How to Grow a Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum) is a tropical plant ideal for the home or office. It thrives in USDA zones 10B to 11 and is tolerant of low light, dry air and standard office temperatures. As long as you keep the soil evenly moist, the Chinese evergreen will happily grow up to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide. There are several cultivars commercially available with striking foliage of green, dark green and variegated silver or gray. However, if you receive a Chinese evergreen cutting from a co-worker or friend, it is easy to root and grow a new plant for your office.

Peat moss
Vermiculite
6-inch flower pot
Plant fungicide powder
Spray bottle
Plastic wrap

Instructions

- 1
  Mix equal parts peat moss and vermiculite. Add water to moisten the mixture. Pour the planting mix into a 6-inch flower pot.
- 2
  Cut a section of cane from the parent plant. Swirl the cut ends in fungicide powder and set aside for several hours.
- 3
  Lay the Chinese evergreen cane on its side with a bud or "eye" facing up. Bury it halfway into the potting soil.
- 4
  Cover the top of the flower pot with plastic wrap. Open the wrap twice a week to check the cane. Spritz with water if the soil is drying out.
- 5
  Remove the plastic wrap when the roots appear. Be patient, it may take up to two months to root. Water regularly to keep the soil moist.
- 6
  Place the Chinese evergreen in a warm location, between 68 and 77 degrees F, and in moderate light. Keep out of direct sun.
- 7
  Fertilize with 20-20-20 fertilizer once a month. Mix according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply sparingly. Houseplants are easily burnt by excess amounts of fertilizer.
- 8
  Monitor your Chinese evergreen for pests such as aphids, mealybugs and whiteflies.

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