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4.7 out of 5 (231 experiences)


About Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreens have been growing in homes throughout Asia for centuries as symbols of good fortune. They were introduced to the Western world in 1885. Their ancestors were cultivated starting in the 1930s and became especially successful in Florida, where most foliage plants are now produced. 🤞
Taxonomy
Aglaonema commutatum
Aglaonema
Araceae
Alismatales
Also known as
Golden Evergreen, Philippine Evergreen and Posion Dart Plant

How to care for Chinese Evergreen

How often to water your Chinese Evergreen

every 7
Chinese Evergreen needs 0.5 cups of water every 7 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
7

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Chinese Evergreen in your home

a window
Chinese Evergreen can tolerate being far from a window and light source.
Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Chinese Evergreen in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Chinese Evergreen

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Chinese Evergreen after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Chinese Evergreen is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!
Water Needs
Chinese Evergreen is sensitive to dry soil and should be watered frequently. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Chinese Evergreen can tolerate being far from a window and light source. Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Chinese Evergreen is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Humidity
Chinese Evergreen doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Soil
Chinese Evergreen does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Chinese Evergreen should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Dormancy
It’s common for Chinese Evergreen to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
Native Region
Chinese Evergreen is native to tropical Asia and New Guinea.
Flowers
Yes, you may see your Chinese Evergreen bloom with the right amount of sunlight and water.
Growth Pattern
Chinese Evergreen is a clumping plant, meaning new growth will emerge from the soil around the parent plant.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Chinese Evergreen can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-12a. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
Chinese Evergreen can be propagated by division into new individual plants.
- Check to see if there is more than one plant. In some cases they may still be beneath the soil surface. If you feel confident, you may remove the soil to check for baby plantlets below!
- If there are multiple plants growing, unpot the plant and gently tug the plants apart, being careful not to disturb too many of the roots. They may be connected by large root segments which you may need to break to free the plantlet.
- Pot up the new plant in well-draining soil
- Repot the parent plant back into its original pot
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant retiring old leaves.
If it seems like there’s a problem, the most likely cause of yellow leaves in Chinese Evergreen is underwatering. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Yellow leaves can less often be caused by overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Give your plant a good drink and it should perk back up and download Greg to make sure your plant never goes thirsty again!
Care Summary for Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 7 days

< 6ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say












Not the most straightforward at first!
My first two plants got severe root rot - which I since learned they are easily prone to.
I am trying to save them by propagation. One took off, other still needs time.
When they are doing well they are some of the most rewarding and lush plants to keep, just maybe save them for when you have a good handle on the easier plants and have your basics down with soil, pots, and root health!





Amazing beautiful plants, took one star down bc they’re not the most straightforward for beginners. Plus Greg’s advice on these to water them often is off, which doesn’t help!
They are VERY prone to root rot.
Mine have finally taken off now that they are in terracotta pots with an aerated mix, I water regularly and let dry in between.
