Aglaonema 'Spring Red' is a striking and popular cultivar within the Aglaonema genus, widely appreciated for its vibrant and highly ornamental foliage. This captivating plant features lush, elongated leaves that display a beautiful spectrum of colours, typically showcasing prominent shades of pink or red alongside variations of green. The intensity and pattern of the red coloration can vary, often appearing as splashes, veins, or a broad flush across the leaf surface, creating a dynamic contrast with the green margins or centres. Its compact and bushy growth habit makes it an excellent choice for adding a splash of enduring colour and tropical elegance to indoor spaces. It is a member of the Araceae family, commonly known as Chinese Evergreens.
The genus name Aglaonema is derived from the Greek words 'aglaos' (bright) and 'nema' (thread), likely referring to the glistening stamens of its flowers. 'Spring Red' is a cultivar name, signifying its fresh, vibrant appearance and the prominent red hues present in its foliage, reminiscent of new growth in spring.
Light
Aglaonema 'Spring Red' thrives in medium to low indirect light. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, brighter indirect light will encourage more vibrant red and pink coloration in its leaves. Direct sunlight, especially the intense afternoon sun, must be avoided as it can easily scorch the delicate leaves, leading to faded colours, unsightly brown patches, or even permanent damage. In a typical UK home, a position a few feet away from a south or west-facing window, or near an east or north-facing window, provides ideal lighting.
Water
The potting mix should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged. It's crucial to allow the top 2-3 cm (approximately 1 inch) of the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of issues like root rot, particularly in potentially cooler and damper indoor environments. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage to prevent water from pooling at the bottom. During the autumn and winter months, when the plant's growth naturally slows, reduce the frequency of watering.
Soil
An airy, well-draining, and nutrient-rich potting mix is essential for Aglaonema 'Spring Red'. A good quality houseplant mix, ideally amended with components like perlite, coco coir, or a small amount of bark, will provide the necessary aeration and drainage while retaining adequate moisture. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, generally between 6.0 and 7.0, is preferred.
Fertilising
During its active growing period in spring and summer, a balanced, diluted liquid fertiliser should be applied every four to six weeks. It's important to reduce or completely cease fertilising during the autumn and winter months when the plant's growth slows down significantly. Overfeeding can lead to fertiliser burn and root damage, so always adhere strictly to the dilution recommendations on the product label.
Temperature
This plant prefers warm and stable temperatures, ideally ranging between 18°C and 29°C (65°F and 85°F). It is vital to protect it from cold draughts and sudden temperature fluctuations, which can stress the plant and cause leaf damage or inhibit growth, especially in UK homes during colder periods. Temperatures consistently falling below 15°C (59°F) can lead to chilling damage, causing the leaves to droop or turn yellow.
Humidity
While Aglaonema 'Spring Red' can tolerate average household humidity, it truly thrives in higher humidity levels, ideally above 60%. To maintain optimal conditions, particularly during drier indoor periods (often due to central heating in the UK), consider using a humidifier nearby or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot is not submerged. Grouping it with other plants can also help create a more humid microclimate.
Growth Habit
This Aglaonema cultivar typically exhibits a bushy, upright, and clumping growth habit, with new leaves emerging directly from the central stem. It forms a dense, attractive plant that can reach a moderate size indoors, often attaining heights of 30-60 cm (1-2 feet), making it an excellent choice for tabletops, shelves, or as a vibrant floor accent. Its compact nature means it generally doesn't require extensive pruning for shape.
Toxicity
Like all Aglaonema species, 'Spring Red' is toxic if consumed by humans or pets.