier, and keep the plant in a warm, draft-free spot. Remove any dry, brown leaves to encourage healthy growth.
Burnt Leaves
Bright direct sunlight can scorch Chinese evergreens, turning their leaf edges brown and dry. To prevent damage and keep the foliage healthy, move the plant to a spot with indirect or filtered light.
Yellow Leaves
Chinese evergreen thrives in slightly dry soil rather than excessive moisture. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering. Select a pot only 1 or 2 inches wider than the root ball to prevent water retention and root rot.
