Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): Care and Features

General Features

• Ease of Care: One of the easiest foliage plants to grow especially in atrium. If keeping indoors transfer to well ventilated space with indirect light every 3-4 days.

• Light: Tolerates low light better than most houseplants (ideal for shaded indoor corners). Variegated and red varieties thrive in brighter corners. 

• Foliage: Glossy, often variegated leaves that arch outward.

• Growth Habit:

  • Small plants: Can survive in plain water or in pebbles/marbles until potted.

  • Large plants: Can grow up to 90 cm (36 in), though usually smaller.

  • Newer cultivars: Stay bushier, resist cold better.

• Propagation Note: Growth emerges from the crown. Cannot be pruned back drastically, or the plant will die.

Environmental Needs

• Temperature: Above 16°C (60°F) at all times. Avoid cold drafts/windows.

• Light: Prefers shade / low light (commercial growers use 70–90% shade). Too much sun causes stress.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Can adapt to semi-hydroponic setups.

Here's my collection of Chinese Evergreen

Propagation

These plants are very easy to propagate. The image below is descriptive enough.

Common Pests on Aglaonema & Natural Remedies

1. Mealy leaves/stems) bugs (white cottony clumps on

Symptoms: Leaves look sticky, weak growth

Remedies:

• Dab with Cotton dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol.
• Spray with neem oil + mild soap solution every 7 days until gone.
• Increase air circulation.

2. Scale Insects (small brown/black discs on stems/undersides of leaves)

Symptoms: Leaves yellow, plant weak despite watering.

Remedies:

• Scrape gently with fingernail or soft brush.
• Apply neem oil spray (weekly).
• For heavy infestations: prune badly affected parts.

3. Spider Mites (tiny red/brown dots, fine webs under leaves)

Symptoms: Stippled, dusty-looking leaves, leaf drop.

Remedies:

• Wash leaves with lukewarm water to knock off mites.
• Mist plant regularly (mites hate humidity).
• Spray with garlic or chili-pepper extract spray.

4. Aphids (small green/black insects near new leaves)

Symptoms: Distorted, curled leaves. Sticky residue.

Remedies:

• Spray with soap-water solution (2 drops mild liquid soap in 500ml water).
• Release ladybugs outdoors if possible (natural predators).
• Neem oil weekly.

5. Fungus Gnats (tiny black flies in soil)

Symptoms: Flies hover near potting soil, roots suffer.

Remedies:

• Let soil dry slightly between watering.
• Sprinkle cinnamon powder on top of soil (natural antifungal)
• Add yellow sticky traps near pot.

Preventive Care Tips

1. Wipe leaves weekly with a damp cloth.
2. Avoid overwatering (soggy soil attracts pests).
3. Quarantine new plants before placing near existing ones.
4. Use neem oil spray monthly as a preventive measure.