The Aglaonema Red King, a striking Chinese Evergreen variety, is known for its vivid foliage, blending deep green and vibrant red hues. Its captivating appearance makes it a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts. This plant is also low-maintenance, making it suitable for new plant owners.
Aglaonema Red King Care
Light
The Aglaonema Red King thrives in bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing window provides ideal illumination, allowing its vibrant colors to develop fully. While it adapts to lower light, growth may slow, and red variegation might diminish. Avoid direct sunlight, especially harsh afternoon rays, as it can scorch the leaves.
Watering
Water the Aglaonema Red King consistently. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry. Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s bottom, then discard excess to prevent sogginess. Overwatering causes root rot, while underwatering can cause leaves to droop.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining potting mix prevents waterlogging and promotes healthy root development for the Aglaonema Red King. An ideal mix includes peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, providing aeration and drainage while retaining moisture. This plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH, ranging from 5.6 to 6.5. Repotting is needed every two to three years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, to refresh soil and provide space.
Temperature and Humidity
Aglaonema Red King plants prefer warm environments, ideally between 65°F and 75°F (18-27°C). Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 60°F (15°C) and protect it from cold drafts to prevent stress and leaf damage. While they tolerate average household humidity, they thrive in moderate to high levels (40-60%). To increase humidity, use a pebble tray, group plants, or employ a humidifier.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season (spring and summer), the Aglaonema Red King benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, once a month is sufficient. Fertilizing replenishes soil nutrients. As growth slows in fall and winter, reduce or stop fertilizing. Over-fertilizing leads to leaf burn and root damage due to salt buildup.
Propagating Aglaonema Red King
Propagating Aglaonema Red King is achieved through stem cuttings or division. For stem cuttings, select a healthy stem 4-6 inches long and make a clean cut just below a leaf node. This cutting can be rooted in either water or soil.
For water propagation
For water propagation, place the cut end of the stem into a glass of clean water, ensuring at least one node is submerged and leaves are above water. Place the container in a warm spot with bright, indirect light and change the water weekly. Roots form within a few weeks. Once roots are 1 inch long, transplant the cutting into a well-draining potting mix.
When propagating in soil
When propagating in soil, consider dipping the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone, though not always necessary. Plant the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one node is buried. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm area with bright, indirect light to encourage rooting. Division involves gently separating offsets or smaller plant sections from the parent plant, ensuring each section has roots, then repotting them.
Common Problems With Aglaonema Red King
Aglaonema Red King plants can encounter common issues. Leaf discoloration, such as yellowing or browning, signals an imbalance in watering. Yellow leaves result from overwatering, which can lead to root rot, but can also indicate underwatering or insufficient light. Brown, crispy leaf edges or tips are signs of low humidity or chemical buildup from tap water.
Pest infestations can be a concern, though Aglaonema Red King is relatively resistant. Common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs can affect the plant. Inspecting the plant regularly, especially the undersides of leaves, aids early detection. If pests are found, isolating the plant and treating it with organic methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil can manage the problem.
A lack of vibrant color in the foliage indicates insufficient bright, indirect light. While these plants tolerate lower light, their striking red hues are more pronounced with adequate light. Moving the plant to a brighter location restores coloration. Drooping or wilting leaves signal overwatering, underwatering, or temperature stress. Checking soil moisture is the first diagnostic step, ensuring proper hydration and temperature.