Chinese Evergreens - the perfect houseplant?
The perfect houseplant for beginners
Chinese evergreens are a popular houseplant due to their easy-care nature and striking foliage. They are ideal for both experts indoor plant growers and beginners due to their versatility and wide range of cultivars. Their evergreen foliage is often variegated, which adds an interesting visual appeal to any room.
In this blog, we will cover the care requirements for the general garden centre variety of Chinese evergreen but we will also list some more unusual varieties for you to try.
Botanical name:
Aglaonema - Genus consists of multiple species of plants known as Chinese Evergreen
Origin:
Chinese Evergreen is native to the tropical regions of Asia. Usually found growing as understory plants, in the wild, they thrive off dappled sunlight. One of the reasons this makes them perfect houseplants!
Plant care level:
Few plants are as easy to grow as the regular varieties of Chinese evergreens. They are plants that require minimal care and attention.
Your Aglaonema will also thrive in lower light conditions making them versatile and good for all parts of the home or office. They are an ideal choice for busy households or offices given their ability to tolerate neglect!
Chinese evergreens are known for being reliable indoor plants that can last for years with minimal care. They can tolerate low light conditions and humidity levels of 30-40% (but higher humidity is usually better).
How much light does a Chinese evergreen need?
Can tolerate very low light conditions - prefers bright indirect. Bright indirect light will often bring out more of a deep colour to your plant.
Other Chinese Evergreen varieties
If you're looking for variety then the Chinese evergreens are for you, they come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and levels of rarity. Below we have listed some cool varieties for you to try out!
Aglaonema Silver Queen
Charecterised by its beautiful thin leaves in a light green colour with silver splashes. This chinese evergreen is an indoor plant that will brighten up any space!
Source: Reddit
Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor.
One of our favourites, the Aglaonema pictum tricolour has incredible army camouflage pattern that makes it truly unique. This plant is slightly fussier than the others on this list but it is well worth the extra effort!
Aglaonema Modestum
Technically a species, this plant has now become a parent to a wide variety of cultivars, with colours ranging from red, and yellow to green and silver. There is a Modestum to fit all spaces and decors.
Aglaonema Jubilee
Long thin dark green, strap leaves with silver variegation! Relatively easy to get obtain and very forgiving!
Tips for Growing and Maintaining Healthy Chinese Evergreens
Provide bright, indirect light: Chinese evergreens prefer bright, indirect light, so place your plant near a window that receives bright, indirect light. They also tolerate some shade so that darker bathroom will be fine!
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged: Chinese evergreens prefer soil that is moist but not waterlogged, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. To avoid over-watering, make sure your pot has a drainage hole, and always use a potting mix that drains well.
Avoid extreme temperatures: Chinese evergreens are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so avoid exposing your plant to temperatures below 15°C, as this can cause the leaves to become brown and damaged.
Watch for pests: Keep an eye out for spider mites, mealybugs, aphids and thrips, as these pests can quickly infest your plant and cause damage. If you notice any signs of infestation, take action immediately to control the problem.
Fertilise regularly: Chinese evergreens can benefit from regular fertilisation during the spring and summer months. Use a balanced fertiliser that is formulated for indoor plants, and follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilisation.
Chinese evergreens are aroids so a well-draining aroid potting mix is often the best way to go, make sure to add lots of perlite. Click here to read how to create your own aroid potting mix.
Frequently asked questions
Are Chinese Evergreens toxic to pets?
Yes, Chinese evergreen plants are toxic to pets if ingested. It is best to keep them out of reach of pets and children to avoid any potential harm.
Where can I buy a Chinese Evergreen?
Chinese evergreen plants are readily available at most garden centres, plant nurseries, and online plant retailers. Rarer varieties can be found from specialist growers (lots of nurseries in Indonesia are now specialising in these)
My plant is getting leggy - what can I do?
If your Chinese evergreen is getting leggy, it may be a sign that it is not receiving enough light. Move your plant to a brighter location or provide it with additional light to encourage bushier growth. You can also prune the leggy stems to encourage the growth of more compact foliage.
My Chinese evergreen is drooping - what can I do?
If your Chinese evergreen is drooping, it may be a sign of under-watering or root rot. Check the soil to ensure that it is not waterlogged, and if necessary, allow it to dry out before watering again. If the plant has suffered from root rot, you may need to remove it from its pot, prune away any damaged roots, and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil.
Will my Chinese evergreen flower?
Chinese evergreen plants are grown for their attractive foliage and not for their flowers, so it is unlikely that your plant will flower when grown in regular houseplant conditions. However it can happen, as an aroid, these plants produce inflorescences which are flower spikes, less showy than a normal flower but interesting nonetheless.
How often should I repot my Chinese Evergreen?
Chinese evergreen plants can be repotted every two to three years to encourage healthy growth and prevent excess root-bounding. It is best to repot your plant in the spring, using a potting mix that is well-draining and appropriate for indoor plants.
How do i propagate my Chinese evergreen?
Chinese evergreens can be propagated through division or stem cuttings.
To propagate through division, determine if your plant has created smaller babies from its base stem. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and separate the roots into multiple sections, making sure each section has a healthy root system. Repot each section into its own pot filled with fresh, well-draining soil.
To propagate through stem cuttings, cut a stem from the parent plant above or below a node (small growth point on the stem usually between leaves). Place the stem in a pot filled with sphagnum moss or water and keep it in bright, indirect light until roots have formed and new growth appears. Remember to change the water out regularly to prevent rot.
Are Chinese Evergreens good houseplants for beginners?
Yes, Chinese evergreens are great house plants for beginners. They are very low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including low light levels and fluctuating temperatures.
They are also very forgiving, so even if you forget to water them occasionally or provide less-than-ideal care, they will typically bounce back quickly. With their attractive green and silver leaves, they are also great for adding a touch of greenery to any indoor space.
Are Chinese Evergreens good plants for the Office?
Yes, Chinese evergreens make a good houseplant for the office. They are able to tolerate low light levels, making them ideal for areas with limited natural light, and are also very low-maintenance, so they are a great choice for busy office environments. Additionally, they have been shown to improve air quality by removing toxins and increasing humidity levels, which can be beneficial for office workers who spend long hours in a confined space. With their attractive, dark green leaves and ability to thrive in a variety of indoor conditions, Chinese evergreens make great office plants for both aesthetic and health reasons.
