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An illustration of a cluster of green leaves with white variegation on a light green background. The scene is calm and natural, emphasizing botanical beauty.

Chinese Evergreen

SCENTIFIC NAME: Aglaonema commutatum 'Maria'

KNOWN AS: Aglaonema, Philippine Evergreen

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Southeastern Asia | Tropical & Subtropical

DESCRIPTION: This plant is bushy and easy going. The stems are densely packed and the leaves are graceful and oblong. Each leaf is deep green with a unique pattern of lighter green splotches.

Easy difficulty & pet toxic

Chinese Evergreen Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Chinese evergreen plants are popular houseplants due to their attractive foliage and low maintenance requirements. They are tolerant of low light conditions but do better in medium to bright indirect light. While Chinese evergreens are low-light tolerant, they prefer bright, indirect lighting conditions that can be obtained by placing your plant in west-facing windows. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, while too little light can cause the plant to become leggy and lose its vibrant colors. If your Chinese evergreen plant is not getting enough light, you may notice that the leaves are turning yellow or the plant is growing slowly. If it is getting too much light, the leaves may become scorched or turn brown.

Lighting Recommendations

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Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow soil to completely dry between waterings. This plant prefers distilled water.

Chinese evergreens prefer to be kept consistently moist, but not soaked. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt and dry up. A good rule of thumb is to water your Chinese evergreen thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. A good tip is to water from the bottom like the plant would absorb water naturally. This helps to prevent moisture from sitting on the leaves, which can cause fungal diseases. In addition, it's important to avoid using water that's too cold or too hot, as this can shock the plant's roots. Aim to use room-temperature water instead. By following these watering techniques, you can help your Chinese evergreen thrive.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 85º

Chinese evergreen plants are tropical plants that thrive in warm temperatures. Ideally, they should be kept in an environment with temperatures between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 29 degrees Celsius). These plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) for a short period of time but long exposure to cold temperatures will damage the plant. It is important to avoid exposing Chinese evergreens to sudden temperature changes, such as drafts or air conditioning. It is also important to keep the humidity levels high, as these plants prefer moist air, remember they are from the tropics!

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 60 - 70%; High Humidity

The Chinese evergreen can tolerate low humidity levels. However, to keep this plant healthy and thriving, it is important to provide it with high humidity levels. To increase the humidity levels around your Chinese evergreen, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant. This will help to maintain a consistent level of humidity around the plant, which is essential for its growth and health. You can also mist your Chinese evergreen regularly to increase the humidity levels around the plant. This will help to keep the leaves moist and prevent them from drying out and snapping off. If you live in an area with low humidity levels, consider grouping your Chinese evergreen with other plants or using a plant cabinet to control the environment at all times. Plants release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration, like how humans sweat, which can help to increase the humidity levels around your Chinese evergreen.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Chinese evergreen plants can be propagated through stem cuttings or by dividing the plant. For stem cuttings, choose a healthy stem and cut it at a 45-degree angle just below a node, be sure to a clean cutting tool. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in moist soil or water until roots develop. For division, carefully remove the plant from its pot and separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with its own stem and roots. Repot each section into its own pot with fresh soil and water thoroughly. Keep the new plants in a warm and humid environment until they become established.
Toxicity
This plant is not safe for humans or pets, the plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and swelling if ingested. Ingesting the leaves or stems of Chinese evergreen can result in symptoms such as mouth and throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and gastrointestinal upset in both humans and animals. It is recommended to keep Chinese evergreen out of reach of children and pets and to wash hands thoroughly after handling the plant to avoid accidental ingestion.
Repotting
Chinese evergreen plants are easy to repot, and they don't require frequent repotting. The best time to repot a Chinese evergreen is in the spring, just before the plant begins to grow again. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot and has drainage holes. Fill the bottom of the new pot with fresh potting soil, and then gently remove the plant from its old pot, being careful not to damage the roots. Loosen any tangled or cramped roots, and trim away any damaged or dead roots with sterilized scissors. Place the plant in the new pot, and fill in around the roots with fresh potting soil, pressing the soil down lightly as you go. Water the plant thoroughly and allow the excess water to drain.
Pruning
Chinese evergreen plants are low-maintenance, and pruning is only necessary for removing dead or damaged leaves or stems. When pruning Chinese evergreens, it is important to use clean, sharp shears or scissors to prevent damaging the plant. Begin by identifying any yellow or brown leaves, as these are likely to be dead or dying. Use your shears or scissors to cut them off as close to the base of the plant as possible. If you notice any damaged or diseased stems, prune them back to healthy growth, making clean cuts just above a leaf node or bud. Additionally, if your Chinese evergreen becomes too large or leggy, you can pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth. note: be careful not to remove too much foliage at once, as this can shock the plant and affect its growth.
Fertilizer
Proper fertilization is key and can help these plants grow healthy and produce beautiful foliage. To fertilize a Chinese evergreen plant, use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce fertilization during the dormant season (fall and winter). Mix the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply it to the soil around the plant's base. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the plant's roots and cause leaf burn. Always water the plant thoroughly after fertilization to help the nutrients reach the roots.
Soil
Chinese evergreen plants thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good soil mix for Chinese evergreens is a combination of peat moss, and perlite, with some sand. This soil mix allows for good drainage while also retaining moisture and providing nutrients to the plant. Additionally, Chinese evergreens prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. It is important to avoid overwatering as this is susceptible to root rot and make sure the soil is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.

Hanging Heights

Chinese Evergreen Lighting Requirements: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Chinese Evergreen

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Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 60"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Chinese Evergreen

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 80"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 48"

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VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Chinese Evergreen

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 96"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 72"

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VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Chinese Evergreen

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 24"

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VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Chinese Evergreen

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 8" to 18"

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VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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