Chinese evergreens are an easy houseplant to keep healthy and beautiful. They’re also a popular choice for those who want a plant that can thrive in low-light indoor environments.

These plants prefer a moist but not soggy soil, so water them when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Maintain this schedule throughout the growing season and reduce watering in winter.

Watering

Chinese evergreens are easy-going plants that thrive in a variety of indoor settings. They’re tolerant of low to bright light, so place them in a spot with good ventilation and drainage.

When watering, keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Watering too often can cause root rot and stunt the plant’s growth.

To avoid yellowing leaves, water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. You can gauge this by poking your finger into the soil to see if it feels damper than it did before you watered it.

Chinese evergreens don’t require much fertilization, but it’s a good idea to give them a liquid houseplant fertilizer once or twice a year. Alternatively, add slow-release granules to the soil once or twice during the spring and summer.

Light

Chinese evergreens are low-maintenance plants that make a great addition to any home. They also have a wide variety of varieties that add color and interest to any room.

Chinese evergreen care is largely a matter of general TLC and avoiding over-watering. They prefer moist but not water-logged soil and should be watered only when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and will eventually kill your plant, so be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings.

Light is another important factor in Chinese evergreen care; they don’t like direct sunlight but can thrive in low to bright, indirect light, including fluorescents. Dark environments can slow growth, dull colors, and cause leggy stems that look untidy.

Aglaonema plants are also easy to propagate, as they have nodes on their stems that are capable of producing new roots or leaves. Using stem cuttings or by division is the most common method, but you can also try rooting plants that have died from pests (or other causes). Once you’ve repotted the plant, keep it in an environment that mimics its original conditions.

Temperature

Like many tropical plants, chinese evergreens can tolerate a variety of room conditions, but they’re most successful in warm environments. They prefer temperatures no lower than 60 degrees F and can withstand low light levels, making them a good fit for a home that gets little or no natural sunlight.

They also like the humidity of an average house, and grow best in a standard soil mix with humus added to keep it moist. Fertilize monthly with a water-soluble fertilizer formulated for indoor houseplants.

Chinese evergreens will tolerate a wide range of propagation methods, including stem cuttings, division, tip cuttings, nursery starts and scientifically cultured plant tissue (such as those made by scientists or botanists). If your plants are starting to show signs of stress or are severely pot-bound, move them to a brighter spot where they can get the proper amount of indirect light.

These plants are not a big waterer, so they’ll need only occasional watering, ideally when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water them once every 1-2 weeks in winter, letting the soil drain completely between waterings.

Pruning

Chinese evergreens (Aglaonemas) are among the easiest houseplants to care for. However, they do need occasional pruning.

These tropical plants are native to the forests of Asia and New Guinea. They are tolerant of low light levels, but should be placed away from direct sunlight that would scorch their leaves.

They also like to be kept in a humid room, such as a bathroom. Water sparingly, allowing the compost to dry between waterings, and feed every six weeks with a liquid plant food.

They’re a slow-growing plant and should only need to be repotted once every two years. When repotting, transfer to a container that is slightly larger than the original. Repotting is also a good time to check for pests, such as aphids and spider mites. If you see any of these bugs, treat your plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap. This will help prevent them from becoming a problem again in the future.