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Care at a Glance

⭐ Difficulty: Easy
☀️ Light: Low to medium indirect
💧 Water: Every 1–2 weeks
🌡️ Temp: 60–85°F
🐾 Pet Safe: No ⚠️
🌫️ Humidity: Medium (40–60%)

Chinese Evergreen Care Guide

Aglaonema commutatum

By Learn Plant Care·Toxicity verified via ASPCA
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum) · Via Wikimedia Commons (CC)

Quick Answer

Chinese Evergreen needs watering every 1–2 weeks in summer and every 2–3 weeks in winter. It thrives in low to medium indirect and temperatures of 6085°F. Difficulty: Easy. ⚠️ Toxic to pets — keep away from cats and dogs.

Difficulty

Easy

☀️Light

Low to medium indirect

💧Watering

Every 1–2 weeks

🌫️Humidity

Medium (40–60%)

🌡️Temperature

60–85°F

📈Growth Rate

Slow–Moderate

Toxicity

⚠️ Toxic to Cats⚠️ Toxic to Dogs Safe for Humans

Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control

Watering

Summer

Every 1–2 weeks

Winter

Every 2–3 weeks

Method: Allow top inch to dry between waterings

Light Requirements

Low to medium indirect

Very adaptable; darker varieties tolerate low light well.

Soil & Potting

Soil: Well-draining potting mix

Pot: Any pot with drainage holes

Temperature & Humidity

Temperature: 6085°F (1629°C)

Humidity: Medium (40–60%)

Fertilizing

Frequency: Monthly spring/summer; optional winter

Type: Balanced liquid fertilizer, half strength

Common Problems

Yellow leaves → Overwatering. Reduce frequency.

Brown leaf tips → Low humidity or fluoride. Use filtered water.

Pale leaves → Too much light. Move away from window.

Root rot → Overwatering. Repot with fresh well-draining soil.

Propagation

Division, stem cuttings

Seasonal Care Calendar

🌸 Spring

Resume fertilizing. Remove any flower spikes to encourage foliage growth.

☀️ Summer

Water and feed consistently. Watch for spider mites in hot, dry weather.

🍂 Fall

Reduce fertilizing. Wipe leaves clean before lower-light winter months.

❄️ Winter

Minimal watering and no fertilizer. Keep away from cold windows and drafts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water a Chinese evergreen?
Every 1–2 weeks in summer, 2–3 weeks in winter. Let top inch dry between waterings.
Can Chinese evergreen survive in low light?
Yes — dark green varieties tolerate low light well. Pink/red varieties need bright indirect light for color.
Why are my Chinese evergreen leaves turning yellow?
Usually overwatering. Reduce frequency and ensure pot has adequate drainage.
Is Chinese evergreen toxic to pets?
Yes — contains calcium oxalate crystals. Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA).
Should I remove the flowers on my Chinese evergreen?
Yes — remove flower spikes as they appear. They divert energy from foliage and aren't ornamental.