Chinese evergreen care (Aglaonema)

The color rule

Before anything else, there is one principle that explains almost everything about aglaonema care: the more colorful the variety, the more light it needs.

This is not a coincidence. The pink, red, and orange pigments in flashy aglaonema varieties are produced as a response to higher light levels. In low light, those pigments fade and the leaves gradually revert to green. A fully green aglaonema has the most chlorophyll per leaf and therefore makes the most efficient use of limited light.

In practice, this means:

• Green or dark green varieties (Maria, Silver Bay, Emerald Beauty): genuinely tolerate low light, north windows, and rooms far from windows
• Variegated varieties with silver or white (Silver Queen, Cutlass): need medium indirect light, ideally a few feet from an east or west window
• Pink, red, and orange varieties (Red Siam, Pink Dalmatian, Creta, Sparkling Sarah): need bright indirect light to hold their color. These are not low-light plants despite what their labels sometimes say

If you buy a pink aglaonema and put it in a dark corner, you will still have a living plant for a long time, but it will slowly become a green aglaonema.

Light requirements

Chinese evergreens as a species are native to the shaded forest floors of tropical and subtropical Asia. They evolved under a canopy that filtered most direct sun, which is why the green varieties genuinely do well in lower light conditions than most houseplants.

That said, "tolerates low light" does not mean "prefers low light." All aglaonemas grow faster, look fuller, and produce more vibrant coloring with adequate bright indirect light. Low light is where they survive; medium to bright indirect light is where they thrive.

One thing aglaonemas cannot tolerate at all: direct harsh sun. Even sun-tolerant green varieties will scorch if placed in direct afternoon sun. A sheer curtain or some distance from a south-facing window is always a good idea.

Best window direction

For green varieties, a north-facing window is genuinely acceptable. A north windowsill is one of the few places in a home where an aglaonema will not just survive but actually grow at a reasonable rate. This makes them excellent choices for north-facing rooms, hallways, and office spaces without bright windows.

For variegated and colorful varieties, an east or west-facing window is the best placement. The bright indirect light from either direction lets the plant maintain its patterning and color without any risk of sun burn.

South-facing windows work for any aglaonema variety as long as the plant is not sitting directly in the sun stream. A few feet back from the glass, or with a sheer curtain, a south window provides excellent light for even the pinkest varieties without damage.

Watering

Water your Chinese evergreen when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil have dried out. Stick your finger into the soil to check; if it comes out slightly damp, wait a few more days.

In a well-lit spot during active growing season this might be every 7 to 10 days. In lower light or in winter, the same plant might only need water every 2 to 4 weeks. Light level and temperature are the main drivers of how fast the soil dries.

Aglaonemas are somewhat sensitive to fluoride and salts in tap water, which can cause brown leaf tips over time. If your tap water is heavily treated, filtered or rainwater will keep the foliage cleaner. Otherwise, allowing tap water to sit overnight before use lets some of the chlorine dissipate.

Soil and potting

Chinese evergreens want a well-draining mix that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. A standard indoor potting mix works, but adding a handful of perlite (about 20 to 30 percent by volume) improves drainage and reduces the risk of root rot.

Avoid heavy soils designed for outdoor plants or those marketed as moisture-retaining mixes. These stay wet too long for a plant sitting indoors in lower light.

Repot every 2 to 3 years or when roots begin growing out of the drainage holes. Go up only one pot size at a time. Aglaonemas do not particularly like being disturbed and may drop a leaf or two after repotting; this is normal and temporary.

Temperature and humidity

Chinese evergreens prefer temperatures between 65F and 85F. They are sensitive to cold in a way that catches many owners off guard. Exposure to temperatures below 55F, even briefly, causes cold damage that shows up as brown, mushy patches on the leaves. Keep them away from:

• Cold drafts from windows in winter
• Air conditioning vents blowing directly on the plant
• Unheated rooms that drop below 60F overnight
• Outdoor patios in any climate where nights get cool

Humidity-wise, Chinese evergreens are more tolerant than most tropical houseplants. They manage fine in typical home humidity (40 to 50 percent) without any intervention. In very dry heated homes in winter, occasional misting or a nearby humidifier will keep the leaf tips looking clean, but it is not strictly necessary.

Common problems

Yellow leaves

Almost always overwatering or root rot. Check the soil; if it is still damp from the last watering, let it dry before watering again. If the pot has been sitting in standing water, drain it. A single yellow lower leaf can be normal aging; several yellowing leaves at once indicates a watering or root problem.

Brown leaf tips

Usually caused by fluoride or salt buildup in the soil from tap water, or low humidity. Flush the soil with clean water every few months to wash out salt accumulation. Switch to filtered water if tip browning is ongoing.

Loss of color in variegated varieties

Not enough light. The pink, red, and patterned aglaonema varieties need bright indirect light to maintain their color. Move the plant closer to a window and the new growth should come in with more color.

Leggy, sparse growth

Also a light problem. Move the plant to a brighter spot. Aglaonemas in very low light grow slowly with long gaps between leaves and a generally thin appearance.

Brown, mushy patches on leaves

Cold damage. This appears where the leaf was exposed to cold air, cold water, or a cold draft. Move the plant somewhere warmer and avoid getting cold water on the foliage.

Spider mites

Chinese evergreens in dry indoor air can attract spider mites, which appear as tiny moving dots and leave fine webbing between leaves. Wipe leaves down with a damp cloth regularly, and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil at the first sign of infestation.

Toxicity

Chinese evergreens are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause immediate mouth irritation, drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. The reaction is painful but rarely life-threatening; contact a vet immediately if a pet ingests any part of the plant.

The sap can also cause mild skin irritation in people who are sensitive to it. Wear gloves when pruning or repotting if you have sensitive skin, and wash your hands afterwards.

If you have cats or dogs that tend to chew plants, look for a genuinely pet-safe alternative such as spider plants, calatheas, or hoyas.

Popular aglaonema varieties

Frequently asked questions