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Chinese evergreen is the best patterned-foliage plant for low light: silver-marbled (and in newer cultivars pink and red) leaves that hold their color where other plants fade. Water when the top few centimeters dry, keep it warm and out of drafts, and that's essentially the whole job. Toxic to pets if chewed, and typically costs $12-$35.
Key facts
- Native to rainforest floors of the Philippines and Indonesia, adapted to deep shade — the basis of its low-light tolerance.
- Modern red and pink cultivars come mostly from Thai breeding programs, transforming a green-and-silver classic into a colorful category.
- One of the most cold-sensitive common houseplants — sustained temps below 15°C cause leaf damage.
- Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed (calcium oxalates), though milder than dieffenbachia, its close relative.
Care requirements#
| Plant type | Indoor |
| Growing medium | Well-draining potting mix |
| Light needs | Low to medium indirect light; darker green types tolerate the least light, pink/red types want a bit more |
| Water frequency | Every 7-10 days; when the top 2-3cm are dry |
| Humidity | Tolerates average homes; lusher above 50% |
| Temperature range | 18-27°C (65-80°F); damage below 15°C (60°F) — the key vulnerability |
| Fertilizer | Balanced liquid feed, half strength, monthly in spring-summer |
| Soil pH | 5.6-6.5 |
| Drainage needs | Moderate-high |
| Pot recommendation | Any stable pot with drainage |
| Hardiness zone (outdoor) | USDA 10-12 (shade only) |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed |
Growth & propagation#
| Mature size | 30-90cm tall and wide |
| Growth rate | Slow to moderate |
| Propagation methods | Division of clumps; stem cuttings in water or soil |
| Propagation difficulty | Easy via division; cuttings root in 3-4 weeks |
| Repotting schedule | Every 2-3 years |
| Pruning needs | Minimal — remove spent lower leaves |
Common problems & troubleshooting#
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Greasy grey patches on leaves | Cold damage from drafts or transport | Move somewhere consistently above 15°C; trim damaged leaves |
| Yellow lower leaves | Overwatering or normal aging | If several at once, extend drying time between waterings |
| Brown crispy tips | Dry air or tap water minerals | Raise humidity; try filtered water |
| Fading pink/red color | Light too low for colored cultivars | Move colored types to medium-bright indirect light |
| Leggy, sparse stems | Years of very low light | Cut back tall stems — they reshoot from the base — and brighten the spot |
Never guess when to water this again
Sodate reads your actual light and season, then builds this plant's watering quests around them — not a fixed schedule.
Seasonal care#
Varieties & cultivars#
| Variety | Distinguishing trait | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 'Silver Bay' | Broad silver-centered leaves | The classic office staple |
| 'Red Valentine' / 'Siam Aurora' | Pink-red flushed foliage | Thai-bred color revolution |
| 'Maria' | Compact, dark green with silver banding | Most shade-tolerant of all |
| 'Pictum Tricolor' | Camouflage-pattern leaves | Collector cultivar at premium prices |
Buying checklist#
- Firm patterned leaves without grey greasy patches (cold damage from transport is common)
- Multiple stems for a full clump
- No mushy stems at the soil line
- Buy on a mild day or have it wrapped — winter transport damage shows up days later
Pricing by region#
| Region | Price range | Typical unit | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | $12 – $35 | 6-8in pot | Big-box + nursery retail |
| UK | $10 – $28 | 13-17cm pot | Garden centre retail |
| India | $2 – $6 | 6-8in pot | Urban nursery retail |
| Australia | $11 – $33 | 140-200mm pot | Nursery + garden centre |
| Canada | $12 – $33 | 6-8in pot | Garden centre retail |
USD figures are approximate conversions for comparison; switch the dropdown to see each region's actual local-currency listing price.
Often confused with#
Where it's actually grown#
Green-and-silver aglaonemas are volume-produced in Florida and Southeast Asia; the red and pink cultivars that transformed the category trace back to Thai breeding programs of the 1990s-2000s and now dominate new releases each year.
Import & biosecurity restrictions#
| Region | Note |
|---|---|
| Australia | Live plant imports restricted under biosecurity law; good domestic supply. |
| US | Domestic sale unrestricted. |
| UK | No specific restriction; grown as a houseplant. |
| India | No restriction; suits warm Indian interiors well. |
| Canada | CFIA permits required for commercial imports; ship-season cold damage is a real risk — buy locally in winter. |
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Frequently asked questions
Can Chinese evergreen really grow in low light?
Yes — dark green varieties handle dim corners and windowless offices better than nearly any patterned plant. Pink and red cultivars keep their color best with a bit more light.
Is Chinese evergreen pet-safe?
No — it's toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, causing oral irritation, though it's milder than its relative dieffenbachia.
How much does a Chinese evergreen cost?
A standard 6-8 inch pot runs $12-$35 in the US, with red cultivars at the higher end.
Why do my aglaonema's leaves have grey greasy patches?
Cold damage — this plant is among the most chill-sensitive houseplants. Keep it above 15°C and away from drafts and cold glass.
How do I propagate Chinese evergreen?
Divide a multi-stemmed clump at repotting, or root stem cuttings in water — roots take about 3-4 weeks.
