The colorful, easygoing houseplant

If you're looking for a houseplant that combines beautiful foliage with relatively easy care, Aglaonema deserves a spot in your collection.

Commonly known as Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonemas are popular for their colorful, patterned leaves. Depending on the variety, foliage can feature deep green, silver, cream, pink, red, or even combinations of several colors. Some varieties look almost painted, making them an easy way to add color to a room without relying on flowers.

Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia and New Guinea, Aglaonemas naturally grow in shaded environments beneath larger plants and trees. This makes them particularly adaptable to indoor conditions, including spaces that don't receive a lot of natural light.

They're also forgiving when it comes to humidity and watering compared with many other tropical houseplants. While they still appreciate consistent care, they don't demand the high humidity or attention required by more sensitive plants.

Whether you're growing a classic green variety or a colorful red or pink cultivar, Aglaonema is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced plant collectors alike.

This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your Chinese Evergreen healthy, colorful, and growing.

Aglaonema care at a glance

Light

One of the biggest advantages of Aglaonema is its ability to tolerate lower-light conditions. It's an excellent choice for rooms where other tropical plants might struggle.

Most varieties do well in low to medium indirect light. However, the amount of light they receive can affect how quickly they grow and how vibrant their foliage remains.

• Low light: Solid green varieties generally tolerate lower-light locations better. Growth will be slower, but the plant can remain healthy.

• Medium indirect light: Ideal for most varieties. A location near an east-facing window or several feet from a brighter window works well.

• Too much direct sunlight: Direct sun can scorch the leaves, causing faded, yellow, or brown patches. Pink and red varieties can be especially sensitive to intense sunlight.

Varieties with more colorful foliage, particularly pink, red, and highly variegated types, generally benefit from brighter indirect light to maintain their colors.

Rotate your plant every couple of weeks to encourage even growth and prevent it from leaning toward the light.

Grower tip: Aglaonema is one of the better choices for offices and rooms with limited natural light. However, low-light tolerance doesn't mean no light. If your space is particularly dark, a grow light can help maintain healthy growth and foliage color.

Watering

Aglaonemas prefer consistently lightly moist soil but don't like sitting in water. Overwatering is one of the most common reasons these plants develop yellow leaves and root problems.

Unlike some tropical plants, Aglaonema can tolerate a little drying between waterings.

1. Check the soil. Feel the top 1–2 inches. If the soil is dry, it's time to water.

2. Water thoroughly. Use room-temperature water and continue until water drains from the bottom of the pot.

3. Empty the drainage tray. Never allow the plant to sit in standing water.

How often? Most Aglaonemas need watering approximately every 7–14 days during active growth, although this varies depending on pot size, soil, temperature, and lighting. Plants in lower-light locations will generally need less frequent watering.

Always check the soil instead of following a strict watering schedule.

Read the leaves:

• Yellowing leaves: Often a sign of overwatering, especially when the soil stays wet.

• Drooping leaves with dry soil: The plant may be thirsty.

• Brown, crispy leaf tips: Can indicate inconsistent watering, dry air, or fertilizer buildup.

• Soft stems and yellowing foliage: May indicate root or stem rot caused by excessive moisture.

Grower tip: Aglaonemas are more forgiving of occasional underwatering than consistently wet soil. When in doubt, check the soil before reaching for the watering can.

Soil, pots and repotting

Soil

Aglaonema roots appreciate a rich growing medium that holds some moisture while still allowing excess water to drain.

A standard indoor potting mix works well, but adding a few amendments can improve drainage and airflow.

• Beginner: Quality indoor potting mix with added perlite.

• Seasoned grower: A mixture of potting soil or coco coir, perlite or pumice, and a little orchid bark.

• Drainage: Always use a pot with drainage holes. Aglaonemas don't like sitting in water.

Unlike some aroids, Aglaonemas don't require an extremely chunky soil mixture. They prefer a balance between moisture retention and drainage.

Repotting

Aglaonemas are relatively slow-growing and don't need frequent repotting. In fact, they often prefer being slightly snug in their containers.

Repot every 2–3 years, or when you notice roots growing through drainage holes, circling the inside of the pot, or the soil drying unusually quickly.

When repotting:

1. Choose a pot only 1–2 inches larger than the current container.

2. Gently loosen the roots and remove any obviously damaged or rotting sections.

3. Add fresh, well-draining potting mix.

4. Position the plant at the same depth it was previously growing.

5. Water lightly and allow excess water to drain.

Spring and early summer are the best times to repot, when the plant is actively growing.

Avoid moving an Aglaonema into an excessively large pot. Too much unused soil holds additional moisture and increases the risk of root rot.

Humidity, temperature and feeding

Humidity

One of the reasons Aglaonema makes such a good houseplant is that it tolerates average household humidity.

While it appreciates moderate humidity, it generally doesn't require the humidifier that more sensitive tropical plants need.

• Average household humidity is usually sufficient.

• Grouping plants together can create a slightly more humid environment.

• A humidifier can help if your indoor air is particularly dry.

• Avoid placing plants directly beside heating or air-conditioning vents.

If you notice crispy leaf edges, consider whether the plant is experiencing dry air, inconsistent watering, or fertilizer buildup before assuming humidity is the problem.

Misting isn't necessary and doesn't provide lasting humidity benefits.

Temperature

Aglaonemas are tropical plants that prefer warm, consistent temperatures.

• Ideal temperature: 68–80°F.

• Avoid temperatures below 55°F.

• Keep away from cold drafts and frequently opened exterior doors.

• Avoid placing plants against cold windows during winter.

Cold temperatures can cause leaf damage, yellowing, and general decline. Aglaonemas are particularly sensitive to chilling, so be careful when transporting them during colder months.

Feeding

Aglaonemas aren't particularly heavy feeders, but occasional fertilizing during the growing season helps support healthy foliage and new growth.

• Spring and summer: Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength every 4–6 weeks.

• Fall and winter: Reduce feeding or stop altogether if growth slows.

• Avoid overfertilizing: Too much fertilizer can cause brown leaf edges and salt buildup in the soil.

Always follow the fertilizer's label instructions.

Grower tip: More fertilizer doesn't necessarily mean faster growth. Aglaonemas are naturally moderate growers, and consistent care is more important than heavy feeding.

Propagating Aglaonema

Aglaonemas can be propagated through division or stem cuttings. Both methods are relatively straightforward, making it possible to turn one mature plant into several new plants.

Spring and early summer are generally the best times to propagate.

Division

Division is one of the easiest ways to propagate a mature Aglaonema, particularly when the plant has developed multiple stems or separate growing sections.

1. Remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the soil around the roots.

2. Look for natural sections or clusters of stems with their own roots.

3. Carefully separate the sections, keeping as many healthy roots attached as possible.

4. Plant each division into its own container with fresh, well-draining potting mix.

5. Water lightly and place the new plants in bright, indirect light.

Keep the soil lightly moist while the divisions establish themselves, but avoid overwatering.

Stem cuttings

Stem cuttings are another way to create new Aglaonema plants, especially when an older plant becomes tall or leggy.

1. Select a healthy stem with several visible nodes.

2. Using clean, sterilized scissors or pruning shears, cut a section of stem.

3. Remove any lower leaves that would sit below the water or soil line.

4. Place the cutting in water or directly into a lightly moist propagation medium.

5. Keep it somewhere warm with bright, indirect light.

If propagating in water, change the water regularly to keep it fresh.

Once the cutting develops a healthy root system, it can be transferred into potting mix.

If rooting directly in soil, keep the medium lightly moist rather than soaking wet.

Grower tip: Older Aglaonemas can develop bare stems as they grow taller. Don't throw them away! Healthy sections of those stems can often be used to create new plants.

Pests and prevention

Aglaonemas are generally resistant to serious pest problems, but like most houseplants, they can occasionally attract unwanted visitors.

The most common pests to watch for include spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, aphids, and scale.

How to spot common pests

• Spider mites: Tiny pale speckles on leaves, faded foliage, and fine webbing, especially underneath leaves.

• Mealybugs: Small white, cotton-like clusters around leaf joints, stems, and undersides of leaves.

• Thrips: Silvery or bronze streaks, damaged new growth, and tiny black specks of waste.

• Aphids: Small clusters of soft-bodied insects, usually around tender new growth.

• Scale: Small, hard, brown or tan bumps attached to stems and leaves.

How to treat them

1. Isolate the plant. Move affected plants away from your other houseplants.

2. Inspect thoroughly. Check both sides of every leaf, stems, and leaf joints.

3. Remove visible pests. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and remove heavily infested sections when necessary.

4. Treat the plant. Use an appropriate insecticidal soap or labeled houseplant pest treatment. Follow all product instructions, including application frequency.

5. Repeat treatments. Many pest treatments don't eliminate every egg, so repeat applications according to the product label.

6. Monitor regularly. Continue checking the plant for new activity for several weeks.

Prevention

• Inspect new plants before bringing them into your collection.

• Quarantine new arrivals for a couple of weeks.

• Check leaf undersides and stem joints regularly.

• Keep leaves clean and remove dead foliage.

• Avoid overcrowding plants, which makes pest inspections more difficult.

Grower tip: Always inspect new growth and the undersides of leaves when watering. Catching an infestation early is much easier than treating an established pest problem.

Popular Aglaonema varieties

One of the most exciting things about Aglaonema is the number of cultivars available. From classic silver and green foliage to bright pink and red varieties, there's something for almost every plant collection.

Variety tip: Green and silver varieties generally tolerate lower light better than heavily pink or red cultivars. If you want to maintain the brightest colors, provide plenty of bright, indirect light without exposing the foliage to harsh direct sun.

Common problems and how to fix them

Is Aglaonema safe for pets?

No. Aglaonema is considered toxic to cats and dogs.

Like other members of the Araceae family, Aglaonema contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. When chewed or swallowed, these crystals can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips.

Possible symptoms include:

• Excessive drooling

• Pawing at the mouth

• Oral irritation and pain

• Vomiting

• Difficulty swallowing

The sap can also cause skin irritation in some people.

• Keep Aglaonemas out of reach of pets and young children.

• Wear gloves when pruning, dividing, or handling damaged stems.

• Wash your hands after handling the plant.

• If your pet chews on an Aglaonema, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.

Looking for a pet-safer alternative? Consider a Calathea, Peperomia, or certain varieties of Pilea.

Aglaonema FAQ

Is Aglaonema good for beginners?

Absolutely! Aglaonema is one of the better houseplants for beginners. It tolerates lower light, average household humidity, and occasional missed waterings. Just be careful not to overwater.

Can Aglaonema grow in low light?

Yes. Aglaonema is one of the more low-light-tolerant tropical houseplants. Solid green varieties generally handle lower light better than heavily colored varieties. However, all varieties benefit from some indirect light.

How often should I water my Aglaonema?

Generally every 7–14 days, depending on growing conditions. Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry before watering again. Plants in lower light or cooler conditions may need less frequent watering.

Why are my Aglaonema leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves are often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Check the soil and roots. If the soil stays wet for extended periods, you may need to improve drainage or adjust your watering routine.

Why is my pink Aglaonema losing its color?

Insufficient light is one possible cause. Pink and red varieties generally need brighter indirect light than solid green varieties to maintain their vibrant foliage. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight.

Does Aglaonema need high humidity?

No. Although it appreciates moderate humidity, Aglaonema generally adapts well to average household conditions. It doesn't require the high humidity levels needed by more sensitive tropical plants.

Does Aglaonema go dormant in winter?

Aglaonema doesn't require a winter dormancy period. However, growth naturally slows during shorter, darker days. Reduce watering and fertilizer as needed during the cooler months.

Can I propagate Aglaonema in water?

Yes! Healthy stem cuttings can be rooted in water. Once the cutting develops a healthy root system, you can transfer it into a well-draining potting mix.

How big does an Aglaonema get?

Most indoor varieties grow approximately 1–3 feet tall and wide, depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. Some varieties remain compact, while others develop larger, fuller growth.

Is Aglaonema the same as Chinese Evergreen?

Yes. Chinese Evergreen is the common name for plants in the Aglaonema genus. There are many different species and cultivated varieties, each with its own foliage patterns and colors.

Shop this plant

Looking to add a colorful Aglaonema to your collection? Explore our selection of Chinese Evergreens and discover the variety that's right for your space.

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Pair it with:

• Terrasola Indoor Potting Mix: A rich, well-draining growing medium to support healthy roots and foliage.

• Flourish Fertilizer: Help support healthy growth and maintain beautiful foliage during the growing season. Follow the fertilizer's label directions.

• Plant stands: Elevate your Aglaonema and give its colorful foliage a little extra attention.

• Decorative planters: Find a pot that complements the pink, red, silver, and green tones of your plant.

Sources

For your reference; you don't need to publish this section, though including a short Sources line at the end of a care guide builds trust.

• Clemson Cooperative Extension – Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Care, Cultivation & Growing Guide.

• NC State Extension – Aglaonema Plant Toolbox.

• University of Florida IFAS – Aglaonema Growing and Care Guide.

• University of Florida Gardening Solutions – Aglaonema.

• ASPCA – Chinese Evergreen Toxicity Information.