Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreens need to be watered regularly during the growing season to keep the soil moist but not soggy. When in doubt, wait an extra day between watering instead of overdoing it. In the winter, be careful not to overwater, as the plant will be growing much slower. Allow the surface of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Chinese Evergreens thrive in medium to low light, though they can survive in higher-light areas if grown slowly and with extra attention. Instead of sudden changes, slowly acclimate them to higher lighting levels to prevent sunburn. Direct sun should be avoided, as this can cause burn marks on the leaves. The ideal lighting situation is a semi-shaded area away from direct sunlight.

Chinese Evergreen plants thrive in normal household temperatures ranging from 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). During the winter, it's okay to keep the temperature lower, but make sure you don't go below 55°F (13°C). Chinese Evergreens can handle brief exposure to temperatures lower than that, but avoid letting them stay in temperatures like that for prolonged periods of time.

Chinese Evergreen plants prefer higher humidity, a minimum of 40%. Mist the leaves every couple of days, or group them together with other plants to create a mini-greenhouse effect that will help increase the humidity around them. Placing a humidifier near the plants will also help.

Chinese Evergreens thrive in a soil-based potting mix. Look for a mix that contains coco coir, which helps the soil retain water. Mix in some gritty material like pumice, perlite, or sand to help with drainage and aeration.

During the summer growing season, your Chinese Evergreens will appreciate a mild fertilizer. Choose a fertilizer that is specially formulated for houseplants, and make sure to dilute it to half the recommended strength. Fertilize your Chinese Evergreens every 2 to 4 weeks from spring through fall.

Chinese Evergreens are not usually subject to many pests, but can be susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. If you notice a plant has been infected, you can treat them with neem oil or use a homemade spray of water and soap. For more serious infections, apply insecticides. Keep an eye out for signs of pests, such as yellow or brown leaves, sticky leaves, or webbing.

Chinese Evergreens should be repotted every two to three years, or when you notice the potting mix has broken down and is no longer providing adequate drainage. Use a soil-based potting mix, being careful not to over-pot. Make sure you've chosen a pot with drainage holes, as the plant is sensitive to overwatering.

Chinese evergreens can be trimmed and pruned to maintain an attractive shape. To keep the size in check, trim back leggy or overgrown stems and remove any dead leaves or stems. Chinese evergreens won’t flower, but may produce red berries if the flower stalks are left untrimmed. Trim off flower stalks to make sure the plant is focusing its energy on producing vibrant leaves.

Mulching is an important aspect of caring for Chinese Evergreens; it helps to keep the soil moist, cool, and helps prevent weeds. Use a non-organic mulch like pea gravel, river rocks, or decomposed granite.

Chinese Evergreens can be propagated either through stem cuttings or division. To take a stem cutting, cut a length of stem off the plant and place it in a pot with a damp potting mix. Be sure to water it regularly. Division is a viable option for propagating Chinese Evergreens from a mature plant, by dividing up the rhizomes and planting them separately.

If your Chinese Evergreen starts to lean, you may want to provide it with some support by tying it to a stake or trellis. This will help the plant maintain its desired shape.

During the winter, Chinese Evergreens will enter a slight resting period where the growth rate will slow down. Reduce your watering slightly, but be sure to keep it consistent. During this time, you do not need to fertilize your Chinese Evergreens.

Chinese Evergreens are non-toxic to cats and dogs, so they’re safe to keep around furry companions.