Aglaonema ‘Red Army’ is a striking houseplant, celebrated for its vibrant foliage and relatively easy care. Its adaptability to indoor environments makes it a favored choice for both seasoned plant enthusiasts and new gardeners.
Meet Aglaonema ‘Red Army’
The Aglaonema ‘Red Army’ is a hybrid, stemming from a cross between Aglaonema pictum tricolor and Aglaonema rotundum. Its unique visual appeal lies in its broad, lance-shaped leaves that feature a bold camouflage pattern. These leaves showcase vivid red centers and dark green edges, often with a reddish-pink pinstripe or prominent red veins. This distinctive coloration ensures it stands out. As a Chinese evergreen plant, it is a tropical perennial known for its large, oval leaves that grow on short stems. Its slow to moderate growth rate makes it a manageable indoor plant.
Comprehensive Care Guide
Caring for Aglaonema ‘Red Army’ involves understanding its specific environmental and maintenance needs. Providing the right conditions helps this plant thrive indoors.
Light Needs
Aglaonema ‘Red Army’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Place the plant a few feet from a window to provide adequate light without direct sun exposure. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves and cause colors to fade. While it tolerates lower light levels, insufficient light may slow growth and reduce foliage vibrancy.
Watering
Proper watering prevents common issues like root rot. Aglaonema ‘Red Army’ prefers its soil to dry out between waterings. Check the top inch or two of soil; if dry, water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom. Discard any excess water from the saucer. Overwatering causes yellowing leaves, mushy stalks, and root rot, while underwatering leads to wilting or crispy leaves.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining potting mix is suitable for Aglaonema ‘Red Army’ to ensure proper aeration and prevent waterlogging. An ideal blend includes peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, which help retain moisture while allowing effective drainage. Aglaonemas prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, supporting nutrient absorption.
Temperature and Humidity
This tropical plant thrives in warm indoor temperatures, ideally between 18°C and 27°C (65°F-80°F). It is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. While Aglaonema ‘Red Army’ tolerates average household humidity, it performs better in moderate to high humidity (60-80%). Misting leaves or using a humidifier helps maintain adequate humidity, especially in dry indoor conditions.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), Aglaonema ‘Red Army’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, monthly. This provides nutrients like nitrogen for foliage, phosphorus for root development, and potassium for plant vigor. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilization can lead to nutrient burn and root damage.
Repotting
Repot Aglaonema ‘Red Army’ every one to two years, or when it shows signs of being root-bound. Indicators include roots emerging from drainage holes, visible on the soil surface, or significantly slowed growth. Choose a new pot one to two inches larger than the current one to avoid over-potting. Use fresh, well-draining potting mix, gently remove the plant, and inspect roots for rot before replanting.
Propagating Aglaonema ‘Red Army’
Propagating Aglaonema ‘Red Army’ is typically achieved through stem cuttings or by dividing offsets. For stem cuttings, select a healthy stem 4-6 inches long, ensuring it has at least one node and a few leaves. The cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone, though it is not always necessary.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in soil. If using water, submerge the cut end in clean water, keeping the leaves above the water surface, and change the water weekly. For soil propagation, plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one node is buried, and keep the soil consistently moist. Place the cuttings in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Aglaonema ‘Red Army’ can encounter common issues, often related to environmental factors or pests. Yellowing leaves are frequently a symptom of improper watering, particularly overwatering leading to root rot, or insufficient light. Brown leaf edges or crispy tips often indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering; increasing humidity through misting or a pebble tray can help.
Pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects can affect Aglaonemas. Regularly inspecting the plant, especially the undersides of leaves, helps detect infestations early. If pests are found, they can often be managed by washing the plant with a gentle stream of water, or by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil. Stunted growth can indicate a lack of sufficient light or nutrient deficiencies, suggesting a need to adjust lighting or fertilizing.
Is Aglaonema ‘Red Army’ Safe?
Aglaonema ‘Red Army’ contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation if ingested by humans or pets. Symptoms of exposure may include a burning sensation, swelling, and difficulty swallowing; for pets, this can manifest as drooling or pawing at the mouth. Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets. Wearing gloves when handling the plant during repotting or pruning can prevent skin irritation.