Chinese Evergreens are like the easygoing friends of the plant world—they thrive without too much fuss, but watering them right can make all the difference.
I’ve learned that overwatering is just as risky as forgetting to water at all. Getting the balance means watching your plant’s cues and adjusting with the seasons. With a few simple steps, your Chinese Evergreen will stay lush and happy for years.
Here’s how to keep it looking its best and some extra care tips to help it really flourish.
1. Check Soil Moisture First
Never water your Chinese Evergreen on a strict schedule. Instead, stick your finger about an inch into the soil – if it feels dry, it’s watering time. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days.
These plants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering is the number one killer of houseplants, causing root rot that can quickly destroy your leafy friend. A moisture meter can be helpful if you’re unsure about soil dampness.
2. Use Room Temperature Water
Cold water can shock your Chinese Evergreen’s root system. Fill your watering can and let it sit out overnight to reach room temperature and allow chlorine to evaporate. This simple step prevents stress on your plant.
Tap water often contains minerals and chemicals that can build up in the soil over time. If your tap water is particularly hard, consider using filtered water or collecting rainwater for the healthiest results. Your plant will thank you!
3. Water Thoroughly But Infrequently
When it’s time to water, do it properly. Pour water slowly around the base of the plant until it begins to drain from the bottom holes. This ensures complete root saturation without creating air pockets in the soil.
Allow your Chinese Evergreen to dry out between waterings. These tropical natives store water in their thick stems and prefer slightly dry conditions over constant moisture. During winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant’s growth naturally slows down.
4. Empty Drainage Saucers
After watering, always empty any excess water from the drainage saucer within 30 minutes. Standing water is the enemy of your Chinese Evergreen! It promotes root rot and attracts pests like fungus gnats.
If your decorative pot doesn’t have drainage holes, consider using a plastic nursery pot inside it. This creates a double-pot system where you can remove the inner pot for watering, allow it to drain completely, then return it to the decorative outer pot. Smart and simple!
5. Adjust Watering Seasonally
Your Chinese Evergreen’s water needs change with the seasons. During spring and summer growing months, you’ll likely water every 7-10 days as the plant actively grows and uses more moisture. The warmer temperatures also cause faster evaporation.
In fall and winter, cut back to watering every 2-3 weeks. Lower light levels and cooler temperatures slow growth and water usage significantly. Pay attention to your plant’s specific needs rather than following a rigid calendar schedule. Each home’s environment is unique!
6. Provide Indirect Light
Chinese Evergreens thrive in medium to low indirect light, making them perfect for those darker corners of your home. Direct sunlight will scorch their beautiful leaves, while too little light causes leggy growth and faded patterns.
An east or north-facing window provides ideal lighting conditions. If you notice the variegation fading on patterned varieties, gradually move your plant to a brighter spot. Remember that darker-leaved varieties can tolerate lower light than their variegated cousins.
7. Maintain Proper Humidity
As tropical natives, Chinese Evergreens appreciate higher humidity than most homes naturally provide. Aim for 50-60% humidity for the happiest plants. Dry air causes brown leaf tips and edges that can’t be reversed once damaged.
Group plants together to create a microclimate, use a pebble tray with water beneath the pot, or run a humidifier nearby. Misting helps temporarily but isn’t a long-term solution. Avoid placing your plant near heating vents or air conditioners that create dry, drafty conditions.
8. Choose The Right Pot
Select a container that’s just 1-2 inches larger than the root ball when repotting your Chinese Evergreen. Oversized pots hold excess moisture that can lead to root rot. Terracotta pots are excellent choices as they wick away extra moisture.
Always ensure your pot has drainage holes – this is non-negotiable for healthy plants! If you fall in love with a decorative pot without drainage, use it as a cache pot with a plastic nursery pot inside. Your plant’s roots need to breathe.
9. Use Well-Draining Soil
Standard potting mix is too heavy for Chinese Evergreens. Create a perfect blend by mixing regular potting soil with perlite and orchid bark in equal parts. This custom mix provides both moisture retention and excellent drainage.
Avoid garden soil which compacts easily and lacks proper aeration. Ready-made aroid mixes work well too if you don’t want to mix your own. Good soil structure prevents water from pooling around roots while still holding enough moisture for healthy growth.
10. Fertilize Moderately
Feed your Chinese Evergreen with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Apply monthly during spring and summer growing seasons when the plant is actively producing new leaves. Never fertilize a dry plant!
Skip fertilizing entirely during fall and winter when growth naturally slows. Over-fertilizing causes more harm than under-fertilizing, leading to burned roots and brown leaf edges. If you notice salt buildup (white crust) on the soil surface, flush the pot thoroughly with water.
11. Clean Leaves Regularly
Dust accumulates on those broad, beautiful leaves, blocking sunlight and reducing your plant’s ability to photosynthesize efficiently. Gently wipe leaves with a soft, damp cloth every few weeks to keep them clean and shiny.
Avoid leaf shine products that can clog the leaf pores. A simple solution of water with a drop of mild dish soap works wonders for stubborn dirt. Remember to support leaves from underneath while cleaning to prevent damage to the stems. Clean leaves also discourage pest infestations.
12. Prune Yellow Or Damaged Leaves
Don’t hesitate to remove any yellow, brown, or damaged leaves from your Chinese Evergreen. These leaves drain energy from the plant and won’t recover once damaged. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut the leaf stem close to the base.
Pruning encourages new growth and keeps your plant looking its best. After removing several leaves, hold off on fertilizing for a few weeks to avoid stressing the plant. Disinfect your cutting tools with alcohol between plants to prevent spreading any potential diseases.
13. Rotate For Even Growth
Plants naturally grow toward light sources, which can create lopsided growth over time. Give your Chinese Evergreen a quarter turn every week to ensure all sides receive equal light exposure. This simple habit promotes balanced, symmetrical growth.
You’ll notice the difference within a few months as your plant develops a fuller appearance. If your plant has developed a severe lean, consider staking it temporarily while you establish a rotation routine. Even the most neglected plants can regain their shape with consistent care.
14. Watch For Pests
Inspect your Chinese Evergreen regularly for common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Check under leaves and along stems where pests often hide. Early detection makes treatment much easier and prevents major infestations.
Treat minor pest problems with insecticidal soap or neem oil, following package directions carefully. Isolate affected plants immediately to protect your other houseplants. Maintaining proper humidity and avoiding stress from improper watering will naturally reduce your plant’s susceptibility to pest attacks.
15. Repot Every Few Years
Chinese Evergreens are relatively slow growers that don’t mind being slightly root-bound. Plan to repot every 2-3 years or when you notice roots circling the bottom of the pot or growing through drainage holes. Spring is the ideal repotting season.
When repotting, choose a container just one size larger than the current pot. Gently loosen the root ball and remove some of the old soil before placing in fresh potting mix. Water thoroughly after repotting but hold off on fertilizing for about a month to allow roots to establish.