How to Grow and Care for Aglaonema Red Vein

The Aglaonema ‘Red Vein’, a Chinese Evergreen variety, is a popular houseplant known for its deep green leaves with striking pink to red central veins. This plant has long, narrow leaves and shorter stems than other Aglaonema varieties. As a durable indoor plant, it is a common choice for homes and offices, adding color without demanding intensive attention.

Red Vein Aglaonema Care

Light

This plant thrives in medium to bright indirect light, which helps preserve the intensity of the red veins. While it is tolerant of lower light conditions, its color will be most vibrant with proper lighting. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves, causing them to burn and turn a pale, yellowed color.

Water

Water your Aglaonema when the top 50% of the soil volume feels dry. When you water, do so thoroughly until it flows through the drainage hole, and discard any excess water from the saucer. This method prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged and protects against root rot. During the winter, when the plant’s growth slows, reduce the frequency of watering.

Soil

A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is recommended for the Red Vein Aglaonema. To enhance aeration and prevent soil compaction, you can amend the mix with materials like perlite, vermiculite, or orchid bark. This composition ensures that the roots receive adequate oxygen and that water drains effectively.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant prefers a stable indoor environment with temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Keep it away from drafty areas or sudden temperature drops, which can cause stress. As a tropical native, the Red Vein Aglaonema appreciates higher humidity but can adapt to average household levels. To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves or place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.

Fertilizing

To encourage lush growth, use a balanced, general-purpose houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month during the spring and summer. Reduce feeding in the fall and stop entirely during winter, as the plant’s growth slows. Over-fertilizing can lead to nutrient burn, so following package instructions is recommended.

Propagating Red Vein Aglaonema

Propagate your Red Vein Aglaonema through stem cuttings or division during the active growing season. For stem cuttings, select a healthy stem and use a sanitized tool to snip a 4- to 6-inch section below a leaf node. This cutting can be placed in a jar of water, changing it weekly, until roots about an inch long develop.

Alternatively, cuttings can be planted directly into a well-draining potting mix; dipping the cut end in a rooting hormone can increase the chances of success. Division is performed during repotting. Gently remove the plant from its pot and separate a smaller clump with its own established root system before planting it in a new container.

Common Issues

Your Aglaonema may face a few issues:

• Yellow leaves are a common sign of overwatering, which can lead to root rot if not addressed.
• Brown, crispy leaf tips are often a sign of low humidity or soil that is either too dry or inconsistently watered. Regular misting can help increase humidity.
• A fading of the red vein color indicates the plant is not receiving enough indirect light. Moving it to a brighter location can help restore its coloration.
• Weakened plants can become susceptible to pests like spider mites and mealybugs. These can be managed by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap for infestations.

Toxicity Information

All parts of the Aglaonema ‘Red Vein’ are toxic if ingested by humans, cats, or dogs. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If chewed or swallowed, these crystals can cause oral irritation, pain, excessive drooling, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips. For safety, place the plant in a location out of reach of small children and pets.