Adding Chinese evergreens to your houseplant collection can bring peace, beauty, and maybe even a little luck! Our Chinese evergreen growing guide will help you care for, and enjoy this delightful plant in your home.
Chinese evergreen also known as Aglaonema, is a popular tropical houseplant grown for its attractive patterned foliage. Its lush green leaves can sometimes turn yellow which is often a sign of underlying problems.
In this article, we’ll explore the various reasons why the leaves on your Chinese evergreen may be turning yellow and provide tips to restore the plant to health.
Overwatering is the Most Common Cause of Yellowing Leaves
The number one cause of yellowing leaves on a Chinese evergreen is overwatering. These tropical plants prefer evenly moist but not soggy soil.
Overwatering causes root rot due to lack of oxygen. Damaged roots are unable to take up water and nutrients, resulting in leaf yellowing and drooping.
To fix overwatering:
- Allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again.
- Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Trim off any mushy black roots.
- Repot in fresh well-draining soil. Add perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage.
- Water less frequently, only when the top few inches of soil become dry.
Underwatering Also Leads to Yellow Leaves
While Chinese evergreens don’t like wet feet, allowing the soil to completely dry out for too long can also cause yellowing.
Plants that are underwatered have difficulty absorbing moisture and nutrients. Leaves dry out, wither, and turn yellow without adequate water.
To fix underwatering:
- Water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom.
- Check soil moisture before watering again by sticking a finger into the top few inches.
- Water when the soil is partly dry, about once a week.
- Mist leaves occasionally to increase humidity.
Insufficient Light Causes Poor Growth
Chinese evergreens can tolerate low light conditions but prefer medium to bright indirect light. Without enough light, growth slows, and the plant cannot process nutrients properly. Older leaves turn yellow and drop off.
To increase light:
- Place the plant near an east or west facing window. Avoid direct southern exposure.
- Rotate the plant every few days so all sides get light exposure.
- Supplement with a grow light if indoor conditions are too dark.
Pests Such as Mealybugs or Spider Mites Can Damage Leaves
Sucking insects like mealybugs, aphids, and scales feed on plant sap. Their feeding causes stippling, yellow spots, distorted growth, and leaf drop.
Spider mites leave behind webbing and speckling on foliage. Inspect undersides of leaves closely to spot them.
To control pests:
- Isolate affected plants to prevent spreading.
- Remove pests by hand or use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
- Improve plant care to strengthen it against reinfestation.
Bacterial or Fungal Diseases Can Cause Leaf Spotting
Bacterial blight leads to yellowing leaves with black oily spots. Fungal issues show up as white/gray powdery coating or dark moldy spots.
To treat diseases:
- Isolate and prune off affected foliage.
- Apply appropriate fungicide or bactericide if severe.
- Avoid overhead watering and increase air circulation.
Older Leaves Naturally Yellow and Drop
As part of the natural growth process, older leaves on Chinese evergreens eventually turn yellow or brown and drop off. This is normal, as long as it’s only a few bottom leaves and new growth appears healthy.
Pinch off unsightly yellow leaves to keep your plant looking its best. No other action is required as this is part of the plant’s natural cycle.
How to Prevent Yellow Leaves on Chinese Evergreen
- Water thoroughly only when the topsoil becomes partly dry. Avoid overwatering.
- Provide bright indirect light. Rotate the plant or use grow lights to supplement.
- Mist leaves and use a humidifier to increase humidity.
- Inspect regularly for pests and isolate affected plants.
- Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during spring and summer.
- Repot every 2-3 years in fresh well-draining soil.
By tuning into your Chinese evergreen’s care needs, you can keep it thriving with vibrant green leaves. Analyze the pattern of yellowing to determine the cause. Address issues promptly by adjusting water, light, humidity, or pest management. With the proper adjustments, your Chinese evergreen will be back to good health.
What Kind of Soil Do Chinese Evergreens Need?
When growing Chinese evergreens, you’ll need a potting mix that is well-draining. If the soil you have isn’t drying out or the stems of your plant are turning yellow or brown, you’ll need to take action to prevent any root rot. Mix in some perlite or sand to help the draining process. Chinese evergreens grow slowly, so you won’t have to repot them too frequently.
All About Chinese Evergreens
Hailing from Southeast Asia, Chinese evergreens, also known as Aglaonema, are adored globally for their beauty and symbolism of prosperity and good fortune. They grow naturally in warm, humid climates and are praised in traditional Feng Shui for bringing balance and harmony into a room. Chinese evergreens are also said to clear away stress, but we think that applies to all houseplants!
Is your Chinese Evergreen Dying!? Here’s how to fix it! (+ get more leaves!)
FAQ
What to do when Chinese evergreen leaves turn yellow?
In the end, remedying yellow leaves on your Chinese Evergreen boils down to two things: watering and nutrients. Get these right, and you’ll be well on your way to a healthy, vibrant plant.
Should I remove yellow leaves from a Chinese money plant?
Spotted Chinese Money Plant yellow leaves? Don’t panic – it’s usually a sign of overwatering. Gently remove the yellowing leaves near the base to encourage healthy growth, and allow the soil to dry out a little before watering again.
How often should I water my Chinese evergreen?
Do yellow leaves always mean overwatering?
Leaves Turning Bright Yellow or Mushy Stems
This is usually a sign of overwatering, either caused by watering your plant before it’s ready or if your plant is in too low of light. When plants sit in waterlogged soil, their roots can’t get enough oxygen, leading to root damage which manifests as yellow leaves.