Aglaonema Care Guide for India: Light, Water, Humidity & Problems
Aglaonema (also called Chinese evergreen) is one of the easiest foliage houseplants. Its broad leaves in green, pink and red add colour to a room without asking for much attention.
It still needs the right light and careful watering to stay healthy. This guide covers light, water, feeding, humidity, repotting, propagation and the most common problems.
Aglaonema Care at a Glance
| Need | What your aglaonema wants |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light. Medium light keeps reds and pinks vivid; it survives lower light but grows slower and looks duller. Direct sun burns the leaves. |
| Water | When the top inch of soil is dry. Less often in cooler months. Empty the tray under the pot. |
| Humidity | Copes with normal indoor humidity and prefers a little more. Very dry air browns the leaf tips. |
| Temperature | A warm room, roughly 18–35°C. Keep it away from cold drafts. |
| Fertilizer | All-purpose houseplant fertilizer once a month in spring and summer. None in autumn and winter. |
| Repotting | Every 2–3 years, into a pot only one size larger. |
| Pets | Toxic to dogs and cats if chewed. |
How Much Light Does an Aglaonema Need?
Aglaonema prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sun can burn the leaves, so if the plant sits near a window, use a curtain to soften the light. Some varieties adapt to lower light and will survive there, but they grow more slowly and the leaf colour fades. Medium light is best for colourful varieties because the reds and pinks show through. Dull leaves and little growth suggest too little light; pale or burnt patches suggest too much.
How Often Should You Water an Aglaonema?
Watering is the most common beginner mistake. Aglaonema does not like soggy soil, and overwatering can cause root rot. Let the soil dry out a little between waterings. Push a finger about an inch into the soil: if it feels dry, water; if it is still damp, wait a few days. In hot weather it may need water more often, and less often in the colder months.
If water collects in the tray under the pot, empty it. Standing water causes trouble.
Fertilizer
Aglaonema has a small appetite but still benefits from feeding. Give it an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer once a month during active growth in spring and summer. In autumn and winter the plant rests, so skip feeding.
Humidity and Temperature
Aglaonema tolerates normal indoor humidity but responds well to a little more. If the air is very dry, the leaf tips may turn brown. A tray of water and pebbles near the plant, or grouping several plants together, raises the moisture around them. Keep the plant in a warm room, roughly 18–35°C, and away from cold drafts.
Repotting an Aglaonema
Aglaonema does not need repotting often: every two to three years is usually enough. Roots coming out of the drainage hole, or a plant that has outgrown its pot, mean it is time. Choose a pot only one size larger, because an oversized pot holds water for too long. Use fresh potting mix.
How to Propagate an Aglaonema
The simplest method is division when repotting. Gently separate a section that has roots and plant it in its own pot. It is an easy way to get more plants from the one you already have.
Common Aglaonema Problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering | Check the soil and let it dry before watering again. |
| Brown tips | Too much fertilizer or dry air | Feed less often and raise humidity. |
| Drooping leaves | Too much or too little water | Check the soil moisture to find out which. |
| Pests (mealybugs, spider mites) | Pest infestation | Clean the leaves with a gentle soapy solution. |
Are Aglaonema Plants Safe for Pets?
No. Aglaonema can be poisonous to pets if they chew or eat it. Keep dogs and cats away from the leaves and place the plant out of reach.
Aglaonema FAQs
How often should I water an aglaonema?
When the top inch of soil is dry. Check with your finger rather than following a fixed schedule, and water less often in the cooler months.
Can aglaonema grow in low light?
Some varieties adapt to lower light and will survive, but they grow more slowly and the leaf colours fade. Medium, indirect light is best.
Why are the tips of my aglaonema turning brown?
Usually from too much fertilizer or dry air. Feed less often and raise the humidity around the plant.
How often should I repot an aglaonema?
Every 2–3 years, or when roots come out of the drainage hole. Move up only one pot size.
Is aglaonema toxic to pets?
Yes, it can be poisonous to dogs and cats if chewed or eaten. Keep it out of their reach.
How do I propagate an aglaonema?
Divide the plant when repotting: separate a section with roots and plant it in its own pot.
Buy Aglaonema Online
You can buy aglaonema plants online from PlantsHub. Browse the aglaonema collection, or look at the Aglaonema Spring Snow, Aglaonema Favonian and Aglaonema Red Lipstick (Siam Aurora).
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Last updated: November 2026
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