Pick the Perfect Aglaonema for Your Home
This houseplant is one of the most popular amongst plant enthusiasts as it is easy-to-care for, can live in dim light, and the Chinese evergreen comes in multiple colors and sizes including the “Tricolor” which is a mix of greens and silver on its oval shaped leaves, “Red King” with a striking red color on its oval and oar shaped leaves, or the “Sparkling Sarah” with its pink and green variegation on spear shaped leaves.
Chinese culture believes that Aglaonema brings good luck, and a study by NASA shows it is effective at helping to purify toxins from the air. With their long life, easy-to-care for and adaptability, you’ll love watching your Aglaonema thrive in your home or your office.
If you’re ready to buy a Chinese evergreen for your home, but aren’t sure which to shop for or have questions about caring for it, we can help. Below you’ll find care instructions as well as some of our staff favorites.
Care Instructions for Aglaonema
Watering
You should water your aglaonema plant about once a week when the top inch or two of soil gets dry and if you don’t have a humidifier in the room, try a pebble tray as Chinese evergreen enjoys high levels of humidity. If you don’t have a humidifier, don’t worry, they can adapt to regular indoor climates too.
Soil and Repotting
Both water retention and draining are important for aglaonema to thrive so you’ll want perlite or vermiculite and other materials that have adequate drainage combined with sphagnum moss and coconut coir to trap enough moisture in. Proper drainage is important to prevent root rot while the moisture retention allows the roots to drink as needed.
Sunlight
Aglaonema should be placed in bright and indirect sunlight like on a table in a room with a window or by your bed where the ambient light is plentiful. It can do well in dim light, but its colors and vibrancy may fade.
Pet Friendly
No, Chinese evergreen plants are toxic to pets including dogs, cats, and rabbits. Keep them out of reach and if you notice leaves or stems have been chewed or eaten, call your pet’s veterinarian immediately.
Staff Favorites
One of the reasons collectors love Chinese evergreen is the variety of leaf shapes, variegation, and color patterns to choose from. With variety comes a hard decision, which plant or plants should I buy now. Of course we’ll say all of them, but if you only have space for one or two aglaonema plants in your home, here are some staff favorites with the reasons why.
Pictum Tricolor
This rare, camo-patterned Aglaonema is a collector’s dream. With green, lime, and silver blotches across each leaf, the Pictum Tricolor looks like it's straight out of a rainforest. It’s slow-growing and a bit more particular about humidity, but totally worth the extra effort if you’re after something unique.
Red King
Bold and bright, the Red King lives up to its name with lush green leaves edged in vibrant red. It's a low-maintenance statement plant that brings a pop of color to your space—no fancy lighting required. Just keep it in bright, indirect light and water when the soil feels dry up top.
Siam Aurora
Siam Aurora offers electric red and pink tones against glossy green leaves. It's one of the most unique Aglaonema varieties and thrives with minimal care, making it ideal for plant parents who love bright foliage without the fuss.
Silver Bay
Commonly known as the “Chinese Evergreen,” Silver Bay features broad leaves with a silvery center and dark green margins, giving it a cool-toned, classic look. This variety is known for its durability and adaptability, thriving even in lower-light spots. It's the perfect pick for homes or offices that need a touch of tropical calm.
