Aglaonema “Chinese Evergreen” Plant Care

Some time ago, while visiting a friend after a while, I noticed a new plant in one of her corners. I remember I couldn’t resist asking why she was growing a miniature bush in her home. She said it wasn’t a bush but an aglaonema plant.

A what, excuse me? Naturally, being a plant lover myself, I couldn’t resist getting one and I heartily recommend you do the same. If you have any concerns about aglaonema plant care, I am here for you!

So, let’s go step by step and see how to care for these gorgeous indoor plants and make them all the more beautiful!

What is Agloenema Plant

Aglaonema plants, also known as Chinese Evergreen, are a popular houseplant choice due to their attractive and colorful foliage with different patterns and colors. These plants are extremely easy to care for. No wonder it’s always a choice in any houseplant community.

Aglaonema’s are herbaceous tropical evergreens native to the forest of South East Asia.

Chinese evergreen thrives in low to medium light conditions and prefers well-draining soil. With a little attention, they can grow into beautiful, lush plants that add a touch o nature to any indoor space.

Also, Chinese evergreen plants have air-purifying qualities, making them a great choice for improving indoor air quality.

Aglaonema “Chinese Evergreen” Plant Care Basic

Please refer to the table below for a brief care guide.

chinese evergreen care card

Aglaonema Ideal Lighting

aglaonema in pink and green variegation


Ok, the first thing that you need to know here is that not all aglaonemas require the same amount of light. How so? Well, for starters, there are many varieties/variegations of aglaonema, so you need to be sure of which one is yours.

For example, aglaonema maria and red aglaonema care are not the same. Basically, the main fact here is that the lighter variegations (i.e. the ones with brighter leaves) require more light, and the darker ones will thrive in shade.

Still, in no case whatsoever you should expose your aglaonema directly to the sun. It’s a NO. A big one! You can never go wrong with bright, indirect light to any variety of your Chinese evergreen plants.

If you treat your aglaonema as an outdoor plant ( which by the way they all are ), make sure to place them near a tree or large plants that it can get shade from when the heat is too extreme.

Chinese Evergreen Temperature and Humidity


To be perfectly honest with you here – aglaonemas are kinda delicate creatures. They do like high humidity – they like it very much so. So, to aid the humidity in the air and the soil itself, try misting it every once in a while.

It goes a long way in creating (not to say, imitating) the greenhouse conditions that Aglaonema thrives in. As for temperature, keep it at 65°F and it’ll do just fine.

To further support my claim about the delicacy of aglaonema (any variety), they are highly draft intolerant. So, keep them away from windows, air conditioning, balconies, and the like. Keep the temperature at the given optimum if you want your beauty aglaonema to grow properly.

Aglaonema Best Potting Mix

potting mix


Our Chinese evergreen yellow leaves plant cannot go with just any soil that comes to your mind. Naturally, you will go with well-drained soil that doesn’t keep the excess water for too long. As for the mix itself, stick to the peat-based mix with added perlite.

This will be the best choice for optimum drainage. On the other hand, some nitrogen is also a good choice (though, not too much). Basically, any loose soil will do great.

Watering your Aglaonema Chinese evergreen plant


Ah, I learned the hard way that aglaonema plants love water. Particularly so during the summer. Obviously, you will have to water abundantly during the summer season so the plant has sufficient humidity. Also, remember to mist!

On the other hand, you can cut back on watering during the wintertime since aglaonema will not require that much water. And just like any other plants, they don’t like to be overwatered coz it can lead to root rot. Only water these gorgeous beasts when the top 2-inch soil is dry.

ATTENTION!!!

Never let your aglaonema dry out! This is detrimental or their overall health. Drying out means depriving your aglaonema of the required water and humidity levels it needs to survive. Even if it is quite dry, don’t try to make it up with the next watering.

Be moderate and take proper care to water regularly.

Fertilizing Aglaonema

slow release fertilizer


‘Cause, why the heck not?

I mean, we all go for a little fertilizer every once in a while.

Adding fertilizer to aglaonema is always a good idea since it will boost growth and improve the general well-being of the plant.

As is the case with plants in general, fertilizer is omitted when aglaonema is in its dormant phase. Naturally, this is the winter season so hold back the fertilizer until spring.

At that time, you can start mixing fertilizer with your soil. I am sure you already know that there are multiple forms of fertilizer to choose from, but for optimum results for an aglaonema, pellets (slow-releasing ones, mind you) are a perfectly good choice.

Another option is to give it a try to liquid fertilizer.

See what works best and fertilize away!

Again, don’t overdo it. Too much fertilizer can cause the leaves or stems to burn, so be moderate.

Chinese Evergreen Plant Propagation


Once you get to love a plant, you keep finding ways to propagate it. However, it’s not that simple at times. I remember my gerbera developed some side shoots (I don’t know how either) and I plucked them out and placed them in water.

Of course, I didn’t achieve anything since it is a fact that gerberas propagate by root division every two years. So, stick to the “traditional” methods of propagating. For aglaonema, this means that you need to stick to newly developed plant shoots that you can use for further repotting.

Another way is when you have just purchased the plant you divide it (there will be multiple shoots).Good luck!

Potting & Repotting your Chinese Evergreen


Interestingly, this maintenance step is the one where we see how simple aglaonema is (in a good way). Namely, aglaonema is a slow-growing plant and it doesn’t grow very high or wide. When fully grown, it can reach some 10–48 inches, which is not a lot.

Still, it takes time and time for the aglaonema to reach this size. This is why you have this advantage that you can repot it every two to three years. Then go a size up with the pot and you’re good to go.

From experience, I figured that the pierced pots are the best option for aglaonema since they make the excess water run through eliminating the threat of rot.

Potting & Repotting

As for the color and shape of pots – you don’t need me for this.

Mix and match, do as you please.

Chinese Evergreen Common Diseases and Pests


We are all aware that there comes a time when you just can’t but watch your plant give in to the pests. Luckily, it is in our nature to care for the plants sufficiently to help them overcome this problem. Speaking of aglaonema, mealybugs, and spider mites are the most typical pests.

You can get rid of these with adequate pesticides. Just follow the instructions on use inscribed on the product of your choosing.

Check our Aglaonema Varieties blog for more beautiful Chinese evergreen cultivars.

Final Thought


Aglaonemas are lovely plants and you should definitely get one, no matter if it is aglaonema Creta, Maria, or Aurora.

Although aglaonema care may seem a bit tricky at first, this is where you got all the info, so use them to your advantage and grow a beautiful aglaonema yourself.

Try it today and leave some photos in the comments.

Bye!

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