Troubleshooting
Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) problems — and how to fix them
Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) (Aglaonema commutatum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Chilling injury from cold
The single biggest killer. Exposure to temperatures roughly between freezing and 15C (59F) causes grey-green blotches that yellow, plus drooping and rot. Keep above 15C and away from draughty doors, cold windows and air-con vents.
Yellowing leaves from overwatering
Soggy, airless compost is the usual cause of yellow lower leaves and soft, mushy stems, often progressing to root rot. Let the top few centimetres dry out, ensure drainage holes, and never leave the pot sitting in water.
Brown, crispy leaf edges and tips
Caused by very dry air, cold draughts, or salt build-up from over-fertilising or hard tap water. Raise humidity, move away from heat sources and draughts, flush the compost, and feed only at half strength in the growing season.
Sap-sucking pests
Mealybugs (white cottony tufts in leaf joints), aphids, spider mites and scale are the common offenders, especially in dry indoor air. Wipe leaves regularly, inspect undersides, and treat early with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Prevent aglaonema (chinese evergreen) problems before they start
Most aglaonema (chinese evergreen) issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) problems — FAQ
Why is my aglaonema (chinese evergreen) chilling injury from cold?
The single biggest killer. Exposure to temperatures roughly between freezing and 15C (59F) causes grey-green blotches that yellow, plus drooping and rot. Keep above 15C and away from draughty doors, cold windows and air-con vents.
Why is my aglaonema (chinese evergreen) yellowing leaves from overwatering?
Soggy, airless compost is the usual cause of yellow lower leaves and soft, mushy stems, often progressing to root rot. Let the top few centimetres dry out, ensure drainage holes, and never leave the pot sitting in water.
Why is my aglaonema (chinese evergreen) brown, crispy leaf edges and tips?
Caused by very dry air, cold draughts, or salt build-up from over-fertilising or hard tap water. Raise humidity, move away from heat sources and draughts, flush the compost, and feed only at half strength in the growing season.
Why is my aglaonema (chinese evergreen) sap-sucking pests?
Mealybugs (white cottony tufts in leaf joints), aphids, spider mites and scale are the common offenders, especially in dry indoor air. Wipe leaves regularly, inspect undersides, and treat early with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.