Chinese Evergreen Care: Complete Guide to Growing Aglaonema

Watering and Soil Requirements for Chinese Evergreen: The Perfect Balance

After countless years of caring for Aglaonema, I’ve finally mastered the art of watering these beauties. Trust me, I’ve made every watering mistake possible, but those mistakes taught me exactly what these plants need to thrive!

Watering Frequency and Technique

Here’s my golden rule: wait until the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry before watering. I learned this the hard way after nearly drowning my first Chinese Evergreen! These plants are actually pretty good at telling you when they need water – the leaves will start to droop slightly.

My tried-and-true watering technique:

• Check soil moisture with your finger weekly
• Water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage holes
• Empty the saucer after 15 minutes
• Reduce watering by 50% during winter months

Spotting Water-Related Problems

Let me share some telltale signs I’ve learned to watch for:

Signs of Overwatering:

• Yellow leaves throughout the plant
• Soft, mushy stems
• Water-soaked spots on leaves
• Soil that stays constantly wet

Signs of Underwatering:

• Crispy brown leaf tips
• Curling or drooping leaves
• Slow growth
• Very dry, compact soil

Perfect Soil Mix Recipe

After years of experimenting, I’ve found the perfect soil mix that keeps my Chinese Evergreens happy. Here’s my special blend:

• 40% quality potting soil
• 30% peat moss or coco coir
• 20% perlite
• 10% orchid bark

This mix provides that perfect balance of moisture retention and drainage that these plants absolutely love. I can’t tell you how many plants I lost to poor-draining soil before figuring this out!

Choosing the Right Pot

Let me tell you about my biggest pot-selection mistake – using decorative pots without drainage holes. Never again! Here’s what I’ve learned about pot requirements:

Essential pot features:

• Must have drainage holes
• Should be 1-2 inches larger than the root ball
• Preferably terracotta or plastic
• Wide enough to support the plant’s base

I personally prefer terracotta pots because they:

• Help prevent overwatering
• Allow roots to breathe
• Provide extra stability for larger plants
• Naturally wick away excess moisture

Repotting Tips

One thing I wish someone had told me earlier – Chinese Evergreens don’t need frequent repotting. I repot mine every 2-3 years, or when I notice:

• Roots growing through drainage holes
• Plant becoming top-heavy
• Water running straight through the soil
• Slowed growth despite good care

Ready to take your Chinese Evergreen care to the next level? Click the “next” button below to discover my secret fertilizing schedule that keeps these plants lush and growing year-round. Plus, I’ll share which fertilizers work best and how to avoid burning your plant’s roots!