Chinese evergreen care: watering, light and repotting
Also called aglaonema · Aglaonema commutatum · Araceae family
12 d in winter
How often to water the Chinese evergreen?
Allow about 7 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 12 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Perfect for low-light rooms. Dislikes cold below 59 °F (15 °C).
Misting every 7 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The Chinese evergreen is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 1–2.5 ft (30–70 cm).
Toxic to pets and children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Yellowing leaves
Cause: Too much water or cold. What to do: Let the surface dry out and keep it warm.
Brown edges
Cause: Dry air. What to do: Mist regularly.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the Chinese evergreen?
About every 7 days in spring and summer, and every 12 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the Chinese evergreen?
The Chinese evergreen is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Should you mist the Chinese evergreen?
Yes, misting every 7 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the Chinese evergreen?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the Chinese evergreen safe?
The Chinese evergreen is toxic to pets and to children if eaten. Keep the plant out of reach and, if it's eaten, call a vet or a poison control centre.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the Chinese evergreen forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.