The Aglaonema genus, commonly known as Chinese Evergreen, comprises popular indoor foliage plants originating from tropical and subtropical Asia. The cultivar ‘Red Army’ is sought after for its striking, brightly-colored leaves, featuring intense red and pink variegation contrasting with deep green margins. This vivid coloration makes it a standout choice for interior decoration, but maintaining the vibrant hues requires specific care tailored to its tropical heritage. Understanding the needs of the ‘Red Army’ variety is the first step toward successfully cultivating this relatively low-maintenance houseplant.
Creating the Ideal Growing Environment
Aglaonema ‘Red Army’ tolerates lower light levels, but this reduces its signature color intensity. To maintain the deepest red and pink tones, the plant requires medium, indirect light, such as near an east or west-facing window shielded by a sheer curtain. The production of red anthocyanin pigments is directly linked to receiving adequate, filtered light exposure. Direct, unfiltered sunlight must be avoided, as intense solar radiation can scorch the leaf tissue, manifesting as bleached or brown spots.
Mimicking its native jungle environment, this plant thrives in stable, warm temperatures ranging between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Sudden temperature fluctuations or exposure to cold air cause stress, leading to leaf drop or discoloration. Keep the plant away from drafty windows, exterior doors, or the direct flow of air conditioning vents. Temperatures consistently below 60°F (15°C) inhibit growth and can damage the root system.
As a tropical understory plant, high ambient humidity is required for optimal leaf health. Relative humidity levels of 50% or higher are ideal for preventing leaf tips and edges from turning brown and crispy. Methods for increasing local moisture include placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot sits above the water line. A small room humidifier can also effectively replicate the moist environment, especially in heated homes during winter.
Hydration and Substrate Requirements
The ‘Red Army’ requires a substrate that retains moisture but allows excess water to drain rapidly to prevent anaerobic conditions. A standard commercial potting mix should be amended to increase porosity and aeration, often by incorporating materials like perlite, coarse sand, or orchid bark. This lightened mixture ensures oxygen reaches the roots, which is necessary for nutrient uptake and preventing root rot. The mixture should be slightly acidic, falling within a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
The most effective watering strategy is the “dry-out” method: thoroughly saturate the soil, then allow the top one to two inches to become completely dry before watering again. Using a finger or a moisture meter to check the soil depth ensures accurate timing, as frequency changes based on ambient temperature and light levels. Allowing the plant to sit in standing water is detrimental and leads to the breakdown of root cells, turning them soft and mushy.
Watering frequency must be adjusted seasonally, requiring less water during the cooler, darker winter months when the plant’s metabolic rate slows. Signs of overwatering include yellowing of the lower leaves and limpness in the stems due to damaged roots. Conversely, an underwatered plant exhibits drooping foliage and leaves with dry, crispy edges, indicating a lack of moisture to maintain cellular pressure.
Ongoing Care and Troubleshooting
To support vigorous growth and the production of highly pigmented leaves, the ‘Red Army’ benefits from regular feeding during its active growing season (spring through early fall). A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or similar ratio, should be applied once a month. Dilute the fertilizer to half or quarter strength to prevent chemical burn and the accumulation of excess mineral salts in the soil.
Fertilization should be stopped during late fall and winter months when growth naturally slows, as the plant cannot effectively utilize added nutrients. The leaves of the Aglaonema accumulate dust over time, which impedes photosynthesis by blocking light absorption. Gently wiping the leaves with a soft, damp cloth every few weeks ensures maximum light efficiency and keeps the foliage vibrant.
This cultivar is relatively slow-growing and requires repotting only when it becomes visibly rootbound, which occurs every two to three years. When repotting, select a container only one size larger than the current one to prevent the soil from holding excessive moisture around the roots. Repotting is best done in the spring, as the plant enters its most active growth period.
Common houseplant pests, such as spider mites and mealybugs, can infest the dense foliage of the Aglaonema. Spider mites manifest as fine webbing and tiny specks on the undersides of leaves, thriving in dry indoor conditions. Mealybugs appear as small, cottony white masses, often found in leaf axils and along the stems where they feed on plant sap.
Isolate the infested plant immediately to prevent the spread of pests to other houseplants. A targeted treatment using insecticidal soap or a diluted neem oil solution applied directly to the affected areas is an effective initial strategy. Consistent application is necessary to break the pest life cycle, particularly for mealybugs, which are protected by their waxy coating.
Expanding Your Collection Through Propagation
The most straightforward propagation method for Aglaonema ‘Red Army’ is division of the root ball, best performed during routine spring repotting. As the plant matures, it naturally produces offsets, or “pups,” which are small plants growing from the base of the main stem. These pups can be gently separated from the mother plant using a clean, sharp knife or shears, ensuring each division retains some established roots.
Alternatively, stem cuttings can be taken, especially from older plants with a noticeable trunk above the soil line. The separated sections, ideally containing a few nodes, should be allowed to callous slightly before being placed in a moist, porous propagation medium or directly into water. Providing warmth and high humidity encourages new root formation, allowing the cutting to establish itself. This method is slower than division but allows for the creation of new plants without disturbing the main root system.