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Red aglaonema is a color-bred cultivar group of the Chinese evergreen. Same easy care as the green base plant, with two deltas: the pink-red pigment needs brighter light to stay vivid (in deep shade it dulls to green), and the red forms are more cold-sensitive — keep them above 15°C. Expect to pay roughly 1.5-2x the price of a plain green aglaonema. Toxic to cats and dogs.
Key facts
- Red cultivars ('Red Valentine', 'Siam Aurora', 'Red Anjamani') were bred in Thailand and Indonesia from hybrid crosses, mostly since the 1980s — see the Chinese evergreen guide for the base species.
- The red-pink color comes from anthocyanin pigments layered over chlorophyll; in low light the plant favors chlorophyll and the red visibly dulls.
- Red forms are more cold-sensitive than green aglaonemas — chilling damage starts below about 13-15°C (55-59°F).
- Toxic to cats and dogs, like all aglaonemas (calcium oxalate crystals).
Care requirements#
| Plant type | Indoor (outdoors year-round only in USDA 10-12) |
| Growing medium | Well-draining peat-based houseplant mix |
| Light needs | Bright indirect light for vivid red color — brighter than the green base plant needs; tolerates medium light but the red dulls |
| Water frequency | Every 7-10 days, when the top 3-5cm of soil is dry |
| Humidity | 40-60%; tolerates average homes |
| Temperature range | 18-27°C (65-80°F); never below 15°C — red forms chill-damage before green ones |
| Fertilizer | Half-strength balanced feed monthly in spring-summer |
| Soil pH | 5.6-6.5 |
| Drainage needs | Moderate-high; avoid waterlogged soil |
| Pot recommendation | Plastic or glazed pot with drainage; it likes staying slightly moist longer than terracotta allows |
| Hardiness zone (outdoor) | USDA 10-12 |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if chewed (calcium oxalate crystals) |
Growth & propagation#
| Mature size | 30-60cm tall and wide, clumping |
| Growth rate | Slow — a few new leaves per month in season |
| Propagation methods | Division of the clump; stem cuttings root in water or moist mix |
| Propagation difficulty | Easy via division at repotting time |
| Repotting schedule | Every 2-3 years; it tolerates being root-bound |
| Pruning needs | Remove spent lower leaves; pinch flower spathes to keep energy in foliage |
Common problems & troubleshooting#
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Red color fading to mostly green | Too little light — the plant prioritizes chlorophyll | Move to bright indirect light; new leaves regain the red flush |
| Greasy-looking dark patches on leaves | Chilling injury from temperatures below ~13°C or cold drafts | Move away from cold windows and AC vents; damaged leaves won't recover but new growth will be clean |
| Yellowing lower leaves | Overwatering, or normal shedding of oldest leaves | Let the top few centimetres of soil dry before watering; remove yellowed leaves |
| Brown crispy edges | Very dry air or fertilizer salt buildup | Raise humidity, flush the pot with plain water every few months |
| Bleached, washed-out patches | Direct sun scorching the pigmented tissue | Pull back from direct rays; bright indirect is the ceiling |
Easy plant, easy schedule
Sodate keeps aglaonema watering on a relaxed rhythm so you never drown an easy plant.
Seasonal care#
Varieties & cultivars#
| Variety | Distinguishing trait | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 'Red Valentine' | Pink leaves speckled and edged green | The most common red aglaonema in trade |
| 'Siam Aurora' | Green leaves with bright red margins and midrib | Holds color well in medium light |
| 'Red Anjamani' | Nearly solid tomato-red leaves | The reddest form; needs the most light |
Buying checklist#
- Color should be vivid, not muddy — dull pink means it's been sitting in low light
- Check for greasy dark patches: chilling damage from cold transport is common in winter shipments
- A full clump with multiple stems divides into free plants later
- Verify the cultivar name if you want a specific red — 'red aglaonema' covers several distinct plants
Pricing by region#
| Region | Price range | Typical unit | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | $15 – $45 | 4-8in pot | Nursery + online retail; roughly 1.5-2x green aglaonema |
| UK | $15 – $44 | 12-17cm pot | Garden centre + online retail |
| India | $2 – $10 | 4-8in pot | Urban nursery + online; Thailand-adjacent supply keeps prices low |
| Australia | $16 – $40 | 130-200mm pot | Nursery + garden centre |
| Canada | $16 – $44 | 4-8in pot | Garden centre retail |
USD figures are approximate conversions for comparison; switch the dropdown to see each region's actual local-currency listing price.
Often confused with#
Where it's actually grown#
Red aglaonema breeding is centred in Thailand and Indonesia, where hybridizers have produced dozens of named reds since the 1980s; Western retail stock is tissue-cultured and finished in Florida and Dutch greenhouses.
Import & biosecurity restrictions#
| Region | Note |
|---|---|
| Australia | Live plant imports restricted under biosecurity law; red cultivars available domestically at a premium. |
| US | No restriction; widely available from Florida growers. |
| UK | No restriction; stocked by larger garden centres. |
| India | No restriction; abundant and cheap given proximity to Thai breeders. |
| Canada | CFIA permits for commercial imports; sold as houseplants. |
Similar plants
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Frequently asked questions
How is red aglaonema different from a regular Chinese evergreen?
It's the same species group bred for pink-red pigment — care is identical except it needs brighter light to hold its color and is more cold-sensitive, and it costs roughly 1.5-2x more.
Why is my red aglaonema turning green?
Not enough light. The red anthocyanin pigment fades and chlorophyll dominates in shade — move it to bright indirect light and new leaves will redden.
Is red aglaonema pet-safe?
No — like all aglaonemas it contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to cats and dogs.
How cold can red aglaonema tolerate?
Keep it above 15°C (59°F); red cultivars show chilling damage (dark greasy leaf patches) sooner than green forms.
How much does a red aglaonema cost?
Typically $15-$45 in the US depending on cultivar and size, versus around $10-$25 for a plain green aglaonema.