I have an obsession with growing different types of indoor plants. But the Chinese evergreen is my favorite houseplant because of its easy maintenance requirements.
When I started growing aglaonema five years ago, I wanted to grow a healthy houseplant. But I encountered several persistent Chinese problems.
I have seen brown spots more often on Chinese conifers. I never bothered to investigate the root of the problem until I lost my favorite houseplant.
I decided to investigate the different causes of aglaonema leaf problems. Chinese evergreens turning brown and yellow are a widespread problem today.
So why are my Chinese evergreens turning brown? Possible causes are prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, over-fertilization, low humidity, heat stress, too little water, too much water, and poor water quality.
The general rule is to identify the cause and take appropriate action to prevent green leaves from turning brown. But there is no need to panic as you can fix the problem without facing any challenges.
I wrote a Chinese Perennial Plant Care Guide to help you learn how to grow and care for indoor plants like a professional gardener. Take the time to read it to improve plant growth and health.
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Contents
Causes and Solutions for Chinese Evergreens Turning Brown
give too much water
Chinese evergreens are the best houseplants for beginners. Growing and caring for the aglaonema plant is very easy compared to other houseplants.
Many gardeners make mistakes when it comes to watering houseplants. Improper watering is the leading cause of death in indoor plants.
Chinese conifers are very sensitive to watering. A humid environment causes the roots of the plant to rot. The condition usually poses a significant threat to plant health and growth.
Root rot occurs due to a lack of adequate drainage when the plant has been overwatered. Standing water inhibits root aeration and the absorption of vital nutrients.
Yellowing and blackening of the leaves are the first signs of problems with too much water. If you don’t correct the problem in time, your favorite houseplant will die.
I recommend transplanting the plant to save it. Inspect root systems and use sterilized scissors to cut off affected roots.
Transplant the plant into fresh potting soil and into a new container. Consider a watering schedule to prevent your houseplant from overwatering.
The best option is to stick your index finger into the soil to check the moisture level. Water the plant when the soil feels dry or humidity levels are low.
Submarine
Gardeners who have daily chores often forget to water their indoor plants. Water is an essential element for plant growth and health.
Photosynthesis usually takes place in the presence of sunlight and water. Water helps dissolve synthesized nutrients before transporting them to other parts of the plant.
Under water, its Chinese evergreen leaves will fall off and turn brown. Note that blackening of the leaves is a sign of wilting and an early indicator of plant death.
Consider dipping your index finger in the potting soil to check the moisture level before watering. Introduce a healthier watering routine to prevent your plant from wilting or dying.
Keep in mind that watering houseplants depends on the season. Water Chinese evergreens two to three times during the growing season (spring and summer). Water the houseplant once in winter.
Adopting a healthier watering routine can help prevent your ornamental plant from overwatering. The technique humbly gives you time to focus on other things.
You can also enjoy: 20 amazing varieties of Aglaonema (with photos)
low humidity
Chinese conifers are tropical plants native to Southeast Asia. The native habitat experiences high humidity to enhance growth and beautiful foliage.
Low humidity causes aglaonema leaves to curl and begin to turn brown after a long period of time. If the problem is not solved, the houseplant will wilt.
The optimum humidity requirement for Chinese evergreen is around 60%. Extremely high and low humidity is harmful to aglaonema plants.
Spraying aglaonema leaves with a spray bottle several times a day protects Chinese evergreens from low humidity. But it takes a little longer for the plant to regain its beautiful foliage.
Another alternative is to move the houseplant to the bathroom where the humidity is high. Brown leaves fall and beautiful new leaves emerge.
Over-fertilization
Chinese conifers do not eat much. The houseplant can still survive and thrive without fertilization.
But the indoor growing condition does not provide some essential nutrients like its natural habitat. The application of liquid fertilizer becomes important to provide all the necessary nutrients.
Many gardeners over-fertilize their houseplants without knowing it. Too much salt buildup around the roots will cause aglaonema leaves to turn brown.
I recommend fertilizing the houseplant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Aglaonema plants go dormant in winter and do not need any type of fertilizer.
If your Chinese evergreens are turning brown from over-fertilizing, consider repotting or flushing the soil with plenty of distilled water.
You can also read: Why is my Aglaonema dying?†
thermal stress
Chinese evergreens are too sensitive to temperature changes, preferring a temperature range of 70-85OF. Any temperature dynamics are a stressor for the houseplant.
Extremely high temperatures will cause the leaves of your Chinese evergreen to burn and shrivel. The color change of the leaves prevents the indoor plant from performing physiological activities.
Also keep in mind that extremely cold temperatures can kill your plant. It can be difficult to maintain an optimum temperature favorable to houseplants.
I recommend buying a digital thermometer to measure indoor temperature more often. Helps maintain your houseplant’s temperature needs.
Keep your Chinese evergreen tree away from stoves or heaters. This will help prevent the aglaonema leaves from turning brown.
Excessive exposure to direct sunlight.
Chinese conifers are native to the rainforest. These plants grow under the canopy and receive little sunlight due to the shade.
If you expose the houseplant to direct sunlight for a long time, it will get brown leaves due to sunburn.
Aglaonema plants prefer indirect sunlight for 2-3 hours per day. Too much and too little sun harms the houseplant.
I recommend using artificial light rather than natural light to avoid burning the aglaonema leaves. Chinese evergreens can tolerate low light for quite some time.
poor water quality
Tap water is not ideal for watering your houseplant. It contains chemical compounds that accumulate on the aglaonema leaf and cause brown spots and spots.
I recommend using distilled water due to the lack of chemical compounds. Helps prevent aglaonema leaves from turning brown after watering.
Another option is to use rainwater. Water is ideal if you live in an area where there is no air pollution from industries.
transplant stress
The Chinese evergreen is a slow-growing houseplant. But transplanting is inevitable, as it may be due to saving the plant from root rot.
The houseplant needs a little more time to get used to the new soil. The old leaf turns brown and falls over time.
There is no need to worry as this is due to the stress of the transplant. Provide the proper growing conditions to avoid damage to your favorite plant.
Plagues and diseases
Chinese conifers are very susceptible to pests and diseases. Pests and diseases can be responsible for browning aglaonema leaves.
The most common pests that attack aglaonema plants are scale insects, spider mites, whiteflies and thrips. These pests pierce the leaves to suck sap from the cells and cause brown spots.
I recommend using horticultural soap to clean foliage and remove pests. Plant leaves need time to heal and recover from the browning problem.
Always use a fungicide for aglaonema which is attacked by bacterial and fungal diseases. It is the best treatment for houseplants attacked by bacterial leaf blight and fungal diseases.
You can also read: Why are my Hoya leaves turning yellow?
frequently asked Questions
Why are my Chinese evergreens curling?
Aglaonema leaf curl can be caused by direct sun exposure, pests, disease, low humidity, heat stress, and improper watering. Always identify the cause and take appropriate action to remedy it.
Why is my Chinese evergreen plant hanging down?
Chinese conifers are hardy tropical plants. These plants thrive under the canopy to avoid direct sun exposure. Aglaonema foliage wilts from direct sun exposure, heat stress, low humidity, and pests.
What causes Chinese evergreen stem rot?
Improper watering and pests are the causes of Chinese evergreen stem rot. Treating the plant with horticultural soap will help eliminate pests to prevent stem piercing. Drilling generally creates an environment conducive to bacterial and fungal invasion that can cause stem rot.
You can also read: Why are my Chinese evergreens curling?
Ultimately
The health of Chinese evergreens is influenced by several factors. Poor growing conditions will cause the houseplant to display yellow and brown leaves.
Possible factors that cause Chinese evergreens to turn brown include poor watering routine, low humidity, heat stress, and pests.
Make sure your Chinese evergreen is located in an area that receives direct, indirect sunlight and plenty of humidity. These two growing conditions ensure that the houseplant stays healthy all the time.
You can also read: Why is my Christmas Eve fading?
More resources and references