The Aglaonema ‘Valentine’, also known as Chinese Evergreen, is a popular indoor plant. Its striking pink and red variegation makes it a visually appealing and relatively easy-to-care-for addition to any interior space.
Identifying Your Aglaonema Valentine
The Aglaonema ‘Valentine’ cultivar is distinct for its visual characteristics. Its leaves display a vivid blend of pink and red hues, often splashed across a dark green background. Color intensity varies, from deep blush to almost white. Leaves are elongated with pointed tips and a glossy texture. The plant maintains a compact, bushy growth habit, reaching up to 2 feet tall and wide.
Aglaonema Valentine Care Guide
Light
Aglaonema ‘Valentine’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Place the plant near a window with filtered light, as direct sun can scorch leaves and fade colors. While it tolerates lower light, growth slows, and pink coloration may become less intense. Rotate the plant periodically for even light exposure and balanced growth.
Watering
Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering leads to root rot, so ensure adequate pot drainage. Inconsistent watering, alternating between very dry and wet soil, stresses the plant. During winter, the plant requires less frequent watering.
Soil Requirements
Aglaonema ‘Valentine’ prefers a well-draining potting mix. A suitable mix includes peat moss, perlite, and pine bark. Some growers use three parts potting soil to one part pumice or perlite. This provides drainage while retaining moisture for the roots.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant prefers warm environments, with temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It is sensitive to cold and should not be exposed to temperatures below 60°F (15°C). Maintaining consistent humidity is beneficial, as Aglaonema ‘Valentine’ enjoys a humid environment. Misting leaves regularly or using a pebble tray increases surrounding humidity.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), Aglaonema ‘Valentine’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month or every four to six weeks, diluted to half-strength. Do not fertilize during fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilization harms the plant.
Repotting
Repotting is needed every two to three years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Signs include roots emerging from drainage holes or becoming tightly packed. When repotting, select a new pot one size larger (1 to 2 inches wider) to prevent overwatering. Gently loosen the root ball and avoid planting too deep, maintaining the original soil line.
Propagating Aglaonema Valentine
Propagating Aglaonema ‘Valentine’ is done through stem cuttings, best in spring and summer due to active growth. A healthy cutting should be 4 to 6 inches long and include at least one node, where new roots form. Use a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears for a clean cut.
Root cuttings in water or soil. For water, place the cutting in a jar, ensuring leaves stay above the surface. Change water weekly.
For soil, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then plant in a well-draining mix, burying bottom nodes. Place the potted cutting in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Root development takes several weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Aglaonema Valentine Problems
Leaf Discoloration
Yellowing leaves often signal improper soil moisture, especially overwatering and root rot. Allowing topsoil to dry sufficiently between waterings prevents this. Brown leaf tips indicate underwatering or insufficient humidity. Consistent watering and increased ambient humidity, perhaps through misting, address these issues. Too much direct sunlight also causes leaves to yellow or brown.
Loss of Variegation
If the vibrant pink and red coloration of your Aglaonema ‘Valentine’ fades, it indicates insufficient light. While these plants tolerate lower light, brighter indirect light is needed to maintain their characteristic variegation. Moving the plant to a location with more bright, indirect light restores the intensity of its colors.
Pest Issues
Aglaonema ‘Valentine’ may encounter common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites, thriving in dry conditions, cause foliage to appear stippled and dull. Mealybugs appear as cotton-like masses, while scale insects are small, brown bumps on stems and leaves. Regularly inspecting the plant and applying organic treatment methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil manage these pests.