Chinese evergreen (aglaonema) care guide
Aglaonema commutatum
Quick answer
Water your Chinese evergreen when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
- WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 11 to 17 days · winter - LightLow light tolerant
- Climate18–29 °C (64–84 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
3 cm (1.2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 11 to 17 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Low light tolerant
Chinese evergreen tolerates low light but grows faster in medium light. Place it near a north-facing window, or a couple of meters back from a brighter one.
Feeding
Feed your Chinese evergreen every 45 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate18–29 °C (64–84 °F)
Humidity50–70%
During leafy growth, aim for 18–29 °C (64–84 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 15 °C (59 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 50–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Wear gloves when you cut or repot it. Keep the sap away from your eyes and skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses Pet Poison Helpline where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice. Pet Poison Helpline lists the whole Aglaonema genus, so this applies to every Aglaonema species, including this one.
Full Chinese evergreen toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a Chinese evergreen?
Water your Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum) when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
How much light does a Chinese evergreen need?
Chinese evergreen tolerates low light but grows faster in medium light. Place it near a north-facing window, or a couple of meters back from a brighter one.
Is Chinese evergreen safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing it can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Keep Chinese evergreen out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like cast-iron plant or parlor palm.
Why is my Chinese evergreen turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineAccepted species record · accepted infraspecifics
- Clemson University Home & Garden Information CenterQuick guide · how to grow indoors · Chinese evergreen problems and toxicity · Aglaonema species and cultivars
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Gardening SolutionsPlanting and Care
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlChinese Evergreen record naming Aglaonema modestum · used as genus/common-name safety context, not exact Aglaonema commutatum evidence
- How we check our plant advice
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