How to Grow and Care for Siam Aurora
Learn the key practices for cultivating a healthy Red Aglaonema. This guide helps you maintain its striking foliage and ensure its long-term well-being.
The Siam Aurora, known scientifically as Aglaonema commutatum, is a popular houseplant often called Red Aglaonema. It is celebrated for its striking foliage, which features vibrant splashes of red and pink on deep green leaves. This coloration makes it a favorite for adding a touch of color to indoor spaces.
Native to the tropical regions of Asia, this plant has gained a reputation for being resilient and adaptable. Its ease of care contributes to its popularity among both new and experienced plant owners.
Siam Aurora Care Guide
The intensity of the Siam Aurora’s red foliage is directly linked to its light exposure. It performs best in medium to bright indirect light to maintain its vibrant colors. Direct sun can scorch the leaves, so placing it where it receives diffused sunlight is ideal. While the plant tolerates lower light, its growth may slow and the red coloring can fade.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. A reliable method is to water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This frequency is often about once a week in summer, with a reduction in winter when the plant’s growth slows. A pot with adequate drainage holes is important.
A well-draining potting mix designed for houseplants is necessary for healthy root development. These mixtures often contain peat, perlite, or pine bark. The plant prefers warm, humid conditions, with an ideal temperature between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). To increase humidity, mist the plant or place it on a pebble tray with water.
During the spring and summer growing season, feed the plant monthly. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer for indoor plants, diluted to half-strength to avoid over-fertilizing. Reduce or pause fertilization in the fall and winter when the plant is resting.
Propagating Siam Aurora
New Siam Aurora plants can be created through division, which is best done during repotting. Carefully remove the mature plant from its pot and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have its own roots and stems and can be planted in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
Stem cuttings offer another propagation method. Cut a healthy stem with several leaves from the parent plant using clean shears. Place the cutting in water until roots develop, or plant it directly into moist potting mix. Using a rooting hormone on the cut end can encourage faster root establishment.
New cuttings and divisions require a warm, brightly lit spot away from direct sun. Keep the soil lightly moist to support the developing root system. After several weeks, you can check for root development by gently tugging on a stem to feel for resistance.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Yellowing leaves are frequently a sign of overwatering or poor drainage, which can lead to root rot. To address this, allow the top layer of soil to dry out more thoroughly between waterings and ensure the pot is not sitting in excess water.
The appearance of brown, crispy leaf tips often points to a lack of humidity. Increasing ambient moisture through regular misting or using a pebble tray can alleviate this issue. Inconsistent watering or minerals in tap water can also contribute, so using filtered water may help.
The Siam Aurora can be susceptible to pests such as mealybugs and spider mites. These pests can be managed by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or by applying an insecticidal soap.
Toxicity Information
The Siam Aurora plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are insoluble and can cause irritation, making it toxic to pets and humans if ingested. If a cat, dog, or person chews on the plant, they may experience symptoms like oral irritation, pain, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips. Other signs include excessive drooling and vomiting. It is advisable to place this plant out of reach of curious pets and small children.