Aglaonema, the Chinese evergreen, is one of the most forgiving houseplants: a compact tropical foliage plant from Southeast Asia and New Guinea that copes with low light, dry indoor air and the odd missed watering. Its real weak spot is cold. Aglaonema care comes down to low to moderate indirect light, a humus-rich soilless mix kept lightly moist, and temperatures that never drop into the 40s °F. This guide follows Clemson HGIC, NC State, Illinois and Arkansas Extension and the ASPCA.
What Is Aglaonema?
Clemson HGIC 1500 describes Chinese evergreens as tropical foliage plants from the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia and New Guinea, growing 1 to 3 feet tall and wide, with leaves from plain dark green to variegated with silver, gray, pink or red. NC State calls it one of the easiest houseplants for home or office and notes it resembles dumb cane (Dieffenbachia). For specific cultivars, see our Silver Bay and Siam Aurora guides.
Chinese Evergreen Care at a Glance
| Need | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Light | Green types: low light; variegated: low to moderate; no direct sun (Clemson); shadowless light such as a north window (Illinois) |
| Temperature | 68 to 80°F; tolerates 55°F; sensitive to chilling below 50°F (Clemson) |
| Humidity | Low to moderate household humidity is fine (Clemson) |
| Water | When the top 1 to 2 in are dry; moist but not too wet (Clemson); minimally moist (Illinois) |
| Soil | Standard soilless mix with extra humus (Clemson) |
| Fertilizer | Light; excess burns leaf edges (Clemson) |
| Size | 1 to 3 ft tall and wide (Clemson) |
| Pets | Toxic to dogs, cats and horses (ASPCA) |
Sources: Clemson HGIC 1500 (rev. 2025); Illinois Extension; ASPCA.
Light: How Low Can It Go?
Clemson says solid green cultivars grow in low light, variegated types need low to moderate light, and none like direct sun on the leaves. Illinois Extension says they do best in shadowless light such as a north window. University of Arkansas Extension puts the light compensation point of Chinese evergreen at around 10 foot-candles: at that level it won’t grow, but it won’t die either, compared with roughly 20 to 60 foot-candles in a typical room.
So aglaonema survives in very dim rooms, but it grows better, and colored types keep their color better, in moderate indirect light. See our north-facing window plants guide.
Soil, Watering and Feeding
Soil: Clemson recommends a standard commercial soilless mix with extra humus, in a pot that drains. Root rot comes from poorly draining soil or overwatering (Clemson).
Watering: Clemson says to water when the top 1 to 2 inches of the mix are dry, keeping it moist but not too wet. Arkansas Extension says to let the soil dry slightly between waterings but not to the point of wilting, and Illinois says keep it minimally moist. Water less in winter and in dim spots. See our overwatered vs underwatered guide.
Feeding: use a houseplant fertilizer lightly in spring and summer. Clemson warns that excessive fertilizer can burn leaf edges.
Temperature and Humidity
Cold is the real danger. Clemson says Chinese evergreens prefer 68 to 80°F, tolerate as low as 55°F, and are sensitive to chilling temperatures below 50°F. Arkansas Extension goes further: exposing these tropical plants to temperatures below 55°F will usually kill them. Keep them away from cold windows, doors and air-conditioning vents, and bring outdoor plants in well before cool nights.
Humidity is less of an issue: Clemson says most grow well in an average house with low to moderate humidity.
Aglaonema Propagation
Clemson lists division, stem cuttings, tip cuttings, air layering and seed. Illinois suggests tip cuttings when stems become too long, and notes aglaonema can grow in water.
- Division: separate offshoots with their own roots when repotting. Arkansas suggests waiting until the longer days of spring to repot.
- Tip or stem cuttings: cut a stem section with a few leaves, root it in water or moist mix, then pot it up.
Wear gloves; the sap can irritate skin.
Yellow Leaves and Other Problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowing leaves, soft stems, wet mix | Root rot from overwatering or poor drainage | Clemson |
| Damaged, collapsing leaves after cold | Chilling injury below 50 to 55°F | Clemson, Arkansas |
| Brown, burned leaf edges | Excess fertilizer | Clemson |
| Faded color in variegated types | Too little light | Clemson |
| Scorched patches | Direct sun | Clemson |
| White coating on leaves | Powdery mildew in high humidity | Clemson |
| Cottony clusters, bumps, stippling | Mealybugs, scale, aphids, mites | Clemson, Arkansas |
Sources: Clemson HGIC 1500; University of Arkansas Extension.
A few old lower leaves yellowing slowly is normal as the plant grows. For mealybugs, see our rubbing alcohol guide; for scale, our scale guide.
Is Aglaonema Toxic to Pets?
Yes. The ASPCA lists Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses because of insoluble calcium oxalates, causing oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Clemson also says the leaves can be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. Keep it out of reach and call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if a pet chews it. See our cat-safe plants list.
For related low-light aroids, see our guides to dieffenbachia. Have a dog? See our list of plants safe for dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can aglaonema survive in low light?
Yes. Arkansas Extension puts its light compensation point at about 10 foot-candles, and Clemson says green types grow in low light. Variegated types need low to moderate light.
How often should I water a Chinese evergreen?
When the top 1 to 2 inches of the mix are dry, keeping it moist but not too wet (Clemson).
Why are my Chinese evergreen leaves turning yellow?
Usually overwatering or poor drainage (Clemson), or cold damage below 50 to 55°F. A few old lower leaves yellowing is normal.
What temperature is too cold for aglaonema?
Clemson says it is sensitive to chilling below 50°F and tolerates down to 55°F; Arkansas says below 55°F usually kills it.
How do you propagate aglaonema?
By division, stem or tip cuttings, or air layering (Clemson). Tip cuttings work well when stems get leggy (Illinois).
Is aglaonema toxic to cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists Chinese evergreen as toxic to dogs, cats and horses because of insoluble calcium oxalates.