Chinese Evergreen Plant Care

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema simplex) belongs to the Araceae family within the Aglaonema genus. Chinese Evergreen is native to Southeast Asia.

Chinese Evergreen displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Chinese Evergreen produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms resembling peace lilies.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese Evergreen every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chinese Evergreen thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Chinese Evergreen in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Aglaonema simplex tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Chinese Evergreen prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with perlite for added aeration. Good drainage is essential for Chinese Evergreen to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chinese Evergreen every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to low light and well-draining, peat-based potting mix with perlite for added aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chinese Evergreen is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chinese Evergreen can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Chinese Evergreen while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Chinese Evergreen is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chinese Evergreen can be propagated through stem cuttings, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese evergreen plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Chinese Evergreen is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chinese Evergreen grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Chinese Evergreen is native to Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Chinese Evergreen as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.