The Aglaonema genus, commonly known as Chinese Evergreen, is a popular choice for indoor gardeners due to its relative ease of care and striking foliage. The cultivar ‘Lady Valentine’ offers a unique and vibrant display of color, providing a splash of warm tones to any interior space. Its resilience and adaptability to typical indoor environments make it a favorite for both novice and experienced plant owners.
Distinctive Features and Origin
The ‘Lady Valentine’ cultivar is immediately recognizable by its stunning, multicolored leaves, which feature a vibrant mosaic of pink, red, and deep green hues. Each glossy, elliptical leaf showcases a unique variegation pattern, often with splashes of pink and red pigment contrasting with darker green margins and midribs. This coloration sets it apart from traditional green and silver varieties of Chinese Evergreen.
This Aglaonema is an evergreen perennial that naturally grows in a compact, bushy form, typically reaching up to two feet indoors. The plant’s structure is dense, with new leaves emerging from the bottom of the stem. The Aglaonema genus originates from the tropical and subtropical rainforests of Asia and New Guinea, where the environment is characterized by warm temperatures and low light under a dense canopy.
Essential Cultivation Requirements
Maintaining the pink and red pigmentation requires bright, indirect light. While the species tolerates lower light, this cultivar needs filtered sunlight to keep its colors vibrant. Direct sun can scorch the leaves. Insufficient light leads to a loss of the pink variegation, causing the leaves to revert to green.
Watering must be managed carefully to prevent root rot. The ‘Lady Valentine’ prefers the soil to remain consistently moist, but never waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top one to two inches of the potting mix feel dry to the touch. Allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings encourages good root health.
The Chinese Evergreen thrives in warm, tropical conditions, ideally between 65°F and 80°F. It is sensitive to cold and should not be exposed to temperatures below 60°F, which can cause chilling injury. Avoid placing the plant near cold drafts or air conditioning vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations cause stress.
The plant prefers humidity levels around 65% or higher, reflecting its native habitat. While it adapts to average household humidity, supplemental moisture helps prevent brown leaf tips in drier climates. This can be achieved using a pebble tray or a room humidifier. Use a well-draining and well-aerated soil, such as a peat-based potting mix amended with perlite or pumice.
Managing Growth and Reproduction
Repot the ‘Lady Valentine’ only when it shows signs of being root-bound, such as roots circling the pot or emerging from drainage holes. Repotting is typically necessary every two to three years during the active growing season (spring or summer). When repotting, choose a container only one size larger than the current one to prevent the soil from holding excessive moisture.
Propagation is achieved through division or stem cuttings, with division being the most common method for this bushy Aglaonema. During repotting, offshoots (daughter plants) that have developed their own root system and leaves can be gently separated from the main plant. These offsets are then planted in their own containers with fresh soil mix.
Stem cuttings are used when the main plant has become tall or “leggy.” Cut a healthy stem segment, approximately four to six inches long, using a sterilized knife just above a node. This cutting can be rooted in soil or placed in water until new roots are established before being transferred to a permanent pot.
Common Issues and Safety
Yellowing of lower leaves often signals overwatering or poor drainage. If yellowing is accompanied by soft, mushy stems, root rot is the likely cause. Conversely, brown tips and edges on the leaves usually indicate low ambient humidity or a buildup of mineral salts from excessive fertilization or tap water.
Indoor environments can occasionally host pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or scale insects. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions and cause fine stippling on the leaves. Mealybugs appear as small, cotton-like masses in leaf axils. These pests are managed by physically wiping the leaves or applying horticultural soap.
The Aglaonema ‘Lady Valentine’ contains calcium oxalate crystals, making the plant toxic if ingested. These needle-like crystals are present in the plant’s sap and cause immediate, intense irritation and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. The plant should be kept out of reach of pets and small children to prevent accidental consumption.