For a pop of indoor color, try a Chinese evergreen plant to dress up your home or office. This popular houseplant is revered for its exotic-looking foliage that comes in an array of colors and variegated patterns. A favorite in China, this Asian native is traditionally considered good luck.
Chinese evergreen is a great low-light indoor plant and is easy to grow, even for beginners. It’s considered one of the best foliage plants for cleansing room air of toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde.
Aglaonemas are usually grown indoors, but can also be moved outdoors during summer to adorn containers, or grown outdoors in a shady spot year-round in warmer regions. Here’s how to grow and care for this beautiful plant.
Large glossy leaves are long, oval or pointed, occurring on short stems. Colors include shades of green, silver, white, pink and red, with striped, splotched, or symmetrical variegation.
Small white blooms that resemble peace lilies produce a flower spike enclosed by an outer leaf bract. Plants bloom in spring and summer.
Upright compact or clumping habit; 1 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide
Chinese evergreen contains calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to dogs and cats. Plant sap can cause skin irritation or rashes in adults and children. See more Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats.
Chinese evergreen is one of the most popular houseplants known for its attractive foliage and ease of care. This versatile plant comes in a variety of different cultivars featuring stunning leaves in different shades of green pink red, white, and silver.
In this article, we will take a close look at pictures of the Chinese evergreen plant to help you identify and care for the different varieties.
Overview of Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreen belongs to the Aglaonema genus and is native to tropical Asian countries like the Philippines and Indonesia. It is also commonly known as Aglaonema and is a member of the Araceae family.
This low-maintenance plant thrives in indoor environments and is an excellent choice for beginners and busy plant parents. It can tolerate low-light conditions and infrequent watering, making it perfect for brightening up spaces with minimal natural light.
The signature feature of the Chinese evergreen is its lush green leaves with striking patterns and colors. The leaves emerge directly from the soil, without a visible stem. The leaves can be solid green or variegated with silver, white, pink, or red.
These hardy plants can grow up to 3 feet tall. They have a bushy, full appearance and grow slowly. Chinese evergreens are non-toxic and pet-friendly. Some benefits of this plant include:
- Removing indoor air pollutants
- Easy care and maintenance
- Long lifespan of over 10 years
- Dramatic and decorative foliage
Next, let’s look at pictures of the most popular Chinese evergreen varieties to help you identify them.
Pictures of Different Chinese Evergreen Varieties
There are over 30 named cultivars of Chinese evergreen. Here are some of the most common types you will come across:
Aglaonema Silver Queen
- Leaves are dark green with striking silver-gray patterns in the center.
- Mature plants grow up to 3 feet tall.
- Does well in low to medium light.
Aglaonema Maria
- Features dark green leaves with bright pink veins running through them.
- Grows up to 2 feet tall.
- Thrives in medium to low light.
Aglaonema Silver Bay
- Has narrow, dark green leaves with silver stripes.
- Grows up to 3 feet tall.
- Tolerates low light conditions.
Aglaonema Lipstick
- Deep red leaves with dark green edges.
- Grows up to 2 feet tall.
- Does well in medium light.
Aglaonema Red Emerald
- Red stems and undersides with solid green tops.
- Grows up to 3 feet tall.
- Tolerates low light conditions.
Aglaonema Cutlass
- Sword-shaped leaves with green and silver variegation.
- Grows up to 3 feet tall.
- Does well in medium to bright light.
Aglaonema Snow White
- Solid green leaves with white speckles and splotches.
- Grows up to 2 feet tall.
- Tolerant of low to medium light.
Aglaonema Pink Moon
- Green leaves with bright pink spots and flecks.
- Grows up to 3 feet tall.
- Does well in medium light conditions.
How to Care for Chinese Evergreen
Caring for Chinese evergreen is straightforward as they are low-maintenance plants. Here are some key care tips:
-
Light – Place in medium to low indirect light. Avoid direct sun which can scorch the leaves.
-
Water – Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Water less frequently in the winter.
-
Temperature – Prefers temps between 65-80°F. Cannot tolerate frost or cold drafts.
-
Humidity – Likes average room humidity. Mist leaves occasionally to boost moisture.
-
Soil – Use a well-draining potting mix. Re-pot every 2 years in the spring.
-
Fertilizer – Feed monthly in the spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
-
Pruning – Remove dead or damaged leaves and stems to improve appearance.
Chinese evergreens are prone to problems like root rot, pests, and leaf spot if overwatered or exposed to temperature extremes. Overall, pay attention to providing adequate light and allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings.
Where to Place Chinese Evergreens
When deciding where to place your Chinese evergreen, consider the light requirements of the specific variety you have. Here are some ideal spots:
-
Low light rooms – Aglaonema Silver Bay, Aglaonema Maria, Aglaonema Emerald Beauty
-
Medium light rooms – Aglaonema Lipstick, Aglaonema Cutlass
-
Bright indirect light rooms – Aglaonema Red Secret, Aglaonema White Calcite
Avoid placing Chinese evergreens in direct sun through south or west facing windows as the harsh light can scorch their leaves. North or east facing windows are better choices for providing bright, gentle light.
You can also place them several feet away from any sunny windows. Other suitable spots include in front of sheer curtains or a few feet from an eastern or western window.
Buying Tips
When buying a Chinese evergreen plant, look for:
- Full, lush foliage without brown or yellow leaves
- Firm, healthy roots that are white in color
- No signs of pests like webs, eggs, or larvae
The soil should be slightly moist but not soggy or waterlogged. Avoid plants that are wilting, have damaged leaves, or sit in a puddle of water.
Select a size that fits your space. Smaller 4 inch plants can be ideal for desks or tabletops. Larger 10-12 inch varieties make more of an impact as floor plants.
Chinese evergreens are affordable plants, usually costing between $8-$25 based on size. You can find them at local nurseries, garden centers, or online plant retailers.
Pictures of Chinese Evergreen in Home Décor
The vibrant, striped foliage of Chinese evergreens complements both traditional and contemporary home décor styles. Here are some ideas for decorating with this plant:
-
Group a few different varieties in a large floor vase as a living centerpiece.
-
Add pops of color to bookshelves or console tables with petite 4 inch plants.
-
Place taller specimens in plain ceramic pots to highlight their fabulous leaves.
-
Let the red leaves of a Lipstick plant make a bold statement in a minimalist setting.
-
Use the silver striped varieties to illuminate dim corners or halls.
-
Contrast the dark green leaves against white walls or furniture.
-
Complement the pink tones with terracotta pots and earthy textiles.
Chinese evergreens are versatile enough to enhance any room with their vibrant and variegated foliage. They are perfect for injecting visual interest without a lot of maintenance.
Common Questions about Chinese Evergreen
Here are some frequently asked questions about growing Chinese evergreen houseplants:
How often should I water a Chinese evergreen?
Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. This is usually once every 7-10 days but adjust based on your environment. Water less in the winter.
What type of soil does a Chinese evergreen need?
A well-draining potting mix works best. You can also add perlite to improve drainage.
Why are the leaves on my Chinese evergreen turning yellow?
This is usually caused by overwatering or letting the plant sit in wet soil. Allow the soil to partially dry out before watering again.
Why do the stems on my Chinese evergreen have brown spots?
This can be due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Cut off any severely affected stems and ensure the plant has good airflow.
How do I encourage new growth in a Chinese evergreen?
Fertilize monthly in the spring and summer, prune back leggy stems, and repot into fresh soil every 2 years. Provide adequate bright, indirect light.
Can Chinese evergreens grow in low light?
Most varieties tolerate low light well, but may grow slower and produce smaller leaves. Provide the brightest light possible.
Final Thoughts
Chinese evergreen is a must-have houseplant due to its spectacular foliage and easygoing nature. With a little basic care, these plants will thrive for years, purifying your indoor air and bringing color to any space.
The wide range of varieties, featuring different leaf shapes and colors, means you can find an option to match your personal style. Whether you prefer bold red leaves, muted silver stripes, or bright pink spots, there is a Chinese evergreen to suit your décor.
Now that you have seen detailed pictures of the various Chinese evergreen cultivars, you can pick your favorites to create your own indoor jungle!
HouseplantsDiscover the right indoor plants for your home.
Aglaonema commutatum Maria. Photo by: dropStock / Shutterstock
For a pop of indoor color, try a Chinese evergreen plant to dress up your home or office. This popular houseplant is revered for its exotic-looking foliage that comes in an array of colors and variegated patterns. A favorite in China, this Asian native is traditionally considered good luck.
Chinese evergreen is a great low-light indoor plant and is easy to grow, even for beginners. It’s considered one of the best foliage plants for cleansing room air of toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde.
Aglaonemas are usually grown indoors, but can also be moved outdoors during summer to adorn containers, or grown outdoors in a shady spot year-round in warmer regions. Here’s how to grow and care for this beautiful plant.
On this page:
Chinese evergreen, Philippine evergreen
Native to tropical and subtropical forests of Asia and New Guinea
Usually grown indoors as a houseplant, but can be grown outside in Zones 10-11
Large glossy leaves are long, oval or pointed, occurring on short stems. Colors include shades of green, silver, white, pink and red, with striped, splotched, or symmetrical variegation.
Small white blooms that resemble peace lilies produce a flower spike enclosed by an outer leaf bract. Plants bloom in spring and summer.
Upright compact or clumping habit; 1 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide
Chinese evergreen contains calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to dogs and cats. Plant sap can cause skin irritation or rashes in adults and children. See more Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats.
Plants that look similar include croton, prayer plant, rubber plant, dumb cane, and calathea.
CHINESE EVERGREEN GROWING TIPS
Chinese evergreen varieties. Photo by: K Abejuela / Shutterstock
Place in a draft-free area near a window that receives bright indirect light.
Ideal temperatures range between 65 to 80 degrees F. Temperatures below 60 degrees F can cause cold damage. Keep plants away from drafts and heater vents.
Chinese evergreen prefers moist air with a humidity level of 60 to 70%. Increase humidity by using a room humidifier, misting plants frequently or setting pots on a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water. Don’t allow pots to sit in standing water. Plants can also be kept in a more humid room such as a bathroom or kitchen.
Use a peat-based potting mix that is well-draining, with an acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Add sand, perlite or bark to improve drainage.
Grow in a pot with adequate drainage holes that is no more than 1 to 2 inches wider than the root ball, which will help prevent root rot.
The easiest way to propagate Chinese evergreen is by root division. Divide in spring and make sure there are multiple young suckers or pieces to work with. Remove plant from pot and brush off the soil to expose the roots. Gently pry apart the suckers, or if potbound, use a sharp knife to cut the root ball into sections. Replant in separate pots using fresh soil.