Chinese evergreen care guide
Aglaonema
Chinese evergreen (aglaonema) is one of the toughest, best-looking low-light plants you can buy. Its patterned leaves come in silver, green, pink and red, it tolerates office lighting and missed waterings, and it stays a tidy, bushy size.
This guide covers light, watering, soil, humidity, common problems and how care differs for the colorful pink and red varieties.
Low light · Medium light
About once a week
Easy
Not pet-safe
Where to water it
Pour water slowly onto the soil around the base, not over the leaves, until it runs out of the drainage holes. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes.
When: When the top 2 inches are dry.
Where to put it
Low to medium light. Darker green types handle the least light.
Common mistakes
- Cold rooms under 60°F
- Overwatering
- Direct sun
Chinese evergreen care at a glance
Care instructions for an indoor aglaonema.
| Need | What to do |
|---|---|
| Light | Low to bright, indirect light. Pink and red types need brighter light. |
| Water | When the top 1 to 2 inches are dry, about every 7 to 14 days. |
| Temperature | 65°F to 80°F. Keep above 60°F; cold damages leaves. |
| Humidity | Average indoor air is fine. Higher is better. |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix with perlite. |
| Fertilizer | Half strength monthly in spring and summer. |
| Repotting | Every 2 to 3 years. It likes being slightly snug. |
| Pets | Toxic to cats and dogs. |
How much light does a Chinese evergreen need?
Green and silver varieties like Silver Bay and Maria handle low light, including north windows and offices with only overhead lighting. They grow faster and fuller in medium, indirect light.
Pink and red varieties need medium to bright, indirect light to keep their color. In low light they fade toward green. All types burn in direct afternoon sun, which leaves pale, bleached patches.
How to water a Chinese evergreen
Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry, about every 7 to 14 days depending on light. Water until it drains, then empty the saucer. In winter, and in low light, water less often.
Chinese evergreens tolerate a missed watering much better than soggy soil. Constantly wet soil causes yellow leaves and root rot.
Soil, humidity, feeding and repotting
Use a well-draining potting mix with extra perlite, in a pot with drainage holes. Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring, one size up.
Average indoor humidity is fine, but brown, crispy edges are a sign the air is very dry. Grouping plants together or using a humidifier helps.
Feed with a half-strength balanced fertilizer monthly in spring and summer. Stop in fall and winter.
Common Chinese evergreen problems
Most issues come from water and cold.
- Yellow leaves: overwatering is the most common cause. An old bottom leaf yellowing now and then is normal.
- Brown tips and edges: dry air, uneven watering or fertilizer buildup.
- Dark, wet-looking patches: cold damage from drafts or temperatures below 60°F.
- Leggy, leaning stems: too little light. Rotate the pot and move it a little brighter.
- Pink or red fading to green: needs brighter, indirect light.
- Cottony white clusters: mealybugs. Dab with rubbing alcohol.
Aglaonema is one of the plants we rely on most for offices with little natural light. Leafstruck installs it in designer planters and maintains it on a weekly or biweekly schedule.
Office plant serviceOutdoor care
Chinese evergreens grow outdoors all year only in USDA zones 10 to 12, in full shade. Elsewhere they can summer outside in deep shade and come in before nights drop below 60°F.
Popular Chinese evergreen varieties
All share the same basic care. Colorful types need more light.
Silver Bay
Large silver-centered leaves with green edges.
Care: One of the best for low light. Fast and full.
Maria
Dark green leaves with gray-green markings.
Care: Very tolerant of low light. A classic office plant.
Pink aglaonema
Also sold as Pink Dalmatian, Pink Valentine
Leaves splashed or speckled in pink.
Care: Medium to bright, indirect light to stay pink.
Red aglaonema
Also sold as Siam Aurora, Red Siam, Firecracker, Lady Valentine
Green leaves edged or flushed with red or pink.
Care: Bright, indirect light and warmth. Slightly less tolerant of cold.
Sparkling Sarah
Green leaves with pink-cream centers and red stems.
Care: Medium to bright, indirect light.
Emerald Beauty
Green leaves with silver feathering.
Care: Low to medium light.
Your Chinese Evergreen watering schedule
Every 10 days · about every week and a half
Water the soil
Pour water slowly onto the soil around the base, not over the leaves, until it runs out of the drainage holes. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes.
Check first: When the top 2 inches are dry.
Schedules are a starting point. Always check the soil before you water. Full Chinese Evergreen care guide
Too many plants to keep track of? We water them for you.
Chinese Evergreen questions
How do you care for a Chinese evergreen?
Low to bright, indirect light, water when the top 1 to 2 inches are dry, keep it above 60°F, and feed lightly in spring and summer.
How often should I water a Chinese evergreen?
About every 7 to 14 days, when the top 1 to 2 inches are dry. Less often in winter and low light.
Can a Chinese evergreen live in low light?
Yes. Green and silver types like Silver Bay and Maria are among the best low-light plants. Pink and red types need brighter light.
Why are my Chinese evergreen's leaves turning yellow?
Usually overwatering. Let the top of the soil dry before watering, and make sure the pot drains.
How do I keep my pink aglaonema pink?
Give it medium to bright, indirect light. In low light the pink fades toward green.
Is Chinese evergreen toxic to pets?
Yes. It can irritate the mouth and cause drooling and vomiting in cats and dogs.
Low-light color for your office
Leafstruck uses Chinese evergreens to bring color to interior offices and conference rooms, with weekly care and free replacements.
Plants that like the same light
Test what you know
Water It Right game
Ten plants, two questions each: how often, and where does the water go?
GameFind the Right Spot game
Place each plant in the room where it will thrive, from sunny windows to windowless hallways.
QuizPlant matcher quiz
Answer five questions about your light, space and style to get three plants that will thrive.