Chinese evergreen care guideAglaonema commutatum
Many colored cultivars; tough. Ranked #39 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.
WateringWhen and how much water
Water Chinese evergreen when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
LightHow bright a spot it needs
Chinese evergreen is low light tolerant: tolerates low light but grows faster in medium light. The ideal lux range is 500 - 2,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 3-4 metres back from a north-facing window, or near any window indirectly lit.
TroubleshootingCommon problems
Most Chinese evergreen problems trace back to watering — here's how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for: Yellowing leaves · Mushy stems · Root rot · Black stem base. Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for: Drooping leaves · Crispy leaf edges · Curling leaves · Brown leaf tips. Water a little more often and don't let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Pet safetyToxic to pets
Toxic to pets. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Chinese evergreen out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like African violet, Hibiscus, or Gerbera daisy.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light: African violet, Hibiscus, Gerbera daisy. See all pet-safe alternatives →
Pet-safety is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.
Field noteSomething worth knowing
Selectively bred for over fifty years in Thailand, where new colour cultivars regularly sell at auction for thousands of euros.
Get the personalised schedule
Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Chinese evergreen based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.
Download BotanicalyFAQCommon questions
How often should I water a Chinese evergreen?
Water your Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum) when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter, slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a Chinese evergreen need?
Chinese evergreen is low light tolerant: tolerates low light but grows faster in medium light. The ideal lux range is 500 - 2,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 3-4 metres back from a north-facing window, or near any window indirectly lit.
Is Chinese evergreen safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Chinese evergreen out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like African violet, Hibiscus, or Gerbera daisy.
Why are my Chinese evergreen's leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Chinese evergreen, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering — watch for yellowing leaves, mushy stems, or root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If the leaves are drooping leaves, crispy leaf edges, or curling leaves instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.