Chinese Evergreen Care: Light, Water and Leaf Health
Care for Aglaonema while recognising cultivar differences.
Quick questions
Can Chinese evergreen grow in low light?
Many green Aglaonema forms tolerate it, but growth slows. Variegated cultivars may need brighter indirect light.
Why are its leaves yellow?
Check the age and pattern of yellowing, mix moisture, roots and pests before changing care.
Should I mist the leaves?
Misting does not replace root watering or reliably raise room humidity. Address a persistently dry room with a humidifier if needed.
Is Aglaonema safe for pets?
No. It contains irritating calcium oxalate crystals and should be kept out of reach.
Chinese evergreen refers to Aglaonema, a genus with many species and cultivars. The photograph shows a silver-green cultivar; check your label because leaf patterns and light needs vary.
Light and position
Choose indirect light. Green forms tolerate lower light, while strongly variegated forms may show better colour with brighter filtered light. Keep leaves away from harsh direct sun and cold glass.
Water by checking the pot
Let the upper mix begin to dry before watering thoroughly and draining. Check below the surface in a large pot. Chinese evergreen can develop root trouble if mix remains wet for long periods.
Soil, pot and growth
Use a pot with holes and a loose mix that wets evenly. Repot when roots are crowded or the mix has broken down. Keep this tropical plant in a warm room away from cold draughts.
If something looks wrong
Yellowing can come from ageing, light, roots or pests. Check whether only old leaves are affected, whether the pot stays wet and whether new growth looks healthy. Remove only clearly dead tissue with clean tools.
Safety and the next check
Aglaonema contains irritating calcium oxalate crystals. Keep it away from pets and children who may chew leaves; seek advice after ingestion.
Keep a short record of when you checked the mix, watered and moved the plant. Compare new growth with your notes before making another change.
Related LeafLovers guides
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