Chinese Evergreen Plant Care
Cathayanthe biflora Chun
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognized by its striking red and green variegated leaves, which add a pop of color to any indoor space. Originally from China, Cathayanthe biflora is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and relative rarity in cultivation. Its distinctive foliage and elegant growth habit make it a must-have for any enthusiast looking to expand their collection with a unique and visually appealing specimen.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Chinese Evergreen?
Water Chinese Evergreen every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Chinese Evergreen?
Chinese Evergreen (Cathayanthe biflora) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Cathayanthe genus. Chinese Evergreen is native to Hainan and northern Vietnam. Chinese Evergreen is also known as Aglaonema biflora.
Chinese Evergreen displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Chinese Evergreen produces tubular, brightly colored flowers in shades of red, orange, or pink.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chinese Evergreen?
Cathayanthe biflora requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Chinese Evergreen Need?
Chinese Evergreen thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Chinese Evergreen in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chinese Evergreen Prefer?
Cathayanthe biflora grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Chinese Evergreen prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chinese Evergreen?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Chinese Evergreen to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chinese Evergreen?
Feed Chinese Evergreen every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Chinese Evergreen?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Chinese Evergreen?
Chinese Evergreen can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, offsets.
Is the Chinese Evergreen Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Chinese Evergreen, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Chinese Evergreen?
Chinese Evergreen is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Chinese Evergreen Need?
Chinese Evergreen grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Chinese Evergreen is native to Hainan and northern Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Chinese Evergreen as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Chinese Evergreen is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cathayanthe genus — compare its care with other Cathayanthe species on PlantoScan.
Cathayanthe is part of the Gesneriaceae plant family — browse all Gesneriaceae genera and species.
Chinese Evergreen thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cathayanthe biflora Chun, family Gesneriaceae (first published in Sunyatsenia 6: 283 (1946)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Chinese Evergreen, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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