Aglaonema Care Guide

 

Aglaonema, also known as Chinese Evergreen, is one of the most popular indoor plants in the world — and for good reason. With lush, patterned leaves and a forgiving nature, it's a favourite among beginners and collectors alike.

At Happy Houseplants, we love how well Aglaonema adapts to different lighting conditions and continues to shine even in darker corners of the home. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: ideal lighting, watering habits, repotting advice, styling inspiration, and how to solve common care problems.

Aglaonema Plant Profile

Feature	Details
Botanical Name	Aglaonema spp.
Common Name	Chinese Evergreen
Plant Family	Araceae
Difficulty	Easy
Light	Low to medium indirect light
Water	Allow top inch of soil to dry
Humidity	Moderate
Pet Safe?	No – toxic to pets if ingested
Air Purifying?	Yes (mild effect)

 

Light Requirements for Aglaonema Houseplants

Aglaonema thrives in low to medium indirect light, making it perfect for homes without bright, sunny windows. While it can tolerate low light, it performs best with bright, indirect light — think of it as dappled shade under a tree.

Avoid placing it in direct sun, which can bleach or scorch the leaves. If your Aglaonema starts looking leggy or the colours fade, that’s a sign it’s craving more light. A spot near a north- or east-facing window is often ideal.

How Often Should You Water Aglaonema?

Aglaonema prefers evenly moist soil but doesn’t like sitting in soggy conditions. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings, and always use a pot with good drainage.

In warmer months, you might water every 7–10 days. In winter, reduce the frequency, as the plant grows more slowly and uses less moisture.

Avoid overwatering — it’s one of the quickest ways to cause root rot. If in doubt, always check the soil before watering.

For strong, healthy growth, feed your Aglaonema monthly during the growing season with Happy Houseplants' Organic Tropical Plant Food.

When and How to Repot Aglaonema

Aglaonema doesn’t need frequent repotting — every 1–2 years is fine, or when you notice roots pushing out of the drainage holes.

When repotting:

• Choose a pot 1–2 inches wider than the current one.
• Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for aroids.
• Gently loosen the roots and refresh the soil.

Repotting not only gives the roots more room but also refreshes the nutrients, supporting new growth.

Native Habitat and How It Grows in the Wild

Aglaonema is native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In the wild, it grows under the dense jungle canopy, where it receives filtered light and high humidity.

Understanding this natural environment helps us mimic the best indoor care: moderate humidity, protection from harsh sunlight, and moist but not soggy soil.

Absolutely — here’s the full section, ready for copy and paste into Shopify with no formatting issues or emojis:

Styling Ideas for Aglaonema at Home

Aglaonema is incredibly versatile when it comes to styling. Here are a few ideas to inspire:

Low-light hallways: Brighten dark corners with its patterned foliage — explore our low-light houseplants collection for more inspiration: 

Bathrooms: The natural humidity supports healthy growth. Just make sure there’s some light, and pair it with one of our modern plant pots for a cohesive look: 

Home office: A stress-relieving splash of greenery that thrives on neglect — perfect for busy desks. Discover more easy-care plants for work-from-home spaces: 

Use a ceramic plant pot in a soft pastel or bold contrast to highlight its variegation: 

Aglaonema works beautifully in both modern and traditional interiors, adding structure, colour, and calm. It’s an ideal houseplant for dopamine decor lovers, minimalists, and everyone in between.

Wellness Benefits of Aglaonema

Aglaonema helps create a more relaxing indoor environment — perfect for busy lives. Its easy care makes it ideal for new plant parents, and the foliage brings natural texture and colour indoors.

It’s often listed among air-purifying plants, though like most houseplants, the effect is minimal. Still, just having greenery around can lift your mood and make your space feel more alive.

Common Problems with Aglaonema and How to Fix Them

Yellow or Mushy Leaves on your Aglaonema?

Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage.
Fix: Let the top inch of soil dry out, check drainage holes, and repot into fresh, airy soil if needed.

Aglaonema Leggy Growth?

Cause: Low light.
Fix: Move your plant to a brighter spot with indirect light or consider using a grow light.

Drooping Leaves on your Aglaonema?

Cause: Dry soil, cold temperatures, or shock from repotting.
Fix: Water thoroughly if the soil is dry and move away from draughty areas.

Aglaonema Pests (Mealybugs, Spider Mites)

Signs: Sticky residue, webbing, cotton-like spots.
Fix: Wipe leaves gently, isolate the plant, and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Quick Care Summary for Aglaonema

Care Factor	Needs
Light	Low to medium indirect light
Water	Let top inch dry between waterings
Humidity	Moderate
Feeding	Monthly in spring–summer
Pet Safe?	No – toxic if ingested

 

FAQs About Aglaonema

Q: Is Aglaonema easy to care for?
A: Yes — it's one of the easiest indoor plants, perfect for beginners.

Q: Can Aglaonema survive in low light?
A: It can tolerate low light, but does best in brighter indirect light.

Q: How fast does Aglaonema grow?
A: It's slow to moderate growing, depending on light and feeding.

Q: Is Aglaonema safe for pets?
A: No — it’s toxic if ingested, so keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.

Q: Should I mist my Aglaonema?
A: It enjoys moderate humidity but doesn’t require misting. A pebble tray or humidifier is more effective.

Why Choose Aglaonema?

Aglaonema is an ideal houseplant for:

• Low-light rooms
• People who forget to water
• Adding colour and texture to interiors
• First-time plant owners

It’s easy to love, easy to care for, and endlessly rewarding.

Explore More from Happy Houseplants

• Read more care guides in the A–Z Plant Care Hub
• Check out our Houseplant blog for styling tips and in inspiration

Looking to buy Aglaonema or other indoor plants online in the UK? Happy Houseplants is a trusted, family-run shop known for great reviews, careful delivery, and expert support

Happy Houseplants is a family run business specialising in indoor plant delivery - come to us if you want to buy indoor plants! We have something for everyone - from house plant gifts and plants for a windowsill to variegated houseplants, from small houseplants to large plants for sale! We also have cheap plants in pots. We are the best place to buy houseplants!