Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen): The Complete Care Guide

The Aglaonema, known as the Chinese evergreen, is one of the most forgiving houseplants you can own. Its broad, mottled leaves — in silvery green or striking shades of pink and red — put up with conditions that would make other plants sulk. If you want color without the fuss, this is your plant.

Quick-care snapshot

• Light: low light (green varieties) or bright indirect light (pink and red).
• Watering: when the top 1-1.5 inches of soil dry out.
• Humidity: medium-to-high; avoid very dry air.
• Temperature: above 60 °F (16 °C), away from cold drafts.
• Difficulty: easy. Toxicity: toxic to pets and children.

Origin and varieties

It comes from the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, where it grows on the floor beneath taller trees. That heritage explains its great tolerance for low light. There are dozens of cultivars: the classic silver-greens (like 'Silver Queen') are the toughest, while the pink and red varieties ('Red Siam', 'Pink Dalmatian') are showier but a little fussier about light.

Light

• Green and silver varieties: tolerate shade and low light, perfect for dim corners.
• Pink and red varieties: need bright indirect light to keep their color; in low light the pink fades and reverts to green.
• Avoid direct sun, which scorches and bleaches the leaves.

If your colorful Aglaonema loses its intensity, it almost always needs more light. If all you have is a dark corner, go for a green variety and check our low-light plants guide.

Watering

Water when the top 1-1.5 inches of soil are dry. That's usually once a week in summer and every 10-15 days in winter. Aglaonema prefers to stay slightly dry rather than soggy: too much water rots its roots.

Rule of thumb: when in doubt, wait one more day before watering.

Humidity and temperature

Being tropical, it appreciates medium-to-high ambient humidity. In very dry, heated rooms you may see brown tips; group plants together or use a humidifier to raise it.

It's sensitive to cold: keep it above 60 °F (16 °C) and away from cold windows and drafts. Below about 59 °F (15 °C) its leaves can develop blotches or turn black.

Soil and repotting

Use an airy, well-draining mix: a general potting soil with a handful of perlite works well. It grows slowly, so it only needs repotting every 2-3 years, when roots fill the pot. Choose a container just a couple of inches larger.

Propagation

The easiest method is by division: when repotting, carefully separate the stems growing from the base, each with its own roots, and pot them up individually. You can also root stem cuttings in water or damp soil, though they take longer.

Common problems

• Brown tips and edges: dry air or hard, calcium-rich water. Use filtered or rainwater.
• Yellow leaves: usually overwatering; check the drainage.
• Dark, soft spots: cold or drafts. Move it away from the window in winter.
• Faded color: not enough light on the pink and red varieties.

If your plant looks off and you can't tell why, upload a photo to our AI diagnosis tool to narrow down the cause before you act.

Is it toxic?

Yes. Like its relative the Dieffenbachia, it contains calcium oxalates that irritate the mouth and throat of pets and children if chewed. Keep it out of reach.

With the right light for its variety, careful watering and warm temperatures, the Aglaonema will give you color and lush foliage for years with minimal upkeep.