Chinese Evergreen Care: The Low-Drama Plant for Real Life

If you want a plant that does not guilt trip you, Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) is it.

Chinese evergreen is one of the easiest, most forgiving houseplants you can own—perfect for beginners, busy people, low-light apartments, forgetful waterers, and anyone who wants a beautiful plant without high-maintenance drama. It tolerates low light better than almost any other foliage plant, forgives inconsistent watering, doesn’t need high humidity, rarely gets pests, and keeps producing gorgeous variegated leaves for years with minimal effort. Basically, it’s the houseplant equivalent of leftover fried rice: still good, still comforting, still holding the family together.

What makes Chinese evergreen so beginner-friendly:

True low-light tolerance: Most “low-light” plants tolerate low light but suffer. Chinese evergreen actually thrives in low light—even north-facing windows, bathrooms without windows (with ambient light from hallways), or offices with only fluorescent lighting. It grows slower in low light, but it stays healthy and doesn’t decline. This makes it one of the only genuinely low-light foliage plants (alongside pothos, snake plant, and ZZ plant).
Forgiving watering schedule: Chinese evergreen tolerates both underwatering (it can go 2 to 3 weeks without water) and occasional overwatering better than most plants. It doesn’t immediately collapse if you forget to water or if you water too early. This flexibility is a lifesaver for beginners.
Normal home humidity is fine: Unlike calatheas, ferns, or alocasias (which demand 60 to 80 percent humidity), Chinese evergreen is perfectly happy in normal home humidity (40 to 50 percent). No humidifier needed.
Rarely gets pests: Chinese evergreen is not a pest magnet. Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale are rare. If pests do appear, they’re easy to spot and treat early.
Beautiful variegation without the fuss: Chinese evergreen comes in dozens of cultivars with stunning variegation—silver, pink, red, cream, dark green—without requiring bright light or complicated care like most variegated plants.
Slow-growing and compact: Most cultivars stay 1 to 3 feet tall and wide, making them perfect for apartments, desks, shelves, or corners. They don’t outgrow their space quickly.
Long-lived: Chinese evergreen can live for 10+ years with basic care. It’s a plant you buy once and enjoy for a decade.

Popular Chinese evergreen cultivars (by color/pattern):

Silver Bay: Large, silver-green leaves with dark green edges. One of the most common and easiest. Classic, elegant look. 2 to 3 feet tall. $15 to $40.
Silver Queen: Heavily silvery-white leaves with minimal green. Bright and striking. Tolerates very low light. 1 to 2 feet tall. $15 to $30.
Red Siam / Red Aglaonema: Dark green leaves with bright pink or red edges and veining. Vibrant and colorful. Needs slightly brighter light than green/silver varieties for best color. 1 to 2 feet tall. $20 to $50.
Maria: Dark green leaves with silver-green variegation. Compact and slow-growing. Extremely low-light tolerant. 1 to 2 feet. $15 to $30.
Emerald Beauty: Dark green leaves with lighter green stripes. Classic tropical look. Very low-light tolerant. 2 to 3 feet. $15 to $30.
Pink Dalmatian / Pink Valentine: Dark green leaves with bright pink speckles or splashes. Fun and playful. Needs medium light for pink to develop. 1 to 2 feet. $25 to $60.
Pictum Tricolor / Camouflage: Dark green, silver, cream, and sometimes pink in a camo-like pattern. Stunning. Slightly more finicky (prefers medium light). 1 to 2 feet. $30 to $80.

Care difficulty: Beginner / Very Easy. Chinese evergreen is consistently ranked as one of the top 5 easiest houseplants alongside pothos, snake plant, ZZ plant, and spider plant. If you can keep a pothos alive, you can keep a Chinese evergreen alive.

Realistic expectations:

Growth rate: Slow to moderate. In bright light, you might see one new leaf per month during spring/summer. In low light, one new leaf every 2 to 3 months. Chinese evergreen is not a fast grower—but that’s part of the appeal. It doesn’t outgrow its pot or overwhelm your space.
Lifespan: 10+ years with basic care. Chinese evergreen is long-lived and low-maintenance.
Mature size: Most cultivars stay 1 to 3 feet tall and wide. Some larger varieties (like Silver Bay) can reach 3 to 4 feet in ideal conditions.
Variegation in low light: In very low light, variegated varieties may produce darker, greener leaves with less silver/pink/red. This is normal. Brighter light brings out the best variegation.
Toxicity: Chinese evergreen is toxic to pets and humans if ingested (causes mouth irritation and digestive upset). Keep out of reach of pets and children.

The bottom line: If you want a plant that looks beautiful, tolerates neglect, and doesn’t punish you for being busy or forgetful, Chinese evergreen is the answer.

Let’s talk about how to keep it thriving (which requires very little effort).

Quick Start (If You Only Read One Section)

Light: Medium to bright indirect is best, low light is fine
Water: When the top 2 inches are dry
Soil: Regular potting mix plus extra drainage
Biggest risk: Overwatering

Light

Chinese evergreen can live in low light—and by “live,” I mean actually stay healthy and produce new leaves, not just slowly decline. This is one of the few plants with genuine low-light tolerance (not just low-light survival).

Best light:

Medium to bright indirect light: Near an east-facing window, or a few feet back from south or west-facing windows. This is where Chinese evergreen grows fastest and produces the best variegation (bright silvers, vivid pinks/reds, crisp patterns).
Low light works: North-facing windows, bathrooms with small windows, offices with only fluorescent overhead lighting, corners 8 to 12 feet from windows. Chinese evergreen will grow slower in low light (one new leaf every 2 to 3 months instead of monthly), but it stays healthy and doesn’t decline. Variegation may become less vibrant (darker green, less silver/pink), but the plant thrives.

What “low light” actually means:

Low light means spaces where you can read comfortably during the day without turning on a lamp, but it’s not bright enough to cast sharp shadows. Examples:

North-facing windows
Bathrooms with frosted or small windows
Offices with fluorescent ceiling lights but no windows
Corners or hallways 8+ feet from windows
Rooms with indirect ambient light from nearby windows

Chinese evergreen is one of the only foliage plants that genuinely tolerates these conditions long-term. Most “low-light” plants (like monsteras, philodendrons, or fiddle leaf figs) slowly decline in true low light. Chinese evergreen adapts and keeps growing.

Cultivar differences in light tolerance:

Green and silver cultivars (Silver Queen, Maria, Emerald Beauty, Silver Bay): These tolerate the lowest light. They’ll thrive even in dim offices or north-facing bathrooms.
Pink and red cultivars (Red Siam, Pink Dalmatian, Pictum Tricolor): These need medium to bright indirect light to develop and maintain their pink/red coloration. In low light, they’ll stay mostly green with faint pink accents. They won’t die in low light, but you’ll lose the vibrant color. If you want bright pink/red leaves, place these near an east window or use grow lights.

Signs of too little light (even for Chinese evergreen):

Extremely slow growth: No new leaves for 4+ months (even in growing season).
Leggy, stretched stems: Long gaps between leaves. The plant is reaching desperately toward light.
Variegation fades completely: Leaves turn solid dark green with no silver, pink, or pattern.
Yellowing and leaf drop: Older leaves yellow and die without new growth to replace them. The plant slowly shrinks.

If you see these signs, move the plant closer to a window or add a grow light.

Can you use grow lights? Yes. If you have no natural light, a full-spectrum LED grow light (12 to 18 inches above the plant, 10 to 12 hours per day) works perfectly. Many people grow Chinese evergreen under desk lamps or in windowless offices with grow lights.

Signs of too much light (direct sun):

Faded, bleached, or washed-out leaves: The vibrant colors become pale or yellowish.
Brown, scorched patches or edges: Direct hot sun burns the leaves.
Leaves lose glossy sheen: Sunburned leaves look dull and damaged.

Chinese evergreen does not tolerate direct sun (except gentle morning sun from east windows). Avoid south or west-facing windows unless the plant is 3+ feet back.

Bottom line: Chinese evergreen is the rare plant that truly tolerates low light. If your space has minimal natural light, this is one of your best options. For the brightest variegation and fastest growth, place in medium indirect light. Green/silver cultivars tolerate lower light than pink/red varieties.

Watering

Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Chinese evergreen likes evenly moist soil during the growing season but tolerates both slight underwatering and occasional overwatering better than most plants. This flexibility makes it extremely beginner-friendly.

How to water:

Stick your finger into the soil about 2 inches deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp or moist, wait a few more days.
Water thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball gets moisture and flushes out any accumulated salts from fertilizer or tap water.
Let excess water drain completely, then empty the saucer. Don’t let the pot sit in standing water for more than 30 minutes—this can lead to root rot over time.

Typical watering schedule:

Spring and summer (active growing season): Every 7 to 14 days, depending on light, temperature, and soil mix. In brighter light and warmer temperatures, you’ll water closer to every 7 to 10 days. In low light or cooler temperatures, every 10 to 14 days.
Fall and winter (slower growth): Every 14 to 21+ days. Chinese evergreen grows much slower or goes semi-dormant in winter (especially in low light). Water less frequently during this time.

What makes Chinese evergreen forgiving:

Chinese evergreen has thick, fleshy stems and roots that store water. This means:

It tolerates underwatering: If you forget to water for an extra week, the plant might droop slightly, but it bounces back quickly once watered. It doesn’t immediately collapse or die.
It tolerates occasional overwatering: If you water a little early or the soil stays moist longer than expected, Chinese evergreen handles it better than sensitive plants (like calatheas or alocasias). That said, chronic overwatering (soil stays soggy for weeks) will cause root rot.

Water quality: Chinese evergreen is not particularly sensitive to tap water. If your tap water is heavily chlorinated, fluoridated, or hard (high in minerals), you might see occasional brown tips on leaves—but this is cosmetic and doesn’t harm the plant. If you want to be extra careful, use filtered, distilled, or rainwater, or let tap water sit out for 24 hours to allow chlorine to evaporate.

Signs of underwatering:

Drooping, limp leaves that feel soft (not crisp)
Leaves curling inward or downward
Dry, crispy brown edges (though this is more commonly caused by low humidity or inconsistent watering)
Soil is bone dry several inches down

The fix is simple: Water more frequently. Make sure you’re watering thoroughly (not just a splash on top).

Signs of overwatering (more common than underwatering):

Yellow leaves, usually starting at the bottom and progressing upward
Soft, mushy stems near the base of the plant
Soil stays wet or soggy for 10+ days after watering
Soil smells sour, musty, or rotten
Roots are black and mushy (visible if you unpot the plant)

If you’re overwatering, the roots rot and the plant declines quickly. The fix:

Let the soil dry out more between waterings (wait until the top 2 to 3 inches are dry, not just the top inch).
Check that the pot has drainage holes. If not, repot immediately.
Improve soil drainage by adding more perlite or orchid bark (see Soil section).
If stems are mushy and roots are black/rotten, you may need to take cuttings of healthy stems and propagate them. Discard the rotten parts.

How to tell if your Chinese evergreen is too wet or too dry:

Stick your finger into the soil. If it’s:

Dry 2 inches down: Time to water.
Damp/moist 2 inches down: Wait a few more days.
Wet/soggy 2 inches down (and it’s been a week+ since watering): Overwatering issue. Let it dry out more.

Bottom line: Water when the top 2 inches are dry, water thoroughly, let excess drain. Chinese evergreen is forgiving—if you forget to water for a week or water a few days early, it’ll be fine. Just avoid chronic overwatering (soil stays soggy for weeks).

Soil and Pot

Drainage is the whole game. Chinese evergreen needs well-draining soil that holds some moisture but doesn’t stay soggy.

Best soil mix:

2 parts potting soil + 1 part perlite (or pumice or coarse sand): This is the simplest effective mix. The perlite improves drainage and prevents compaction.
Pre-mixed option: Standard potting soil labeled “indoor potting mix” or “tropical houseplant mix” works fine if it already contains perlite or bark. Avoid dense, heavy soil (like garden soil or pure peat-based mixes).
DIY chunky mix (optional, for perfectionists): 50% potting soil, 30% perlite, 20% orchid bark. This ensures excellent drainage and aeration. Overkill for most people, but works beautifully.

Pot requirements:

Must have drainage holes. Non-negotiable. Without drainage, even Chinese evergreen (which tolerates inconsistent watering) will eventually develop root rot.
Size: Choose a pot 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the current nursery pot. Chinese evergreen doesn’t mind being slightly rootbound, so don’t overpot.
Material: Plastic, ceramic, or terracotta all work. Terracotta dries out faster (good if you tend to overwater), while plastic retains moisture longer (good if you forget to water).

Repotting:

Chinese evergreen is slow-growing and doesn’t need frequent repotting. Repot every 2 to 3 years (or when roots are visibly circling the drainage holes or coming out the top of the soil). Spring or early summer is the best time. Use fresh soil and a pot 1 to 2 inches larger.

Temperature and Humidity

Temperature: 65 to 85°F is ideal. Chinese evergreen is happy in normal home temperatures year-round.

Tolerates: Brief dips to 60°F (but growth slows).
Avoid: Temperatures below 55°F (cold damage: yellowing leaves, slowed or stopped growth) or cold drafts (from windows, AC vents, or doors).
Summer heat: Chinese evergreen tolerates heat well up to 90°F+ if humidity is adequate and it’s watered consistently.

Humidity: Normal home humidity (40 to 50 percent) is perfectly fine. Chinese evergreen does not require high humidity like calatheas, ferns, or alocasias.

Optimal: 50 to 60 percent humidity (slightly above average) encourages the best growth and reduces brown tips, but it’s not required.
Tolerates: 30 to 40 percent humidity (common in heated homes during winter). You might see occasional brown tips on older leaves, but the plant stays healthy.
No humidifier needed. If you’re comfortable in your home, your Chinese evergreen is comfortable too.

Optional humidity boost (only if you see persistent brown tips):

Place on a pebble tray (tray filled with water and pebbles; pot sits on pebbles above water). This raises humidity slightly around the plant.
Group plants together to create a more humid microclimate.
Wipe leaves with a damp cloth weekly to remove dust and provide brief moisture.

But again—most people don’t need to do anything. Chinese evergreen thrives in normal home humidity.

Fertilizer

Chinese evergreen is not a heavy feeder. It grows slowly and doesn’t demand frequent fertilizing.

How to fertilize:

Type: Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half strength.
Frequency: Once a month during the growing season (spring and summer, roughly March through September).
Skip: Fall and winter (October through February). The plant grows very slowly or goes semi-dormant during this time and doesn’t need nutrients.

What happens if you forget to fertilize?

Nothing dramatic. Chinese evergreen grows slowly even with regular fertilizing. If you skip fertilizer for 6 months or a year, the plant will be fine—you might see slightly slower growth or less vibrant variegation, but it won’t die. If you forget fertilizer for a year, the plant will not call CPS.

What happens if you over-fertilize?

Over-fertilizing causes fertilizer burn: brown, crispy tips and edges on leaves, salt buildup (white crusty residue) on the soil surface, and potential root damage. If you see these signs:

Stop fertilizing immediately.
Flush the soil by watering thoroughly several times (let water run through the pot for 5 minutes) to wash out excess salts.
Resume fertilizing at half strength after 2 to 3 months.

Bottom line: Fertilize lightly once a month in spring/summer, skip in fall/winter. If you’re forgetful, don’t worry—Chinese evergreen is very forgiving.

Common Mistakes (And What They Look Like)

Mistake 1: Overwatering (the most common cause of death)

Overwatering is the #1 way people kill Chinese evergreen. It’s also the #1 way people kill most houseplants.

Signs:

Yellow leaves, usually starting at the bottom and progressing upward. One yellow leaf occasionally is normal aging; multiple yellow leaves rapidly is overwatering.
Soft, mushy stems near the soil line. If you gently squeeze the base of a stem and it feels squishy or collapses, that’s rot.
Soil stays wet or soggy for 10+ days after watering. Healthy soil should dry out (at least the top 2 inches) within 7 to 10 days in average conditions.
Soil smells sour, musty, or rotten (like a swamp). Healthy soil smells earthy.
Roots are black and mushy (visible if you unpot the plant). Healthy roots are white, tan, or light brown and firm.

Why it happens:

Watering too frequently (before the top 2 inches dry out).
Pot has no drainage holes.
Soil is too dense and doesn’t drain well (holds water like a sponge).
Pot is too large (soil stays wet because roots can’t absorb all the water).
Low light + overwatering combo (plant uses water very slowly in low light, so soil stays wet longer).

The fix:

Stop watering immediately. Let the soil dry out completely (top 3 to 4 inches dry).
Check the pot for drainage holes. If there are none, repot immediately into a pot with drainage.
Improve soil drainage. If the soil is dense and soggy, repot into a chunkier mix (2 parts potting soil + 1 part perlite).
Inspect the stems and roots. Unpot the plant carefully. If roots are black and mushy, cut away all rotten roots with clean scissors. If stems are mushy, you may need to take cuttings of healthy stems and propagate them (discard rotten parts).
Repot in fresh soil. Use well-draining soil and a pot that’s appropriately sized (not too large).
Water less frequently going forward. Wait until the top 2 inches are dry.

Prevention: Water only when the top 2 inches are dry. Always use a pot with drainage holes. Use well-draining soil.

Mistake 2: Too Much Direct Sun (less common, but easy to fix)

Chinese evergreen does not tolerate direct sun (except gentle morning sun).

Signs:

Faded, bleached, or washed-out leaves. Variegation becomes pale or yellowish. The plant loses its vibrant color.
Brown, crispy, scorched patches or edges on leaves. This looks like sunburn—because it is.
Leaves lose their glossy sheen and look dull or damaged.

Why it happens:

The plant is placed in direct sun (south or west-facing window with several hours of hot afternoon sun hitting the leaves).

The fix:

Move the plant back from the window (3+ feet back so it gets bright ambient light without direct sun).
Add a sheer curtain to diffuse direct sun.
Trim off severely burned leaves with clean scissors (they won’t recover and look unsightly).

Prevention: Place Chinese evergreen in bright indirect light, not direct sun. East-facing windows (gentle morning sun) are usually fine. South/west windows need the plant 3+ feet back or a sheer curtain.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Pests (rare, but check occasionally)

Chinese evergreen is not a pest magnet, but spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can occasionally appear—especially if the plant is stressed (overwatered, underwatered, low humidity, or in poor light).

Common pests:

Spider mites:

Signs: Fine webbing on stems and undersides of leaves, tiny moving dots (mites), stippling (tiny yellow dots) on leaves, leaves look dull or faded.
Fix: Spray the plant thoroughly with water to knock off mites. Wipe all leaves (top and bottom) with a damp cloth. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Repeat every 5 to 7 days for 3 to 4 weeks. Increase humidity slightly (spider mites love dry air).

Mealybugs:

Signs: White, cottony clusters on stems, leaf undersides, or in leaf axils (where leaf meets stem). Sticky residue (honeydew) on leaves.
Fix: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab each mealybug to kill it. Wipe down all leaves and stems with a damp cloth. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Repeat weekly for 3 to 4 weeks.

Scale:

Signs: Small, brown or tan bumps on stems or leaves. Sticky residue on leaves.
Fix: Scrape off scale with your fingernail or a soft brush. Wipe leaves with rubbing alcohol. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Repeat weekly.

Prevention:

Inspect your plant weekly. Wipe leaves (top and bottom) with a damp cloth every week or two. This removes dust, keeps leaves healthy, and lets you spot pests early.
Quarantine new plants for 2 weeks before placing them near other plants.
Keep your plant healthy. Healthy, well-cared-for plants are less attractive to pests.

Mistake 4: Brown Tips and Edges (cosmetic, not fatal)

Brown tips on Chinese evergreen are common and usually cosmetic (not a sign of serious problems).

Causes:

Low humidity (below 40 percent, common in winter with heating).
Inconsistent watering (alternating between bone dry and soggy).
Tap water chemicals (fluoride, chlorine, salts).
Fertilizer buildup (over-fertilizing or not flushing soil).
Natural aging (older leaves develop brown tips as they age).

The fix:

If humidity is very low (below 40%), place on a pebble tray or group with other plants.
Water consistently—don’t let the soil go bone dry, then drench it. Aim for “evenly moist” during growing season.
Use filtered or distilled water if your tap water is heavily treated.
Flush the soil every few months by watering thoroughly several times to wash out salt buildup.
Trim brown tips with scissors if they bother you aesthetically. Cut along the natural shape of the leaf. The tips won’t regrow, but new leaves will emerge clean if you fix the underlying cause.

Bottom line: Brown tips are cosmetic. The plant is fine.

Mistake 5: Expecting Fast Growth (managing expectations)

Chinese evergreen is slow-growing—especially in low light. If you’re used to fast-growing plants like pothos or philodendrons, Chinese evergreen will feel glacial.

Normal growth rate:

In bright light: One new leaf per month during spring/summer. Maybe 6 to 10 new leaves per year.
In low light: One new leaf every 2 to 3 months. Maybe 3 to 5 new leaves per year.

What to expect:

It takes 1 to 2 years for a small Chinese evergreen to look noticeably fuller.
It takes 3 to 5 years to reach mature size (2 to 3 feet tall).

This is not a problem. Slow growth is part of the appeal—Chinese evergreen doesn’t outgrow its pot, overwhelm your space, or require constant maintenance. It’s a “set it and forget it” plant.

Pet and Kid Note

Chinese evergreen is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which cause intense burning and irritation of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.

Symptoms (if chewed/ingested):

Immediate mouth and throat pain/burning
Drooling, pawing at mouth (in pets)
Difficulty swallowing
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (if swallowed)

What to do:

For pets: Contact your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (888-426-4435).
For humans: Rinse mouth thoroughly. Do not induce vomiting. Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or seek medical attention if symptoms are severe.

Prevention:

Keep Chinese evergreen out of reach of pets and small children.
Teach kids not to touch or chew plants.
If you have cats who snack on plants, place Chinese evergreen on high shelves or in rooms cats can’t access.

Bottom line: Chinese evergreen is toxic. Handle with care and keep away from curious pets/kids.

What To Do Next

If you love Chinese evergreen and want more easy low-light plants:

Try Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) for trailing vines, even faster growth, and nearly indestructible care. Perfect for hanging baskets or shelves. Tolerates low light, forgiving watering. $10 to $25.
Try Snake Plant (Sansevieria / Dracaena trifasciata) for upright, architectural leaves. Tolerates even lower light than Chinese evergreen. Extremely drought-tolerant (can go weeks without water). $15 to $40.
Try ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) for glossy, dark green leaves. Tolerates very low light and extreme neglect. Perfect for forgetful waterers. $15 to $40.
Try Philodendron (especially heartleaf philodendron) for trailing or climbing vines. Similar care to pothos. Tolerates low light. Fast-growing. $10 to $30.

If you want a colorful or variegated version of Chinese evergreen:

Try Red Siam / Red Aglaonema for bright pink or red edges and veining. Needs medium light for best color. Slightly less low-light tolerant than green/silver varieties. $20 to $50.
Try Pink Dalmatian or Pink Valentine for dark green leaves with bright pink speckles. Fun and playful. Needs medium light for pink to develop. $25 to $60.
Try Pictum Tricolor / Camouflage for stunning camo-like patterns (dark green, silver, cream, pink). One of the most beautiful cultivars. Needs medium light. Slightly more finicky than other Aglaonemas. $30 to $80.
Try Silver Queen or Silver Bay for heavily silvery-white leaves. Classic elegant look. Tolerates very low light. $15 to $40.

If your home has very low light (and you want the easiest possible plant):

Pair Chinese evergreen with a small grow light for winter or very dim spaces. A simple LED grow light (12 to 18 inches above the plant, 10 to 12 hours per day) makes a huge difference. You can grow Chinese evergreen successfully in windowless offices or bathrooms with a grow light.
Choose green or silver cultivars (Silver Queen, Maria, Emerald Beauty) instead of pink/red varieties. Green/silver tolerate the lowest light.

If your Chinese evergreen has yellow leaves:

Check watering first. Yellow leaves are almost always overwatering (soil stays wet 10+ days, mushy stems). Fix: Let soil dry out more, improve drainage, repot if roots are rotten.
If watering is fine, check for pests. Inspect undersides of leaves for spider mites or mealybugs.
If one yellow leaf occasionally: Normal aging. Cut it off.

If your Chinese evergreen has brown tips:

Increase humidity slightly (place on pebble tray or group with other plants).
Water more consistently (don’t let soil go bone dry, then drench).
Switch to filtered or distilled water if your tap water is heavily treated.
Flush the soil every few months to wash out salt buildup.
Trim brown tips with scissors for aesthetics (damage is permanent, but new leaves will be clean if you fix the cause).

If your Chinese evergreen is growing very slowly:

This is normal. Chinese evergreen is slow-growing, especially in low light. One new leaf every 1 to 3 months is typical.
If you want faster growth: Move to brighter light (medium indirect near an east window). Fertilize monthly in spring/summer. Ensure consistent watering and warmth.
Be patient. Slow growth is part of the appeal—Chinese evergreen doesn’t outgrow its space or require constant maintenance.

If your Chinese evergreen variegation is fading (leaves turning mostly green):

Cause: Not enough light. Variegation (silver, pink, red patterns) develops best in medium to bright indirect light. In very low light, leaves revert to darker green.
Fix: Move to brighter light (near an east window, or add a grow light). New leaves will develop better variegation. Existing leaves won’t change.

If you’re considering buying your first Chinese evergreen:

Start with Silver Bay, Silver Queen, or Emerald Beauty. These are the easiest, most low-light tolerant, and most affordable ($15 to $40).
Avoid Pictum Tricolor or other rare/expensive cultivars as your first Chinese evergreen. They’re slightly more finicky and expensive. Learn with the easy ones first.
Look for: Healthy green leaves with no yellowing, firm stems (not mushy), no pests (check undersides of leaves), and a pot with drainage holes.

Bottom line: Chinese evergreen is one of the easiest, most forgiving houseplants you can own. If you want a beautiful, low-maintenance plant for low light, inconsistent watering, and normal home humidity—this is it.