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

Names and background of ‘Crete’

In the houseplant trade, ‘Crete’, ‘Siam Aurora’ and ‘Jungle Red’ are names used for this red-edged Aglaonema line, although naming varies between growers. Aglaonema is native from northeastern India through Southeast Asia to New Guinea, where the genus is represented mainly by evergreen plants of sheltered forest habitats.

Care for Aglaonema ‘Crete’ / ‘Siam Aurora’

• Light: Bright indirect light suits the red-edged foliage, but direct sun can bleach or scorch it. Increase light gradually after a darker period.
• Watering: Allow the surface to dry and check that the centre of the pot is no longer saturated before watering thoroughly. Empty standing water after the pot drains.
• Root mix: Use a loose, moisture-retentive substrate with enough bark and mineral aeration to keep the root zone open between waterings.
• Temperature and humidity: Warm indoor conditions around 18–27 °C are suitable. Avoid chilled windows and draughts, and raise humidity modestly if heated air repeatedly dries the margins.
• Leaf care: Wipe dust away with a soft damp cloth and let new leaves open on their own. Existing scorch or creases will not disappear.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during active growth and reduce the dose when growth slows. Flush the substrate occasionally if salts collect at the surface.
• Propagation: Divide rooted basal shoots or root a healthy cane section with a node in warm, airy substrate.

Troubleshooting ‘Crete’ / ‘Siam Aurora’

• Red margins becoming dry and brown: Check for missed waterings and excess fertiliser before changing anything else. If the root ball is dry, water thoroughly to rehydrate it and keep the next watering intervals steadier. Flush the pot if salts are visible and use the brown-tip guide if the damage continues.
• Bleached or tan patches on the window side: Direct sun is likely. Move the plant out of the beam; colour in damaged tissue will not return.
• Loose or soft shoot base with yellowing leaves: The root zone may have stayed wet too long. Stop watering, clear blocked drainage and inspect the roots. Remove soft or decaying tissue and repot the firm roots or shoot base in fresh airy mix; the root-rot guide gives the full recovery sequence.
• Dark water-soaked areas after cold exposure: Shift the plant to stable warmth and keep it away from the cold surface. Remove a leaf only if the affected area continues to collapse.

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.