Red Aglaonema
Aglaonema commutatum
Red Aglaonema refers to a group of vividly colored Chinese evergreen cultivars whose leaves are flushed with pink, red, and crimson. Bred largely in Thailand, they bring rare warm tones to easy-care foliage houseplants.
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect light
- Water
- When top half of soil dries
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Red Aglaonema is a catch-all name for brightly pigmented Chinese evergreen cultivars such as 'Siam Aurora,' 'Red Valentine,' and 'Lipstick,' developed mainly by Thai breeders from species in the genus Aglaonema.
Unlike the silvery green types, these plants display pink-to-red midribs, margins, and blotches, with the strongest color appearing in bright (but not direct) light.
They share the same tough, clumping, slow-growing nature as other aglaonemas, making them an approachable way to add color without the demands of a flowering plant.
How to identify it
- Lance- to oval-shaped leaves marked with pink, red, or crimson alongside green
- Colored midribs and leaf stalks, often vividly red
- Clumping, upright, bushy habit reaching about 1.5-3 ft
- New leaves frequently emerge the most intensely colored
- Arum-type greenish spathe flowers appear occasionally but are inconspicuous
Care & growing
Light: Medium to bright indirect light brings out the red pigments; too little light fades them toward green. Avoid direct sun.
Water: Allow the top half of the soil to dry before watering. Avoid waterlogging.
Soil: Loose, well-draining potting mix.
Temperature: Warm, 65-80 F; keep above 60 F and shielded from drafts.
Feeding: Balanced feed monthly in spring and summer.
Propagation: Division of clumps or stem cuttings rooted in moist mix.
Habitat & origin
The species behind these hybrids, chiefly Aglaonema commutatum, is native to tropical Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and Indonesia, where it grows in humid forest understory.
The red cultivars are modern nursery hybrids grown worldwide as indoor plants. In tropical climates they are also used as colorful shade bedding.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my red Aglaonema turning green?
Not enough light. Move it to a brighter spot with bright indirect light to restore the red and pink tones.
Does it need a lot of water?
No. Let the top half of the soil dry first; it is far more tolerant of dryness than of soggy roots.
Is it hard to grow?
No, it is one of the easier colorful houseplants, asking mainly for warmth, decent light, and restrained watering.
Red Aglaonema guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Red Aglaonema.
