Aglaonema
Aglaonema is a genus of tropical aroids known for its durable foliage, compact growth, and wide variety of green, silver, red, pink, and cream-colored cultivars. Although often marketed as a low-light houseplant, Aglaonema grows more vigorously and maintains stronger coloration when provided with moderate to bright indirect light. Its adaptability makes it an excellent indoor plant, provided the soil is allowed to partially dry between waterings.
Common species & Cultivars
(Care applies broadly to commonly cultivated Aglaonema species and hybrids. Highly variegated, red, pink, and cream-colored cultivars generally benefit from brighter light than predominantly green varieties.)
Aglaonema commutatum — Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema modestum — Green Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema nitidum — Silver Evergreen
Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’
Aglaonema ‘Maria’
Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’
Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora’
Aglaonema ‘Red Valentine’
Care at a glance
LIGHT
Moderate to bright indirect light
WATER
Allow the top 1–2" of soil to dry
SOIL
Well-draining, airy indoor mix
TEMP
65–85°F
GROWTH
Upright, clumping
DIFFICULTY
Easy
Light
Aglaonema is well known for tolerating lower-light environments, but it should not be confused with a plant that prefers darkness. Moderate to bright indirect light generally produces faster growth, stronger stems, and better coloration.
Light should be understood as food. Plants use light to power photosynthesis, providing the energy needed to produce new leaves and roots. When light is insufficient, growth slows and the plant uses water more slowly, increasing the amount of time soil remains wet.
Target Light Levels (Foot-Candles)
Ideal: 150–300 fc
Acceptable: 75–150 fc
Upper range: 300–400 fc with acclimation
Predominantly green cultivars generally tolerate the lower end of this range better than highly variegated cultivars. Red, pink, cream, and heavily variegated plants benefit from brighter conditions to maintain strong coloration and healthy growth.
Gentle morning or winter sunlight may be tolerated, but prolonged intense direct sunlight can bleach or scorch the foliage. Increase light gradually when moving a plant into brighter conditions.
If using grow lights, provide approximately 10–12 hours of light per day.
Water
Allow the upper 1–2" of soil to dry before watering. Then water thoroughly until excess water drains from the bottom of the pot.
Aglaonema prefers some moisture around its roots but should not remain constantly saturated. Established plants generally tolerate moderate drying better than prolonged wet soil.
Do not water according to a fixed schedule. Light, temperature, humidity, airflow, pot size, and soil composition all affect how quickly the plant uses water.
Signs of watering problems:
Yellowing lower leaves: Can indicate prolonged wet soil, although occasional loss of older leaves is normal.
Drooping foliage: May indicate significant dryness, but damaged roots can produce similar symptoms.
Brown or crispy edges: Can result from inconsistent watering, dry conditions, mineral buildup, or root stress.
Soft or mushy stems: Can indicate prolonged excess moisture and developing rot.
Plants kept in lower light will generally use water more slowly and should be checked particularly carefully before watering.
Soil
Aglaonema does best in a well-draining, airy mix that retains some moisture without remaining saturated.
A good mix can consist of:
Coco coir or quality potting mix
Perlite or pumice
Fine-to-medium orchid bark
The goal is a mix that provides moisture retention while maintaining enough air-filled space for healthy root respiration.
Plants kept in lower light or cooler conditions may benefit from a more aerated, faster-drying mix because water use will be slower.
Avoid oversized pots, which can leave a large volume of soil wet around a relatively small root system. Choose a container with drainage holes and increase pot size by only about 1–2 inches when repotting.
Growth & Habit
Clumping growth: New stems emerge from the base of the plant, gradually producing a fuller specimen.
Upright growth: Leaves develop along relatively short stems that can elongate as the plant matures.
Colorful foliage: Depending on the cultivar, leaves may display combinations of green, silver, white, cream, pink, or red.
Slow to moderate growth: Growth rate depends strongly on available light, temperature, and overall growing conditions.
Flowering: Mature plants may produce typical aroid inflorescences consisting of a spadix surrounded by a spathe.
Older plants can develop longer, exposed stems as lower leaves naturally decline. These stems can be pruned and propagated if a more compact plant is desired.
common issues
Yellowing leaves: Occasional yellowing of older leaves is normal. Widespread yellowing, particularly when the soil remains wet, can indicate excessive moisture or poor root aeration.
Drooping foliage: Can result from significant dryness or compromised roots. Check soil moisture before automatically adding water.
Brown leaf edges or tips: Can be associated with inconsistent watering, dry conditions, mineral or fertilizer buildup, or root stress.
Faded coloration: Colorful and highly variegated cultivars may become less vibrant under insufficient light. Gradually moving the plant into brighter indirect light can improve future growth.
Leaf scorch: Sudden exposure to intense direct sunlight can cause bleached, tan, or brown patches on the foliage.
Root or stem rot: Consistently wet, poorly aerated soil reduces oxygen availability and can eventually cause roots or stems to deteriorate.
Pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and other common houseplant pests can affect Aglaonema. Inspect leaf undersides, stems, and new growth regularly.
Long-Term Care Notes
Aglaonema is highly adaptable, but the best long-term growth comes from providing more than the minimum conditions the plant can tolerate.
Do not choose an extremely dark location simply because Chinese Evergreens are described as low-light plants. Providing moderate to bright indirect light supports stronger growth, better coloration, and more efficient water use.
Allow the upper portion of the soil to dry between waterings and maintain an airy root environment. During periods of lower light or cooler temperatures, expect the plant to use water more slowly.
Colorful and highly variegated cultivars may require brighter conditions than traditional green forms to maintain their appearance.
Older plants can be pruned if stems become excessively tall or bare, and stem sections can be propagated to rejuvenate the plant.
Pet safety: Aglaonema contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or ingested. Keep plants away from pets that may chew foliage.
Consistency is more important than perfection. Provide enough light for active growth, allow partial drying between waterings, and maintain good drainage and aeration around the roots.