How to Fertilize Chinese Evergreen 'Wishes'

Aglaonema 'Wishes'

Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Quick Answer

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half strength. Feed once a month during spring and summer. Stop feeding entirely in fall and winter when growth slows.

When Should I Start Feeding My Chinese Evergreen 'Wishes'?

Since Chinese Evergreen 'Wishes' is grown indoors, its feeding schedule follows seasonal changes in natural light rather than outdoor temperature.

Pacific Mar–Oct

Mountain Apr–Sep

Midwest Apr–Sep

Northeast Apr–Sep

Southeast Mar–Oct

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How Often Should I Fertilize My Chinese Evergreen 'Wishes'?

Feed your Chinese Evergreen 'Wishes' once a month during the growing season, roughly spring through early fall. This plant is not a heavy feeder, so monthly is plenty.

Taper off in early fall as daylight decreases. Stop feeding completely in winter. Even though the plant stays green year-round indoors, its growth rate drops significantly when light levels fall.

If you notice brown leaf tips or edges, that often points to fertilizer salt buildup rather than underfeeding. Flush the soil with plain water and pause feeding for a few weeks.

Feeding Calendar

Spring

Half-strength liquid monthly

Summer

Half-strength liquid monthly

Early Fall

One final light feeding, then stop

Late Fall & Winter

No feeding

What Is the Best Fertilizer for Chinese Evergreen 'Wishes'?

Chinese Evergreen 'Wishes' is a foliage plant, so it benefits most from a balanced fertilizer with equal or near-equal NPK numbers like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. This supports the lush, patterned leaves without pushing leggy growth.

A liquid fertilizer diluted to half the label rate works best. Chinese Evergreens are slow to moderate growers and don't need heavy feeding. Full-strength applications risk salt buildup that browns leaf tips.

Slow-release granules are a fine alternative if you tend to forget feeding schedules. Scatter a small amount on the soil surface once at the start of spring and again in midsummer.

Synthetic

Dyna-Gro Foliage-Pro 9-3-6

Complete liquid formula with all 16 essential nutrients. Mix 1/4 teaspoon per gallon for regular feeding. Great for foliage-focused plants.

Schultz All Purpose 10-15-10

Affordable liquid concentrate available at most garden centers. Use 7 drops per quart of water at half strength.

Organic

Liqui-Dirt Organic Concentrate

All-in-one organic option with beneficial microbes. One scoop per gallon of water, applied monthly.

Worm castings

A gentle slow-release soil amendment. Mix a thin layer into the top inch of soil every couple of months for a mild nutrient boost.

How Do I Fertilize My Chinese Evergreen 'Wishes'?

Water your plant first

Give your Chinese Evergreen a thorough watering before you fertilize. Moist soil prevents the fertilizer from burning the roots.

Dilute to half strength

Mix your liquid fertilizer at half the recommended dose. For a 20-20-20 concentrate, that's typically 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water.

Pour evenly over the soil

Apply the diluted fertilizer slowly and evenly across the soil surface. Avoid splashing the solution onto the leaves.

Let excess drain completely

Allow all extra water to run out through the drainage holes. Empty the saucer after about 15 minutes so the roots don't sit in standing fertilizer water.

Watch for salt buildup

If you see a white crust forming on the soil surface, flush the pot with plain water until it runs clear from the bottom. This rinses out excess mineral salts.

Got More Questions?

Can I use banana peels or coffee grounds on my Chinese Evergreen?

It's best to skip the kitchen scraps. Banana peels decompose slowly in pots and attract pests. Coffee grounds can make the soil too acidic for this plant. A diluted liquid fertilizer is more effective and predictable.

What happens if I over-fertilize my Chinese Evergreen?

The most common sign is brown, crispy leaf edges and tips. You may also see a white salt crust on the soil surface. Flush the soil thoroughly with plain water and hold off on feeding for at least a month.

Does my Chinese Evergreen need fertilizer if it's in low light?

Plants in low light grow more slowly and need less fertilizer. Cut the frequency to every 6-8 weeks instead of monthly, and always use half-strength. Too much fertilizer in low light can cause more harm than too little.

Should I fertilize right after repotting?

Wait at least 4-6 weeks after repotting before fertilizing. Fresh potting mix already contains nutrients, and the roots need time to recover from the move.

Can I use slow-release fertilizer instead of liquid?

Yes. Scatter slow-release granules on the soil surface once in early spring and again in midsummer. This is a good option if you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach.

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About This Article

Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist

About the Author

Kiersten Rankel holds an M.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University. A certified Louisiana Master Naturalist, she has over a decade of experience in science communication, with research spanning corals, cypress trees, marsh grasses, and more. At Greg, she curates species data and verifies care recommendations against botanical research.

See Kiersten Rankel's full background on LinkedIn.

Editorial Process

Fertilizer recommendations verified against Aglaonema 'Wishes' growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.

74+ Greg users growing this plant

USDA hardiness zones 10a–12b

Citations:
NC State Extension
Missouri Botanical Garden
UF IFAS Extension

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