Chinese Evergreen ‘Wishes’

The leaves are broad and oval, patterned in deep green along the edges with pink and cream brushed across the center and midrib. The pink tones can range from pale blush to a saturated rose depending on light levels, and the contrast between the green border and the lighter center gives each leaf a two-toned appearance. ‘Wishes’ grows in an upright, compact rosette form with leaves fanning out from a central stem.

Like most aglaonemas, ‘Wishes’ occasionally produces small, inconspicuous spathe flowers, though it is grown for its foliage rather than its blooms. It pulls double duty indoors by filtering formaldehyde and other airborne toxins, and it has earned a place among air purifying houseplants that also carry a reputation as a good luck plant in several Southeast Asian traditions.

Rotating ‘Wishes’ every few weeks encourages even growth on all sides. It does well near a kitchen, where ambient moisture from cooking and washing keeps the air from getting too dry. Keep it away from air conditioning vents and heating units, as direct airflow from either dries out the leaves. Place it on a high shelf or out of reach entirely, as the sap can irritate skin and paws, and the plant should be kept away from cats, dogs, and small children.

It needs water every 10-14 days, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings; it wilts slightly when dry.

‘Wishes’ does best in a well-draining, peat-based mix combined with perlite to prevent waterlogging around the roots.

It prefers temperatures between 65F and 80F and should not be placed near drafty windows, AC vents, or heating units.

‘Wishes’ is a moderate grower and benefits from a balanced liquid fertilizer applied monthly during spring and summer only.

It is hardy in USDA zones 10-12, where temperatures stay above 30F year-round. It grows outdoors in Florida, Hawaii, southern California, southern Texas, and coastal Louisiana. It can be moved outside in warmer months in other regions, but needs cover from rain and should come back indoors before nighttime temperatures drop below 60F.

Q: How much light does Chinese Evergreen ‘Wishes’ need indoors?
A: Keep it away from south-facing windows, where direct sun will scorch the leaves. East or north-facing windows, or a spot a few feet from a bright window, work well, and it also grows under standard office LED lighting.

Q: Can this plant survive while I’m away on a trip?
A: Chinese Evergreen ‘Wishes’ can go up to ten days without water. Check that the soil is moist before you leave, and it should hold until you return.

Q: Is ‘Wishes’ safe around cats and dogs?
A: Cats and dogs shouldn’t be left to nibble or eat the plant. The sap can also irritate paws or skin on contact, so keep it out of reach.

Q: My plant looks a little droopy. What does that mean?
A: ‘Wishes’ wilts slightly when the soil has been dry for too long. Check the top inch of soil and water if it feels dry, but also check that the pot is not sitting in standing water, which causes similar symptoms from root stress.

Q: Can ‘Wishes’ help clean indoor air?
A: It filters formaldehyde and other airborne toxins from indoor spaces, which puts it in the air purifying plant category recognized in common houseplant research.

Q: How should I handle the plant when repotting or pruning?
A: Wear gloves when handling ‘Wishes’, as the sap can irritate skin. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward if you work with it bare-handed.