Chinese evergreen is a common name for a group of plants in the Aroid family native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. They’re popular houseplants for their large, colorful, and patterned leaves. Chinese evergreens are easy to grow and tolerate low-light and low-humidity conditions. They can also remove toxins thanks to their purifying abilities.
The plant likes moist but well-drained soil. It should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch and allowed to dry out before watering again. Avoid overwatering as this can result in root rot and fungal diseases. Conversely, don't underwater because it can cause leaf tips to brown and curl.
Chinese evergreen thrives in bright but indirect light. It can tolerate low light levels but may lose some of its variegation or become leggy. Ideally, place the plant in a north or east facing window.
Philippine evergreen is not very fussy about the soil type, as long as it's well-drained and slightly acidic. A standard potting mix with some perlite or sand added for drainage can suffice.
Because of its slow-growing nature, the plant doesn't need much fertilizer. A balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength can be applied once every 6 weeks during the growing season (spring to fall).
Pruning is beneficial to remove dead or damaged leaves or stems. You can also make cuts close to the base of the stem to shape the plant or to encourage bushier growth.
Division: This is the easiest and fastest way to propagate Chinese evergreen. You can divide the plant into smaller sections when it becomes too large or pot-bound, ideally in spring or summer.
Stem cuttings: Take cuttings from healthy and mature plants in spring or summer and insert them in a moist potting mix or water until they root.
Seeds: Harvest the seeds from the red berries that form after the flowers are pollinated. Sow in moist potting mix and cover lightly with soil
Mainly indoors but can happily grow outdoors when placed in a shady spot
The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals in its sap, which can cause irritation, swelling, burning, or numbness of the mouth, throat, skin, or eyes if ingested or touched by humans or animals.
Mealybugs
Spider mites
Aphids
Scale insects
Root rot
Fungal diseases
Containers
Hanging baskets
Mixed borders
Ground cover
Understory plant
Last Updated: August 6, 2023
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