Chinese Evergreens, scientifically known as Aglaonema, are a favored indoor plant. Their popularity stems from their attractive appearance and undemanding nature, making them suitable for various indoor environments.
What is the China Plant?
The Chinese Evergreen, or Aglaonema, is recognized for its diverse and appealing foliage. Its leaves often display intricate patterns and a wide array of colors, including shades of green, silver, red, and pink. Leaf shapes vary, though many are broadly elliptical or lance-shaped with a glossy texture.
These plants hail from tropical and subtropical Asia, notably China and New Guinea. Numerous varieties, or cultivars, offer unique visual characteristics. For instance, ‘Red Siam’ exhibits vibrant red-pink edges and veins on dark green leaves, while ‘Cutlass’ features long, narrow leaves with striking silver-grey streaks. Other varieties include ‘Silver Bay’ with gray-green leaves and silvery variegation, and ‘Wishes’, which presents pink splashes on dark green leaves that can intensify in brighter light.
Caring for Your China Plant
Chinese Evergreens thrive in low to medium indirect light. Varieties with lighter or more colorful variegation often require brighter conditions to maintain their patterns. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch leaves. If natural light is limited, Chinese Evergreens can grow well under fluorescent lighting, making them suitable for office settings.
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. When watering, thoroughly drench the soil until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then discard any excess. During the growing season, watering may be more frequent; in winter, the plant’s growth slows, requiring less water. Chinese Evergreens appreciate higher humidity, ideally between 60% and 70%. Increase humidity by misting leaves, placing the pot on a tray with pebbles and water (ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water), or using a room humidifier.
Chinese Evergreens prefer warm, consistent temperatures, ideally between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 27 degrees Celsius). They are sensitive to cold drafts; temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) can cause distress. During the growing season, feed your plant with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Avoid fertilizing during winter when growth slows. Chinese Evergreens prefer a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix (pH 5.5-6.5). A peat-based mix with perlite or sand improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Yellowing leaves often indicate improper watering. Both overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and underwatering can cause leaves to turn yellow. If the soil is consistently wet, or stems are yellowing or browning, it may signal root rot, requiring repotting into fresh, well-draining soil after removing any affected roots. Conversely, crispy yellow leaves often point to a need for more water.
Brown leaf tips typically suggest low humidity or underwatering. Increasing the humidity around the plant through misting or a pebble tray can alleviate this issue. Stunted growth can result from insufficient light or nutrient deficiencies. If the plant is not receiving enough light, its ability to photosynthesize is impaired, and moving it to a brighter, indirect light location can help. If the plant has been in the same pot and soil for an extended period, a lack of nutrients might be the cause, and a balanced fertilizer can address this.
Chinese Evergreens can also be susceptible to common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These sap-sucking pests can lead to yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and a decline in plant health. Regularly inspecting the plant, especially the undersides of leaves where pests often hide, allows for early detection and treatment. If pests are found, isolating the affected plant to prevent spread and treating it with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can help manage the infestation.