How to care for Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema commutatum · Araceae
A slow, steady classic with lance-shaped leaves patterned in silver, cream, pink, or red depending on the cultivar. Aglaonemas tolerate low light and dry air better than most colourful foliage plants, making them office and low-window staples. Their main dislikes are cold and soggy soil. Water roughly every 8 days while it's growing (about every 14 in winter), give it a bright room away from the window, kept above 61°F (16°C) — average room humidity suits it.
Care at a glance
Water when the top half of the soil is dry; it prefers to dry down between drinks rather than stay moist.
Darker green varieties handle low light; pink and red cultivars need medium to bright indirect light to hold their colour.
Half-strength balanced fertilizer every 6 weeks in spring and summer.
Mistakes that kill this plant
- Cold exposure — a chilly draft can disfigure it for a year.
- Overwatering a slow-drinking, slow-growing plant.
- Repotting into an oversized pot of moisture-hogging soil.
Seasonal tips
- Keep it away from cold windows, doors, and AC vents year-round.
- Water noticeably less in winter — it barely grows in the dark months.
- Wipe leaves occasionally; dust dulls the beautiful patterning.
Is it safe for pets?
We have Chinese Evergreen recorded as toxic to cats and dogs.
Full pet-safety details for cats & dogsCare for your Chinese Evergreen on autopilot
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Toxicity here is informational, not a safety guarantee. Those are our own records, compiled by following the ASPCA's published toxic and non-toxic plant lists and Pet Poison Helpline's plant poison list rather than copied from them — confirm anything that matters against the ASPCA's published lists, which this one is matched to, or with your vet. If your pet ingested this plant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.