Chinese evergreen
Aglaonema modestum (Araceae)
Cats and dogs
Toxic to cats and dogs
What makes it toxic: Insoluble calcium oxalates.
Signs to watch for: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting (not horses), difficulty swallowing
Source: ASPCA entry "Chinese Evergreen", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol Copes
- Medium light 6+ mol Best
- Bright indirect 10+ mol
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Chinese evergreen does well in medium, shadowless light such as a north window or good indirect light, and it is one of the best choices for low-light spots indoors.
Direct sun: best kept out of it.
On our scale it grows well from about 6 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 0.5 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Easy. Water: Water only when the top inch of soil is dry and water less in winter; overwatering can cause root rot.
Plants may not flower in low light.
Pet-safe plants for similar light
- Calathea medium light
- Guzmania bromeliad medium light
- Kentia palm medium light
- Prayer plant medium light
- Ripple peperomia medium light
- Aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) bright indirect light
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Chinese Evergreen"
- Light and care: NC State Extension, "Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)"
- Light and care: UF/IFAS Extension Gardening Solutions, "Aglaonema"
- Light and care: Illinois Extension, "Lighting | Houseplants"