This is one of the best houseplants in this KB for genuinely low-light rooms, tolerating conditions that would slowly weaken most other foliage plants — but it's markedly more cold-sensitive than its shade tolerance might suggest, so a shady but draughty or cold spot is still a poor match.
Care
One of the most shade-tolerant flowering-foliage houseplants in this KB — genuinely useful for a dim corner or north-facing room, though variegated forms colour best with a little more light.
Water when the top few centimetres of compost have dried out; reasonably forgiving of an occasional missed watering.
Peat-free, free-draining houseplant compost.
Remove yellowing or damaged leaves at the base; otherwise needs very little pruning.
A weak balanced feed monthly while it is growing. One of the most tolerant houseplants there is — in a dim corner it needs less feed, not more, because it is growing more slowly.
Divide the clump at repotting in spring, separating crowns that have their own roots. Stem cuttings from an older, leggy plant also root in warm compost.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- MarchResume light feeding monthly as growth picks up. how ›
- JuneA steady, undemanding grower through summer — no special seasonal care needed beyond routine watering. how ›
- OctoberReduce watering as growth slows for the cooler months; keep away from cold draughts and radiators alike. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchResume light feeding monthly as growth picks up. how ›
- JuneA steady, undemanding grower through summer — no special seasonal care needed beyond routine watering. how ›
- OctoberReduce watering as growth slows for the cooler months; keep away from cold draughts and radiators alike. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchResume light feeding monthly as growth picks up. how ›
- JuneA steady, undemanding grower through summer — no special seasonal care needed beyond routine watering. how ›
- OctoberReduce watering as growth slows for the cooler months; keep away from cold draughts and radiators alike. how ›
Months based on climate: Central Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchResume light feeding monthly as growth picks up. how ›
- JuneA steady, undemanding grower through summer — no special seasonal care needed beyond routine watering. how ›
- OctoberReduce watering as growth slows for the cooler months; keep away from cold draughts and radiators alike. how ›
Months based on climate: Southern Italy and islands. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Dark, water-soaked patches or leaf collapse after a cold spell.
What to do. This genus is notably sensitive to chills below around 12-13°C — keep well away from cold windowsills and draughts in winter, more so than most houseplants in this KB.
How to spot it. Soft, blackened stem base or roots.
What to do. Almost always overwatering or poor drainage — let the compost dry out between waterings and ensure the pot drains freely.
How to spot it. Not a plant health problem, but a household safety note.
What to do. Contains calcium oxalate crystals like other aroids — keep away from pets and young children who might chew the leaves.
Questions
Chinese evergreen: is it hardy?
H1b: Tender, needs above 10°C. It survives above 10 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
A classic low-light pot plant for offices and dim corners; compact habit suits desks and shelves as well as floor space.
Chinese evergreen: when do you prune it?
Remove yellowing or damaged leaves at the base; otherwise needs very little pruning.
When do you feed it?
A weak balanced feed monthly while it is growing. One of the most tolerant houseplants there is — in a dim corner it needs less feed, not more, because it is growing more slowly. Feeding months, UK: April–September.