How to Grow Chinese Evergreen
Wikimedia Commons
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema commutatum
shrubChinese Evergreen is a popular tropical houseplant known for its attractive variegated foliage in shades of green, silver, and white. It's an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plant that thrives indoors and is excellent for air purification. This evergreen shrub is valued for its ornamental leaves and ability to tolerate low-light conditions.
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Example Chinese Evergreen timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chinese Evergreen
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Chinese Evergreen
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chinese Evergreen dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11; primarily grown as a houseplant in cooler climates
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Nursery Propagation
1-2 weeks adjustment periodYoung rooted cuttings or small plants from nurseries, typically 6-12 inches tall with 2-4 leaves
Acclimate to home environment gradually. Provide warm temperatures (70-75°F) and humidity. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
Vegetative Growth
6-12 monthsPlant develops new leaves and stems, gradually filling out. Variegation patterns become more pronounced with maturity
Provide bright, indirect light and consistent warmth. Pinch back stem tips to encourage bushier growth. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during growing season.
Established Plant
Ongoing maintenance phasePlant reaches mature size (typically 12-30 inches tall), with full foliage and established growth pattern
Repot every 12-18 months as needed. Continue regular feeding during spring and summer. Dust leaves monthly to maintain appearance.
Flowering
Sporadic; late summer through fall if it occursProduces small, inconspicuous cream or pale yellow spathes (flower-like structures) followed by small berries
Flowering is not the primary ornamental feature and can be removed to direct energy to foliage. Not reliably produced indoors.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, mist leaves regularly, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate plant if infestation is severe
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 7-10 days
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Scrape off manually or treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
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Reduce watering frequency, improve drainage, repot in fresh soil if severely affected; trim affected roots
Uses
Air Purification & Interior Decoration
HouseholdNASA studies show Chinese Evergreen removes formaldehyde, benzene, and other airborne toxins, improving indoor air quality. Its striking variegated foliage adds tropical aesthetic appeal to homes and offices with minimal care. [source]
Traditional Asian Medicine
MedicinalLeaves have been used in traditional Southeast Asian remedies for various ailments, though scientific evidence is limited. Modern phytochemical research is exploring potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. [source]
Low-Light Plant Solutions
HouseholdUniquely tolerates low-light conditions that challenge most houseplants, making it ideal for offices, bathrooms, and interior spaces without windows. This adaptability makes it one of the most forgiving tropical houseplants. [source]
Plant Propagation & Sharing
HouseholdEasily propagated from stem cuttings, allowing gardeners to create new plants for sharing or expanding their collection. Popular for beginner plant propagators due to high success rates. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested; grown for ornamental foliage. Stem cuttings can be propagated year-round for new plants. Cut just below a node, place in water or moist soil, and roots develop in 2-3 weeks. Remove lower leaves to maintain plant shape.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chinese Evergreen is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested—the sap contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation. Keep away from pets.
- 🌱 There are over 1,000 registered cultivars and hybrids of Aglaonema, with an astounding variety of leaf colors and patterns including pink, red, silver, and cream combinations.
- 🌱 The plant is extremely long-lived indoors, with mature specimens known to thrive for 20+ years with minimal care, making it an excellent investment for patient plant parents.
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