Looking to infuse your living space with a splash of color, a hint of exoticism, or just some vibrant life? The Chinese evergreen could be a great addition to your home. These plants are not only visually appealing with their striking foliage and diverse color palette, but they also hold a special place in traditional Chinese feng shui, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and success. Plus, they can reduce indoor air pollution by filtering out harmful substances like benzene and formaldehyde. The best part? Chinese evergreens are easy to care for, even for beginners. If you’re interested in bringing one of these beauties into your home, be sure to check out this comprehensive guide on how to care for Chinese evergreens, covering everything from basic maintenance to propagation.
About Chinese Evergreen Plant
Chinese evergreen, or Aglaonema as it’s scientifically called, belongs to the Araceae family. These plants are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and New Guinea, where they have been cultivated for centuries. They have lush, oval leaves that come in a variety of colors and patterns, from dark green and silver to red, pink, and yellow. While their growth rate is relatively slowly, they can eventually reach heights of around 3 feet when kept indoors. With sufficient light, Chinese evergreens may even produce delicate calla lilies-like blooms.
Chinese Evergreen Varieties
Chinese evergreen has a wide range of color combinations, and the various hues can really bring eye-catching effects to different home decor styles. Here are some of my favorites:
- Silver Queen - This is the most classic Chinese evergreen, with long, slender, silvery leaves and dark green margins
- Silver Bay - A close relative to the Silver Queen, but with broader, more rounded leaves and higher concentration of silver
- Red Catrina - Green leaves with striking red or vibrant pink veins
- Siam Aurora - The opposite of Red Catrina, this variety has large green leaves that are adorned with red edges and red spots in the middle
- Maria Christina - This type has a silvery-grey pattern and is small and compact, making it a good tabletop plant
- Pink Dalmatian - A trendy choice with pink speckles scattered across its green foliage
- Emerald Bay - Rich green leaves with mottled silver markings
How to Care for Chinese Evergreens
Once set up, Chinese evergreens require little to no care and can thrive anywhere in your home. Still, there are a few care tips to know about that can help them grow better.
Light
Chinese evergreen thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as that can scorch its leaves. While the plant tolerates low light, you may find that its vibrant colors fade a bit in darker areas. So, for dim conditions, using a grow light can be a great solution.
To help your Chinese evergreen get the most light, clean their leaves regularly with a damp, lint-free cloth that isn’t stained with any cleaning products.
Watering
Chinese evergreen doesn’t like to be overwatered, which is one of the reasons why it’s easy to maintain. Before your next watering, make sure the top inch of soil is completely dry. In winter, you can gradually reduce the frequency of watering. If you notice the leaves turning yellow, that’s a clear indication of overwatering.
Temperature and Humidity
Chinese evergreen prefers warm, humid environments similar to their natural habitat. Ideal temperatures range from 65 to 80°F (18-27°C) and humidity ranges from 50-70%. These plants are sensitive to cold drafts and can’t tolerate temperatures below 55°F/13°C, so keep them away from areas where the temperature may fluctuate, like windows, doors, and vents.
If your home is particularly dry, you can increase the humidity by misting the leaves regularly, placing the pot on a pebble tray with water, or using a humidifier. It might also be helpful to set up a wireless thermometer and hygrometer to monitor the conditions. If the temperature or humidity exceeds the ideal range, you can make some adjustments as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can automate the process by setting up a thermostat and humidity controller.
Soil
Chinese evergreen is quite adaptable. A well-drained, slightly acidic soil mix works well for it. From my experience, a combination of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite has proven to be effective.
Fertilizing
Fertilize your Chinese evergreen with a balanced liquid fertilizer every one to two months in the spring and summer, but stop fertilizing during the dormant winter period.
How to Propagate Chinese Evergreens
Propagating Chinese evergreen is easier than you think. The easiest way is division. Divide the roots during the growing season (spring and summer) when you’ll find plenty of young suckers or pieces to work with. Gently pull the plant out of the pot and brush off the soil to expose the roots. Then, separate the sections and replant them in pots filled with fresh potting mix.
Alternatively, you can use stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least 2-3 leaves, and cut it just below the leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving 1-2 at the top, and place the cutting in water in a location with indirect sunlight. In about three to four weeks, you should see roots forming, and once they’re established, you can transplant the cutting into a pot with well-drained soil.
How to Repot Chinese Evergreens
When your Chinese evergreen outgrows its current pot, it’s time to repot. This plant grows slowly, so you only need to do it every 2-3 years.
Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches wider and has drainage holes. Carefully remove the plant from the pot and loosen the soil around it. Inspect the roots, trim any tangled, damaged, or rotten roots, then add fresh potting mix. Water it lightly and avoid fertilizing for 4-6 weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
While Chinese evergreen is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still face some typical houseplant issues from time to time. Here are some tips to tackle these challenges:
- Pests: Common pests include scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Yellow Leaves: Often caused by overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. To fix this, adjust your watering routine and consider adding some fertilizer if necessary.
- Brown Leaf Tips: Typically a sign of low humidity or chemical buildup. Increase humidity levels around the plant and use filtered water.
- Curling Leaves: Can happen for various reasons, such as temperature fluctuations, low humidity, underwatering, over-fertilization, or pests. Identify the cause and address it accordingly.
- Scorched Leaves: Caused by direct sunlight. Relocate your plant to a spot with indirect or filtered light instead.
- Drooping Leaves: Could indicate overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light. Evaluate your care routine and make any necessary adjustments.
Is Chinese Evergreen Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
The short answer is yes.
Chinese evergreens are considered toxic to cats and dogs, even humans. While not usually fatal, calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves, stems, and sap can cause severe irritation when they come into contact with the mouth, tongue, and throat. Symptoms may include oral pain, burning sensation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, and swelling.
If ingested accidentally, immediately remove any plant debris from the mouth and rinse with cool, fresh water. Drinking milk or yogurt can help soothe irritation. Then, seek medical attention right away for further examination or treatment.
