Aglaonema 'Crete' aka 'Siam Aurora' aka 'Jungle Red'

Care for aroid canes, roots and new growth

• Propagation: For Aglaonema ‘Crete’, division is simplest: separate a basal shoot after it develops its own roots. Cane sections with at least one healthy node can also root in warm, lightly moist substrate.
• Light: For Aglaonema ‘Crete’, medium to bright indirect light is suitable. Lower light slows growth and keeps the pot wet longer; strong sun through glass can scorch the leaves.
• Temperature, humidity and airflow: Keep Aglaonema ‘Crete’ in steady indoor warmth and away from chilling temperatures, especially when the substrate is wet. If the air remains very dry and edges keep drying, move the plant away from heating or use a humidifier.
• Feeding: For Aglaonema ‘Crete’, use a complete houseplant fertiliser at a low dose while growth is active. Feed less often whenever growth slows, regardless of the season, and never fertilise a dry root ball or a stressed plant.
• Leaf care: Wipe dusty leaves with a soft damp cloth and remove fully yellow lower leaves with a clean cut.

Dry red margins and root problems on Aglaonema ‘Crete’

• Dry red margins: Browning along several coloured edges usually reflects uneven moisture, hot dry airflow or concentrated fertiliser salts. The brown-tip guide helps compare these causes. Check deep moisture and visible deposits before changing the watering cycle.
• Sun scorch: Tan patches on the window-facing leaves indicate direct sun or heat through glass. Move the plant into filtered light; the damaged tissue stays visible.
• Loose base in wet mix: Soft dark roots and an unstable stem confirm decay. Photograph the base and roots before changing the pot, then remove only dark soft roots and preserve every firm pale section of the system. Once the soft roots are clearly separated from firm ones, remove dead roots and use fresh aerated substrate around the firm remainder.
• Pests: Inspect the leaf undersides and the junctions between the coloured petioles and stems for thrips, spider mites, mealybugs and scale.

Aglaonema ‘Crete’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Why is it called Aglaonema?

Aglaonema combines Greek aglaos, meaning shining or splendid, with nema, meaning thread or filament.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Aglaonema in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 1829, page 892.