Guide
How to Care for Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The short answer
Chinese evergreens (Aglaonema) are among the most forgiving houseplants: they prefer low to moderate, indirect light — solid green varieties tolerate low light, while variegated types need brighter spots — and no direct sun. Per Clemson Extension, keep the soil constantly moist but not too wet, letting the top 1–2 inches dry before watering again with room-temperature water.
They prefer 68–80°F and tolerate average household humidity, but keep them above 55°F and never below 50°F — cold exposure is a common cause of decline. Yellowing usually traces back to overwatering (root rot), cold, or fertilizer burn.
What a Chinese Evergreen Is
Aglaonema is a slow-growing tropical foliage plant with lance-shaped leaves in green, silver, and (in newer cultivars) pink and red patterns. Its tolerance of low light and average indoor humidity makes it a staple office and low-light houseplant.
Light
Low to moderate, indirect light is ideal. Solid green varieties handle low light; variegated types need brighter conditions to hold their pattern. Avoid direct sunlight.
Watering, Soil, and Drainage
Keep the soil constantly moist but not too wet — allow the top 1–2 inches to dry before watering again, using room-temperature water. Pot in a standard soilless mix with extra humus, always in a container with drainage holes.
Humidity and Temperature
Aglaonemas prefer moderate humidity but tolerate low; average household conditions work. Keep temperatures at 68–80°F, tolerating down to 55°F, and never expose the plant below 50°F.
Propagation Basics
- 1Division — Split a multi-stemmed clump into sections at repotting time.
- 2Stem or tip cuttings — Root cuttings from stems or tips; bare lower stems can be removed and rooted too.
- 3Air layering — An option for leggy canes you want to root before cutting.
Yellow Leaves and Other Problems
- Yellowing with soggy soil: overwatering and root rot — let the top 1–2 inches dry first
- Sudden decline after a cold snap or drafty spot: chilling injury — keep above 55°F
- Burned leaf edges: excessive fertilizer
- Pests: mealybugs, aphids, scales, and mites
⚠ Aglaonema leaves can be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats — check the ASPCA toxic plants database and keep the plant out of reach.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- Clemson University HGIC — Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Care — Low-to-moderate indirect light with variety differences, constantly-moist-not-wet watering with top 1–2 in dry, soilless mix with humus, 68–80°F range and 50°F floor, propagation by division/cuttings/air layering, fertilizer burn and root rot issues, pest list, pet toxicity note