Aglaonema Care Indoors – How To Grow Chinese Evergreen

Aglaonema is also known as Chinese evergreen.  This is a very popular tropical plant that can be grown indoors.

The Chinese evergreen plant is popular because it is easy to care for and has beautiful leaves.

In this blog post, we will discuss Aglaonema care indoors and how to grow Chinese evergreen successfully in your home.

What Is Aglaonema Or Chinese Evergreen

Aglaonema is a popular houseplant that originates from tropical Asia. It is also known as Chinese evergreen.

The plant has beautiful, glossy leaves that come in a variety of colors, including green, pink, red, and white.

Aglaonema is a low-maintenance plant that does not require a lot of care. It is a great plant for beginners or those who do not have a lot of experience with houseplants.

Aglaonema is a genus of flowering plants in the arum family, Araceae. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and New Guinea.They are known commonly as Chinese evergreens  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aglaonema

The Benefits Of Growing Chinese Evergreen Plants

Growing houseplants has a lot of benefits. Not only do they purify the air, but they also boost your mood and can even help you focus.

The Chinese evergreen is considered a plant that brings good luck and prosperity in China!

• Aglaonema plants are known to be excellent air purifiers. They can remove harmful chemicals and toxins from the air, making them a great choice for indoor growers.

• According to NASA research on the ability of plants to absorb harmful air elements indoors, the Chinese evergreen or Aglaonema holds fourth place behind English ivy, Spathiphyllum, and Dracaena.

• Aglaonema plants are also known for their ability to boost humidity levels indoors. This can be beneficial for people who suffer from dry skin or respiratory problems.

• Growing Aglaonema plants indoors can also help to improve the quality of indoor air by reducing carbon dioxide levels and increasing oxygen levels.

Aglaonema Care Indoors In A Nutshell

Here are the basic requirements to care for your Aglaonema plant.

We will go deeper and into more detail on caring for your Aglaonema including soil, pruning, and propagating Chinese evergreens later in this article.

How To Care For Aglaonema Plants Indoors

The best way to care for aglaonema plants is to keep them in a warm, humid environment.

They prefer indirect sunlight and should be watered regularly.

It is important to not let the plant sit in water, as this can cause root rot. 

When it comes to watering aglaonema plants, it is best to use distilled or filtered water.

This will help to prevent any mineral build-up on the leaves of the plant and in the soil.

Aglaonema plants are sensitive to chlorine and fluoride, so it is important to use water that does not contain these elements.

Fertilizing aglaonema plants is also important for their growth. They should be fertilized every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. It is important to not over-fertilize the plant, as this can cause leaf burn.

How To Grow Chinese Evergreen The Nitty Gritty

They say the devil is in the details. So here are more detailed care tips. Here is a detailed video on how to grow  and propagate Aglaonema plants.

Aglaonema Light Requirements

These plants are relatively easy to care for, and they tolerate a wide range of light conditions but not direct sunlight.

Plants with dark green leaves can tolerate low light levels but more brightly colored plants will do best in bright indirect light.

Chinese Evergreen Watering

One of the most important things to remember when caring for a Chinese Evergreen is watering.

The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, and be sure to empty any water that collects in the saucer.

Chinese Evergreens are relatively forgiving if you forget to water them from time to time, but try not to let them dry out completely.

Chinese Evergreen Humidity

One of the most important things to remember when growing Aglaonema indoors is to maintain high humidity levels.

Chinese evergreens will grow best at a humidity of 60-70% but they will tolerate humidity levels down to 30%.

Since these plants prefer humid conditions they will not do as well in dry air.

If your home is particularly dry, you can increase the humidity around your Aglaonema plant by placing it on a pebble tray or using a humidifier.

Chinese Evergreen Temperature

Aglaonema plants like growing at a temperature of 65-80°F. If you are comfortable your plants are too.

They may die at temperatures below 60°. Keep them out of drafts and away from air conditioning or heating vents.

Chinese Evergreen Soil

The Chinese evergreen will do well in any potting mix so long as it drains well.

You can add perlite to your mix if you want to increase drainage. Coco coir is an excellent potting medium because it drains fast, has good water retention, and allows air into the roots even when wet.

These plants may get root rot if you overwater them so always make sure the top few inches of the soil are dry before watering again.

Chinese Evergreen Fertilization

Aglaonema plants are not heavy feeders, so you don’t need to fertilize them very often.

A light application of balanced fertilizer every few months is all that is needed to keep your plant healthy and happy.

Since we are growing leaves a fertilizer with higher nitrogen and lower phosphorus and potassium will probably work best.

Chinese Evergreen Propagation

One of the great things about Chinese evergreens is that they are very easy to propagate.

Whether you want to create a new plant for yourself or share with a friend, propagation is a relatively simple process.

The most common method is using stem cuttings. Start by taking a healthy cutting from the tips of a Chinese evergreen plant. 

Make sure to choose a section that has at least two leaves. Cut just below a leaf node, and then remove the lower leaves so that you are left with a bare stem.

Dip the cut end in the rooting hormone, and then plant the cutting in a moist potting mix.

You can also root Chinese evergreen cuttings in water. Just remember to change the water weekly.

Once the roots have taken hold, you can transplant your new Chinese evergreen into a pot. 

Propagating Aglaonema By Division

These plants are easy to propagate by division. A good time to do this is when your plant needs to be repotted.

You can separate stems with roots attached by pulling them apart or you can use a sharp clean knife for this. 

Place the divisions in pots of their own and water them in. They will soon start growing again.

This is probably the fastest way to propagate Chinese evergreens.

Pruning Chinese Evergreen

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Chinese Evergreen healthy and looking its best.

When pruning, always use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant. Start by removing any dead or damaged leaves, then trim back any overgrown stems.

If your plant is leggy that means it is not getting enough light or it is in too small of a pot.

You can shape the plant by pruning back side shoots to create a more compact shape.

Chinese Evergreens respond well to pruning, so don’t be afraid to trim them back as needed.

Repotting Chinese Evergreen

You should probably repot your Chinese evergreen every two years. If you see roots growing out of the bottom of your pot it is definitely time to replant.

Is Chinese Evergreen Toxic

According to the ASPCA Chinese evergreens are toxic to pets. They are also toxic to humans so keep them away from children and pets.

Scientific Name: Aglaonema modestum
Family: Araceae
Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses

Toxic Principles: Insoluble calcium oxalates
Clinical Signs: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting (not horses), difficulty swallowing
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/chinese-evergreen

Aglaonema FAQs

In this segment, we have compiled a list of FAQs to address common queries about Aglaonema or Chinese Evergreen care indoors.

These answers aim to provide a deeper understanding and assist you in nurturing your plant successfully.

Q. What type of water is best for Aglaonema plants?

A. It’s preferable to use distilled or filtered water for watering Aglaonema plants as they are sensitive to chemicals like chlorine and fluoride found in tap water which can cause leaf burn or mineral buildup.

Q. How often should I fertilize my Aglaonema?

A. Fertilize your Aglaonema every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

However, these plants are not heavy feeders, so a light application will suffice. Over-fertilizing can lead to leaf burn.

Q. Is it necessary to maintain high humidity for Aglaonema?

A. Yes, Aglaonema prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 60-70%. However, they can tolerate levels down to 30%.

If the air in your home is dry, consider placing the plant on a pebble tray or using a humidifier to increase humidity.

Q. Are Aglaonema plants toxic to pets?

A. Yes, according to the ASPCA, Aglaonema plants are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates.

Ingestion can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting, among other symptoms. Ensure to place your Aglaonema where it’s out of reach of pets and children.

With the right care and environment, Aglaonema can be a delightful addition to your indoor plant collection. Their ease of care paired with the aesthetic appeal of their vibrant foliage makes them a cherished choice among indoor gardeners.

Aglaonema Care Indoors Final Thoughts

Aglaonema plants make a great addition to any indoor space. They are easy to care for and have beautiful leaves.

With proper care, they will thrive indoors. If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant to add to your home, Aglaonema is a great option.

Now that you know how to care for aglaonema plants indoors, you can enjoy their beauty without having to worry about their care.