Aglaonema 'Red Valentine' - Chinese Evergreen

The perfect gift for your valentine at any time of year, the Red Valentine Chinese Evergreen has striking bright red-pink variegation speckled across each leaf. This colouring has given it the opportunity to be marketed as a romantic gift, but it's equally pretty as a gift to yourself. Used to shady rainforest undergrowth, this Aglaonema will be happy in a spot out of direct sun in your home. If you notice new leaves growing with less red variegation, it may benefit from a little more light; otherwise, it is easygoing, and will look fabulous bringing that bright splash of colour into your home.

Scientific Name
Aglaonema commutatum 'Red Valentine' (transformed shining thread, cultivar: red valentine)

Synonyms: Aglaonema marantifolium var. commutatum

Initially believed to be a variety of one species of Aglaonema, on reassessment this plant was found to be its own species, and has kept the same name since 1856. The specific colouring has been bred in cultivation.

Common Name
Red Valentine Chinese Evergreen, Chinese Evergreen 'Red Valentine', Red Chinese Evergreen, Philippine Evergreen, Poison Dart Plant

Origin
This plant is native to the Philippines and Sulawesi

Light
While this plant doesn't need direct sun, which can scorch the leaves, it still needs bright light to keep the colours nice and vibrant.

Water
Let the top couple of inches of soil dry between waters. Make sure the plant doesn't sit in soggy soil and remember, it will need less water in winter when it isn't actively growing and dries out more slowly.

Humidity
Your Chinese Evergreen can adapt to average household humidity but prefers slightly above-average levels; keeping it in a kitchen or bathroom can help as these rooms can be more humid than others.

Soil
Use a chunky, well draining houseplant mix; one designed for Monstera and Philodendron plants, or one with added coir, perlite and bark, will work well here. Repot every couple of years in spring as the plant grows.

Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter.

Temperature
Ideally likes room temperatures of 18-26°C, make sure it doesn't drop below 12°C in winter.

Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.

Sprouts Top Tips
Always water with lukewarm water, and let tapwater stand for 24 hours before using it. If you notice a loss of variegation, try moving it to a brighter location!