Hard-as-nails Chinese Evergreen, also called Philippine Evergreen, or Aglaonema, is an easy-to-grow indoor plant that fits well into any indoor condition. Verdant, large, green, and glossy oval foliage laced with white, pink, silver, or red, on short stems – depending on the cultivar.
The plant looks pretty on your office table before it encroaches the entire space (better get shears ready). Larger Chinese Evergreens are perfect accent ornaments for empty corners and a delight to behold for elaborate furniture spaces.
| Genus Name | Aglaonema commutatum |
| Plant Type | perennial, indoor |
| Height | 1 to 3 ft |
| Breath | 1 to 3 ft wide |
| Foliage color | The leaves are usually long and oval or pointed. They can be green, silver, white, pink, or red in color with different variegations such as striped, splotches, or symmetrical in design. |
| Especially known for | low maintenance and slow growth |
| Propagation method | stem cuttings/division |
Caring for Your Chinese Evergreens
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Chinese Evergreen are valued for their ease of care. Several varieties on display indicate that the plant demonstrates high resistance to adverse growing conditions. Better outcomes can be realized by subjecting them to particular conditions, such as placing them in well-drained soil and sand, perlite, and potting soil in equal proportion.
The plant grows excellently in mid-to-low-light conditions.
Aglaonema requires a decent amount of moisture in soil combinations that drain well.
As part of your Chinese Evergreen caregiving routine, fertilize them once or twice a year using a water-dissolvable houseplant fertilizer.
To reduce the buildup of dust on leaves, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.
Avoid temperatures lower than 62°F (17°C)
Lighting
Chinese Evergreen can manage low-lighting conditions and indirect sunlight. You can place it anywhere in your home, but ensure the plant enjoys warm temperatures and humid conditions. Please keep it away from direct light in all that you do, as it will burn the leaves before you know what’s happening.
Soil
Chinese Evergreens are adaptive plants. Their easy-going nature makes them thrive in a 50% appease mix of potting soil and perlite plus sand. Such a combination ensures that the soil maintains adequate permeability and drainage for plant growth.
Temperature
Aglaonema plant performs well at temperatures that are not less than 65°F (16°C). Average temps of 70°F and 72°F (21°C to 22°C) are ideal. They are so resilient that they can survive in temperatures of 50°F and 55°F (10°C to 13°C).
The plant requires average to high room humidity. Raising the humidity levels of a room improves its development and prevents leaves from drying or shriveling up. They need average watering – about 2 to 3 inches down or when the soil meter indicates 3 to 4. Allow the soil to dry out in between irrigating. Overwatering causes root rot.
Pruning and Propagating If Needed
If the Evergreen grows too big and becomes leggy, then it’s time for a quick trim. Pruning this way gives you a chance to save cuttings and propagate new ones. Chances are, you’re not going to prune very often because Chinese Evergreen grows slowly. Hand-remove dead leaves whenever you see them so that the ornament can focus on healthy growth.
Propagation can be achieved by dividing the shoots during winter and spring.
To start:
- Extract the plant from the pot by tilting it to the side and digging it out from a towel.
- Now that you have extracted the plant tap the root ball to separate it and remove excess soil.
- Disentangle the roots and split the plant into two smaller parts (you may use uncontaminated garden shears or a knife).
- Repot the smaller plants and take care of them as you would an entire plant.
- Do not fertilize until after the first month as you may scorch the roots now that it has become sensitive after separation.
How to Prepare Chinese Evergreens for Winter
Aglaonemas do not like cold weather. They thrive in warm, wind-free areas. Make your plant happy by watering it half as often in winter. When temperatures drop to less than 50°F (10°C), yellow leaves will appear. Remove affected leaves and bring the plant indoors during winter.
Common Pests and Disease
Chinese evergreen plants can come under attack by aphids, scale, spider mites, and mealybugs. Check for early symptoms from time to time to avoid these issues.
Final Thoughts
A bit of tradition here: Chinese evergreens are symbolic among Asians for bringing good fortune. They are also an interior decorator’s favorite. And that’s why you find them in offices and commercial areas globally, all thanks to their superpower for optimizing poor lighting.
Chinese Evergreens, characterized by verdant, large, green, and glossy oval leaves punctuated with white, pink, silver, or red on short stems, are so easy to tend that even a total novice can become an expert gardener. They are one of the most long-standing houseplants you can raise as they easily withstand drafts and droughts.
All cultivars of Aglaonema have a rich array of distinguishable foliage, which may range from the deep sharp, deep red of Red Emerald to the silvery and dark green leaves of Silver Queen.
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