Aglaonema, commonly known as Chinese Evergreen, is one of the most popular and versatile indoor plants, highly prized for its striking and diverse foliage. These plants form a dense, bushy clump of large, oval, or lance-shaped leaves that grow upright from a short stem. Modern varieties offer spectacular variegation, ranging from splashes of silver on dark green to vibrant pinks, reds, and creamy whites, making them a superb choice for adding year-round colour to interior spaces. Aglaonemas are celebrated for their adaptability, thriving in lower light conditions and tolerating a wider range of temperatures than many other tropical houseplants, which contributes to their reputation as easy-care plants.
Care Tips for Aglaonema
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Light: Prefers medium to low, indirect light. The darker green varieties tolerate low light well, but the highly colourful and variegated pink/red varieties need brighter, indirect light to maintain their vibrant colouration. Avoid direct sunlight, which will scorch the leaves.
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Watering: Allow the top 5–7 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. It prefers consistent moisture but must not sit in soggy soil, which leads to root rot. Reduce watering significantly in winter.
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Humidity: Appreciates moderate to high humidity. The leaves may develop brown tips if the air is too dry. Misting occasionally or placing the plant in a naturally humid room (like a bathroom) is beneficial.
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Temperature: Thrives in stable, warm temperatures (ideally 18°C–25°C). Keep it away from cold draughts, open windows, and air conditioning vents, as sudden temperature drops can damage the foliage.
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Fertilising: Feed monthly during the active growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser.
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Maintenance: Wipe the large leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to remove dust and keep them glossy. Remove any yellowing lower leaves by cutting them off cleanly at the base.
