The Aglaonema ‘King of Siam’ is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant foliage. This Chinese Evergreen cultivar features stunning mottled green leaves flushed with shades of red and pink, adding a distinct pop of color to any indoor space. Its compact size and easy-care nature make it a favored choice for indoor gardeners.
Caring for Aglaonema King of Siam
Light
The Aglaonema ‘King of Siam’ thrives in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain its vivid coloration. While it can tolerate lower light, prolonged dim settings may cause its vibrant hues to fade. Direct sunlight, especially harsh afternoon sun, should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves. Placing the plant near a north or east-facing window is ideal, providing sufficient brightness without direct exposure. If natural light is limited, the plant can adapt to fluorescent lighting, suitable for offices.
Watering
Proper watering is crucial for your ‘King of Siam’ Aglaonema, which prefers consistently moist, not waterlogged, soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry. Ensure excess water drains freely from the pot to prevent root rot, as soggy conditions are detrimental. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering, while wilting indicates thirst. Using room-temperature, filtered, or distilled water is beneficial, as Aglaonemas are sensitive to chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, which may cause brown leaf tips.
Humidity and Temperature
The ‘King of Siam’ Aglaonema prefers warm temperatures, ideally ranging between 65-80°F (18-27°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F (15°C), so keep it away from open windows, air conditioners, or heating vents. It appreciates moderate to higher humidity levels, though it tolerates average household humidity. To boost humidity, consider misting the leaves regularly, placing the pot on a pebble tray, or grouping it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, aerated potting mix is important for the ‘King of Siam’ Aglaonema, such as a standard houseplant mix amended with perlite, pumice, or sand to enhance drainage. A common mix incorporates one part potting soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite. The pot should always have drainage holes to prevent root rot. Repotting is typically needed every one to two years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Spring is the best time for repotting.
Fertilization
To support healthy growth, fertilize your Aglaonema ‘King of Siam’ during its active growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK ratio, diluted to half strength. Apply fertilizer once every four to six weeks during this period. Reduce feeding in the fall and cease during the winter months when growth slows. Over-fertilization can lead to a buildup of mineral salts, causing root burn and brown leaves. Flushing the soil with water every few months helps prevent this buildup.
Propagating Aglaonema King of Siam
Propagating the Aglaonema ‘King of Siam’ is done using stem cuttings or by dividing the plant. For stem cuttings, select a healthy stem section about 4-8 inches long with at least one node. Remove lower leaves to expose the node, then place the cutting directly into well-draining soil or root it in water. When rooting in water, change the water weekly and transfer to soil once roots are a few inches long. For division, carefully separate offsets or smaller sections from a mature plant’s root ball during repotting, ensuring each section has its own roots and leaves.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering; adjust your watering schedule to allow the soil to dry more between waterings. Brown leaf tips or edges can be addressed by increasing humidity through misting or pebble trays, or by using filtered water. Common pests include spider mites and mealybugs. Regularly inspecting the plant and treating infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil manages these issues.
Toxicity and Safety
The Aglaonema ‘King of Siam’ contains calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic if ingested by humans or pets. These needle-shaped crystals cause irritation, a burning sensation, swelling, and discomfort in the mouth, throat, and skin upon contact or ingestion. Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, seek immediate medical or veterinary attention.