The Aglaonema ‘Aurora Siam’ is a popular indoor plant recognized for its striking appearance and straightforward care. This cultivar showcases vibrant foliage, featuring deep green leaves accented with shades of pink and red variegation. Its glossy, lance-shaped leaves gracefully arch from the stem, creating a colorful display. The plant’s moderate growth rate and adaptability to various indoor conditions contribute to its widespread appeal.
Caring for Your Aglaonema Aurora Siam
Light
The Aglaonema Aurora Siam thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing the plant near a window with filtered light, such as one with a sheer curtain, helps maintain its vibrant coloration. Direct sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves, leading to brown spots and damage. While this plant tolerates lower light levels, insufficient light may cause the vivid pink and red variegation to become less pronounced, appearing duller or greener.
Water
Water the plant thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a common issue, so ensuring the pot has adequate drainage holes is important. Allowing the soil to dry out completely for extended periods can cause leaves to wilt or turn yellow and brown. Consistent moisture, without the soil becoming waterlogged, promotes optimal growth, and watering frequency will decrease in cooler months.
Soil
An ideal soil mix for the Aglaonema Aurora Siam should be well-draining, aerated, and rich in organic matter. A general houseplant potting mix with components like peat, pine bark, perlite, or vermiculite works effectively. An aroid potting mix, often containing peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark, also ensures good drainage. A ratio of approximately three parts potting soil to one part perlite or pumice enhances aeration and drainage, reducing the risk of root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
The Aglaonema Aurora Siam prefers warm and consistent temperatures, ideally between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It is sensitive to cold and should be protected from temperatures below 60°F (15°C), as well as cold drafts from windows or air conditioning vents. As a tropical plant, it appreciates high humidity, ideally over 65%. While it adapts to average household humidity, methods to increase moisture, such as placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, using a humidifier, or grouping plants together, are beneficial.
Fertilizer
During the active growing season, typically spring and summer, the Aglaonema Aurora Siam benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer every one to two months. Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength to prevent over-fertilization, which can lead to salt buildup and potential root burn. During fall and winter, when growth slows, reduce or cease fertilization.
Propagating Aglaonema Aurora Siam
Propagating Aglaonema Aurora Siam can be done through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least a few leaves and a node. Make a clean cut below a node using a sharp, sterilized knife or pruning shears, then remove any lower leaves that would be submerged in water or soil to prevent rot.
The prepared cutting can be rooted in water or directly in a well-draining potting mix. If rooting in water, place the cutting in a clear container with clean water, ensuring the node is submerged, and change the water every few days. For rooting in soil, plant the cutting directly into a moist, light potting mix, and consider using rooting hormone.
Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment, then place it in a location with bright, indirect light. New growth indicates successful rooting. Division is another method for propagating mature plants, where the root ball is gently separated into smaller sections, each with its own roots and stems, during repotting.
Troubleshooting Common Aglaonema Aurora Siam Problems
Several common issues can affect the Aglaonema Aurora Siam.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or poor drainage, but can also be a symptom of underwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Adjust your watering routine to allow the topsoil to dry between waterings.
Brown Tips or Edges
Brown tips or edges on leaves often suggest low humidity, inconsistent watering, or the presence of fluoride in tap water. Increasing ambient humidity or using distilled water can help.
Loss of Variegation
A loss of the vibrant pink and red variegation, resulting in greener foliage, points to insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect light to restore its characteristic coloration.
Pests
Aglaonema Aurora Siam can attract common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Regularly inspect the plant and treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Root Rot
Root rot, often caused by persistent overwatering, manifests as mushy, black roots and yellowing leaves. If root rot is suspected, repot the plant into fresh, well-draining soil after trimming away affected roots.