Luckily, care for a Chinese Evergreen houseplant is straightforward.
The Chinese Evergreen is vibrant, rewarding, and providing care is easy. Ever since I obtained my first Chinese Evergreen houseplant, I’ve enjoyed every moment besides its radiant beauty. I’ve also noticed the houseplant at more and more restaurants and public places I visit. Almost like how you see more of your new vehicle’s make and model on the road due to proximity and familiarity.
The Chinese Evergreen is a subtropical plant known as Aglaonema from the Araceae family. They have been celebrated in Asia for centuries as a plant that brings luck.
I have a “Silver Bay” Chinese Evergreen with lighter pigmentation on the leaves. I love the beautiful variegation on the “Silver Bay” houseplants! Although Chinese Evergreen can survive in low light, the lighter pigmented variations of the plant need a bit more light to survive successfully.
Have Chinese Evergreen houseplant care questions? I’m here to help you!
Water, Lighting & Temperature for the Chinese Evergreen
As you may be familiar, Chinese Evergreen has a reputation as an easy houseplant to care for due to its ability to thrive even in low-light situations.
- Water — Standing water will cause root rot in your plant, but Chinese Evergreen plants like to remain continually moist. I like to water roughly every seven days, and I water once the top two inches of soil have become dry.
- Light — Indirect, bright light. It’s best to keep your Chinese Evergreen away from bright, harsh sunlight.
- Temperature & Humidity — High humidity of 60-70% will keep your Chinese Evergreen thriving. Try not to let your plant live in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, as cooler, non-tropical temperatures can hurt a Chinese Evergreen. A temperature of 72 °F is the sweet spot.
- Soil — The soil should drain water away and be planted in potting soil that is a bit acidic.
- Propagation and Repotting — Take the time to re-pot your plant every few years. You can pull off new upward plants coming off the main plant and propagate in soil, along with their roots and leaves.
Chinese Evergreen plants are toxic to dogs and cats, so be absolutely sure the plant won’t come in contact with your animals or get knocked over into their reach.
Is Chinese Evergreen good for indoor?
Chinese Evergreen plants make great indoor plants due to their ability to tolerate lower light levels. You’ve probably seen them often, planted in displays in doctor’s offices and restaurants.
Do Chinese Evergreens like to be misted?
Yes! In most cases, tropical plants with sleek, smooth leaves like misting, but with a fine mist and not large water droplets. Don’t let standing water sit on houseplant leaves. My Chinese Evergreen plants have always flourished with a light misting each morning. If your plant species have fuzzy “fur,” then it’s less likely to receive misting well.
Should I cut brown leaves off Chinese Evergreen?
You can leave lower, browning leaves on a Chinese Evergreen until they start to shrivel up. Old, dying leaves give nutrients back to the entire plant. For the overall presentation and beauty of the plant, I’ll sometimes cut off browning leaves prematurely, knowing that I may be cutting nutrient potential short.
If you suspect a leaf is browning due to disease, it’s best to cut the leaf off immediately, so illness doesn’t spread to the rest of your plant.
Can Chinese Evergreens have direct sunlight?
Chinese Evergreen plants like to live in indirect light, without harmful, direct sun rays. With too much sun or not enough humidity, leaves can start to droop, and leaf tips can brown.
