Plants

Chinese evergreen care: light, water & problems

Scientific name: Aglaonema commutatum · Common name: Chinese evergreen

Lance-shaped to oval leaves, typically green with silver or greyish markings, borne on short stems.

Editorial revision: 2026-10-08

Care at a glance

Light: Dark-leaved varieties tolerate low light; heavily variegated ones need bright indirect light.
Watering: Water when the top half of the mix is dry. It tolerates occasional neglect better than overwatering.

Lance-shaped to oval leaves, typically green with silver or greyish markings, borne on short stems.

Dark-leaved varieties tolerate low light; heavily variegated ones need bright indirect light.

Water when the top half of the mix is dry. It tolerates occasional neglect better than overwatering.

Conditions vary with pot, season and location. Always check the mix and your plant's response.

Avoid cold draughts and temperatures below 15°C.

Use an airy, draining mix and a pot with drainage holes. Match pot size to the root ball so excess mix does not remain wet.

Feed only during active growth and follow the product label. Correct damaged roots or poor light before fertilising.

Widespread yellowing leaves usually indicate sustained overwatering.

ASPCA lists this species as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it; contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

This usually points to insufficient light. Move the pot to a brighter spot, out of direct sun.