Learn all about how to grow Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema). This beautiful plant decorates your home and is easy to grow, if you keep the few things in mind. The Chinese Evergreen in this video is the variegated cultivar ‘Pink Splash.
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Today, we’re going to be talking about one of my favorite plants: the Chinese Evergreen. The botanical name of this beauty is Aglaonema. It is called Chinese Evergreen because it is originally from tropical and subtropical areas of Asia. This plant grows well in most indoor gardens as long as you don’t have a really cold home.
Today, I will discuss how to grow this plant to have a healthy Chinese Evergreen and how beautiful it is, as it can light up your home. As you can see, this is the Chinese Evergreen Pink Splash cultivar. There are many cultivars of Chinese Evergreen, and you’ll find them in various colors. Some have blotching patterns, while others have green and white lines.
That’s one of my favorite things about this plant: you can dress up and decorate just about any room in your house with a Chinese Evergreen. You just have to look for the different varieties and match them up. Today, it even matches my shirt!
It’s a really fun plant in terms of the variegated foliage it offers. I also have a video on plants with variegated foliage and how you can use them to decorate your home. The Chinese Evergreen is very versatile in how it looks and the colors it brings to your house.
As I’ve mentioned, it’s also really easy to grow. So, you’ve got a stunning plant that’s easy to care for, which always makes my list of favorite plants. Generally, the leaf pattern is about the same across the different plants; some have longer, thinner leaves, while others have rounder, wider leaves. But for the most part, this is how the plant grows.
Now, let’s talk about how to keep this beauty happy and healthy. To have luck with this plant, the first thing to keep in mind is lighting. Proper lighting is critical for all houseplants if you want to keep them healthy. Without it, the plant will decline very quickly.
Fortunately, these plants have a wide range of light they can grow well under, which is another reason I love them. They can take low light, but not really low light—meaning you shouldn’t have to turn on a flashlight to see them! If you’re going to grow one of these guys in a lower light area, I suggest not going with a deep-colored variety, such as the red ones or the highly variegated ones. Instead, go for one that has more green or maybe a mix of green and another color.
These brighter-colored plants don’t tend to do as well in low light. I have this one in medium light, which I would recommend. So, from low to medium light, the only condition they won’t do well in is bright light. In bright light, they can get scorched, leading to leaf burn. I have a video on what that looks like and what to do if you’ve burned your plants.
To summarize, you definitely don’t want to burn these beauties because it takes a long time for them to grow back new leaves.
Next, let’s discuss watering. The Chinese Evergreen prefers to remain moist but not soggy. You want to water when the top half inch to inch of soil has dried out. If you water too often and it sits in soggy soil or a soggy saucer, you will end up with root rot. Conversely, if you don’t water enough, the plant will wilt.
It’s important to note that it doesn’t always come back if you let this plant dry out too much. However, it doesn’t tend to dry out as frequently as some plants because you will generally grow it in medium to low light, and plants in lower light don’t drink as quickly as those in brighter light.
Make sure this plant isn’t near drafts, such as an air conditioning vent or a heater vent, and avoid areas where doors open frequently. As I mentioned earlier, the Chinese Evergreen is susceptible to cold temperatures, so it prefers a temperature range of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You want to avoid keeping this plant in a room that goes below 60 degrees for extended periods.
While it can tolerate temperatures higher than 70 degrees—up to about 80 or even 85 degrees—that’s better for shorter periods than for an extended duration. Remember, it is from tropical and subtropical areas and can adjust to higher temperatures, but it can’t adjust to lower ones.
In terms of humidity, the Chinese Evergreen thrives in humidity levels of 50 to 60 percent. You can achieve this by misting them several times a day, placing them on humidity trays, or grouping them with other plants. I have this plant with some other plants, and it looks really cool next to my Pink Polka Dot plant and Dracaena. If you have this plant among others, they will tend to get enough humidity through that interaction. If not, try some of the other ways to increase humidity, and I will include various links below.
Now, regarding pests, the Chinese Evergreen can sometimes attract mealybugs, so keep an eye out for them. Check under the leaves and inside where new leaves are coming up; mealybugs love to hide in those spots. If you spot them, spray the plant with isopropyl alcohol (at least 70 percent). You can apply it straight, let it sit for a while, then rinse it off. Keep checking on the plant to ensure there are no more mealybugs. The sooner you can catch them, the better your chances of eradicating them.
In terms of fertilizing, you want to feed the Chinese Evergreen monthly or semi-monthly with a well-balanced organic fertilizer. You can also top-dress the plant every six months with a half-inch layer of worm compost to enrich the soil and provide necessary micronutrients. I have a video on top-dressing as well that I will include below.
That wraps up our discussion on growing this beauty. Don’t forget to talk to your beautiful Chinese Evergreen regularly, especially when it’s thriving! I highly recommend getting more of these plants, as they are easy to grow indoors. While they are slow growers, they will eventually reach about a foot taller than this, so be patient as they grow.
Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about any indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Please also check the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.
What is the Chinese Evergreen plant?
The Chinese Evergreen, or Aglaonema, is a popular indoor plant native to tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, known for its beautiful variegated foliage.
How do I care for my Chinese Evergreen?
To care for your Chinese Evergreen, ensure it receives the right amount of light, proper watering, and maintains a suitable temperature and humidity level.
What lighting conditions are best for Chinese Evergreen?
Chinese Evergreens thrive in low to medium light conditions. Avoid bright light, as it can scorch the leaves.
How often should I water my Chinese Evergreen?
Water your Chinese Evergreen when the top half inch to inch of soil has dried out. Avoid letting the plant sit in soggy soil to prevent root rot.
What temperature range is suitable for Chinese Evergreen?
Chinese Evergreens prefer a temperature range of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate higher temperatures but should not be exposed to temperatures below 60 degrees for extended periods.
What humidity level does a Chinese Evergreen need?
This plant thrives in humidity levels of 50 to 60 percent, which can be achieved through misting, humidity trays, or grouping with other plants.
What pests should I watch out for with Chinese Evergreen?
Mealybugs can sometimes infest Chinese Evergreens. Check under the leaves and in new growth areas, and treat with isopropyl alcohol if necessary.
How do I fertilize my Chinese Evergreen?
Feed your Chinese Evergreen monthly or semi-monthly with a well-balanced organic fertilizer. Top-dress with a half-inch layer of worm compost every six months to enrich the soil.
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