Where to Plant Chinese Evergreen
Typically a houseplant, Chinese evergreen can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, where winter temperatures remain above 40°F. When planting it outside, choose a spot with deep or partial shade—like under a tree—and ensure the soil is moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic (pH below 6.0).
How and When to Plant Chinese Evergreen
The best time to plant Chinese evergreen outdoors is in the spring, allowing it the entire growing season to establish itself. Begin by digging a hole the same size as the plant's container. Gently remove the plant, loosening the roots from the root ball, and place it in the hole. Fill back with soil, gently press down, and water thoroughly. Be sure to space multiple plants about 3 feet apart to give them room to grow.
Before acquiring a new plant, make sure your environment meets its needs. Not every plant will do well in every location.
Chinese Evergreen Care Tips
Light
When growing Chinese evergreen outdoors, protect it from direct sunlight since it prefers shade. Indoors, this adaptable plant thrives in a range of lighting conditions—from indirect sunlight to medium or low light. It's perfect for desks or areas illuminated by fluorescent lights.
Soil and Water
Chinese evergreen appreciates well-draining soil. Use a mix of potting soil, perlite, and sand. Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, but avoid letting it become soggy to prevent root rot. During winter, reduce watering as growth slows.
If planting outdoors, ensure the soil has good drainage and is slightly acidic, with a pH under 6.0.
Temperature and Humidity
Maintain room temperatures of at least 55°F for your Chinese evergreen, with an ideal range between 70°F to 72°F. Outdoors, remember that this tropical plant can't withstand frost. It thrives in humid conditions, so consider using a humidifier indoors if necessary.
Fertilizer
To boost growth and preserve vibrant foliage, fertilize your Chinese evergreen once or twice a year using a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer. Always adhere to the instructions on the fertilizer label for best results.
Pruning
Snip off any flower buds to encourage the Chinese evergreen to focus its energy on growing striking foliage rather than inconspicuous flowers. Pruning helps maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal.
Potting and Repotting Chinese Evergreen
Use pots with large drainage holes for your Chinese evergreen, filling them with well-draining potting mix and some peat moss to maintain acidity. Since this plant grows moderately to slowly, repotting is only needed every few years. Repot once the roots fill the existing container. Select a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix when transitioning your plant to its new home.
Pests and Problems
Look out for small insects such as aphids, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. A common indicator of mealybugs is a sticky residue on the leaves, known as honeydew, which they secrete after feeding.
How to Propagate Chinese Evergreen
Propagate Chinese evergreen using stem cuttings. With scissors or a sharp knife, cut a 6-inch segment that includes several stem nodes, where leaves attach. Place the cutting in a jar of water and position it in indirect sunlight. Once roots appear, plant the cutting in a 4-inch pot filled with potting mix.
Types of Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema Silver Bay
Aglaonema commutatum ‘Silver Bay’ variety features large, striking silver leaves that can grow up to 12 inches long. This plant can expand to about 3 feet in width, providing a bold statement in any space.
Aglaonema Silver Queen
Known as the painted drop tongue, 'Silver Queen' is another variegated variety displaying dark green and silver leaves with shorter stems.
Aglaonema Emerald Beauty
'Emerald Beauty' boasts lush, light green leaves and reaches 26 to 30 inches in height when mature, adding a touch of elegance to your plant collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the leaves of my Chinese evergreen turning brown?
Browning leaves often result from insufficient watering or exposure to drafts, which the plant dislikes. To prevent this, keep the plant away from air conditioning vents and drafty windows.
How do you clean Chinese evergreen leaves?
To keep your plant looking its best, gently wipe the leaves with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust. Alternatively, you can shower the plant lightly and allow it to air dry.
