Chinese evergreen care guide
Aglaonema
Also known as: Aglaonema
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Calcium oxalate in the leaves and stems causes mouth pain, swelling, drooling, and vomiting when chewed; keep it out of reach of pets and children and consult a veterinarian, or a doctor for a child, if eaten.
How often to water Chinese evergreen
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 7 days
- Water thoroughly a day or two after the topsoil dries, as a guide; in midsummer it dries faster, so water sooner.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 10 days
- Generally water about three days after the soil dries; it needs less as temperatures fall.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 14 days
- Water sparingly about a week after the soil dries, using room-temperature water during the warm part of the day.
Light and placement for Chinese evergreen
Very shade tolerant: it generally grows in bright shade or under room lighting alone; direct sun scorches the leaves, and heavily variegated forms prefer a slightly brighter spot.
Overwintering Chinese evergreen
Overwintering guide: 10°C (50°F) or above
It dislikes cold: overwinter it indoors above about 10°C, away from cold windows and entryways, watering less to keep it on the dry side.
Fertilizing and repotting Chinese evergreen
Fertilizer
Slow-release fertilizer about every two months from May to September is usually plenty; it grows with little feeding, and none is needed in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Chinese evergreen
- Winter cold yellows the leaves and the stems rot.
- Overwatering rots the roots and the lower leaves drop.
- Placed in direct sun, the leaves bleach and scorch.
Tips for growing Chinese evergreen
- If it loses lower leaves and gets leggy, cutting back in early summer brings side shoots.
- Cut stems root in water, and it can also be divided.
- Dust blocks light, so wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
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