The Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora’, also known as the Chinese Evergreen, is a visually striking houseplant. It features lush green foliage with prominent red or pink edges and midribs, making it a popular choice for enhancing indoor spaces. Valued for its decorative qualities and adaptable nature, the ‘Siam Aurora’ is a relatively undemanding plant to cultivate indoors.
Siam Aurora Plant Care
Appropriate light is important for the Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora’ to maintain its vivid coloration. It thrives in bright, indirect light, which intensifies the red and pink hues in its leaves. While it tolerates lower light, foliage may appear less vibrant. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. Positioning the plant near a window with filtered light, such as through a sheer curtain, is ideal.
Consistent moisture benefits the ‘Siam Aurora’, but overwatering can cause problems. Water the plant when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry. Allowing the soil to dry partially between waterings helps prevent root rot. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes for excess water to escape. Watering frequency varies with environmental factors like pot size, soil type, and ambient temperature.
A well-draining and aerated soil mix provides the best environment for the ‘Siam Aurora’ root system. A peat-based potting mix formulated for houseplants works effectively. Incorporating components like perlite, pumice, or bark can further enhance drainage and aeration, preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged.
The ‘Siam Aurora’ prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It is sensitive to cold and should be protected from temperatures below 60°F (15°C) and cold drafts. Place the plant away from heating or air conditioning vents to prevent sudden temperature fluctuations. This plant appreciates higher humidity, consistent with its tropical origins. While it adapts to average household humidity, increasing moisture with a pebble tray, humidifier, or occasional misting can be beneficial.
During its active growth period in spring and summer, the ‘Siam Aurora’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, monthly. This provides necessary nutrients for healthy foliage development. During fall and winter, when growth slows, reduce or stop fertilization. Over-fertilization can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, potentially harming the roots.
Propagating Siam Aurora
Propagating the ‘Siam Aurora’ is achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and cut a 4-6 inch section just below a node. Remove lower leaves to expose one or two nodes. Cuttings can be rooted in water by placing them in a jar with at least one submerged node, changing the water every few days. Once roots develop, typically within a few weeks, transfer the cutting to potting soil.
Alternatively, stem cuttings can be planted directly into moist, well-draining potting soil. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone may encourage root formation. Covering the pot with a plastic bag helps create a humid environment conducive to rooting. Place the potted cutting in bright, indirect light and maintain consistent soil moisture. New growth indicates successful rooting, at which point the plastic bag can be removed.
Division is another method for propagating the ‘Siam Aurora’, especially when repotting a mature plant. Gently remove the plant from its pot and shake off excess soil to expose the root ball. Identify natural separations in the root system where multiple stems or offsets are present. Divide the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each new plant has a portion of roots attached. Plant each division in its own pot with well-draining potting mix and keep consistently moist as it establishes.
Common Issues and Solutions
Yellowing leaves on a ‘Siam Aurora’ often indicate an imbalance in its watering routine. Overwatering, which leads to soggy soil and can cause root rot, is a common culprit. Conversely, insufficient watering can also cause leaves to yellow. To address this, adjust the watering schedule to allow the top layer of soil to dry before rewatering, and ensure proper drainage.
Yellowing can also signal nutrient deficiencies or too much direct sunlight. Ensuring the plant receives adequate, balanced fertilizer during the growing season can help.
Brown leaf tips or edges on ‘Siam Aurora’ foliage point to low humidity or inconsistent watering. The plant, being tropical, benefits from higher ambient moisture levels. Increasing humidity through methods like pebble trays, humidifiers, or occasional misting can alleviate this issue. Another factor can be fluoride or other salts in tap water, which may accumulate in the leaf tips. Using filtered or distilled water can help mitigate this problem.
Common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects can affect the ‘Siam Aurora’. Signs of infestation include visible insects, webbing, cotton-like masses, or sticky residue on leaves. Regular inspection helps in early detection. For treatment, wiping leaves with a damp cloth or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol can remove many pests. Insecticidal soap or neem oil solutions are also effective and can be applied according to product instructions.