Chinese evergreen also known as Aglaonemas are tropical foliage plants that are very durable and easy to care for. They are beautiful with large oval shaped, glossy leaves, and the older plants also tend to bloom in the spring and summer. This plant comes in green, red or silver, which can add a lovely pop of color in your home. One important thing to remember is that the lighter the variegation on its leaves, the more sunlight it will need. Also it is important to note that the Chinese evergreen plant is considered toxic to pets, so make sure you keep this plant out of reach of your dogs or cats.
Tips for caring for your Chinese evergreen plant:
Watering:
- This plant needs moderate watering. Don’t overwater or underwater this plant, make sure you let the soil dry out between waterings.
Soil:
- The soil type does not matter too much, however they do well in a well draining, slightly acidic potting soil.
Temperature:
- The Chinese evergreen likes warmer temperatures so make sure to keep it away from cold drafts or temperatures below 65ºF. It also enjoys high humidity, so it is important to mist this plant often.
Light:
- Some of the darker varieties of this plant can actually do quite well in low light conditions. However, if it has lighter variegation it will need more indirect sunlight, just make sure it is not exposed to bright direct sunlight as it can burn its leaves.
Fertilizer:
- Remember to fertilize your plant at least once or twice a year with a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer.
Trimming:
- If you think your plant needs to be getting too large, feel free to trim your plant. It is also possible to save trimmings and to use it to propagate new plants.
Pests:
- Occasionally check your plant for pests. Chinese evergreens can be affected by aphids, spider mites and mealybugs. By checking every so often can help prevent future problems.
How to repot a Chinese evergreen:
- Select a pot larger than its current pot.
- Fill the pot ¼ full with soil.
- Loosen the Chinese evergreen from its current pot gently digging around its roots. Lay the pot on its side and carefully remove the plant from the pot.
- You can try to slightly break up the roots if they are looking tangled or knotted, otherwise you can just place it in its new pot and fill it the rest of the way with soil.
- Water the plant and if you would like you can add some liquid fertilizer to the plant, and there you have it, a newly potted Chinese evergreen!
How to propagate a Chinese evergreen plant:
- The best time to propagate is during the summer when it is the warmest.
- Using scissors cut off some stems that are a few inches long from the mother plant.
- Place the cutting in a cup of water on the windowsill where it is able to get lots of indirect sunlight.
- Once roots begin to grow you can place them into pots filled with soil. Or you can always put them directly into soil instead of water. Just make sure the soil is kept moist and the soil is treated with a rooting hormone.
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