Aglaonema 'Orange Flame'

Aglaonema 'Orange Flame'

Aglaonema 'Orange Flame' is a compact Chinese evergreen with broad, glossy leaves held on fleshy petioles. It grows from short basal stems, gradually forming a dense indoor clump with new leaves rising from the centre.

The foliage combines green and silver-green patterning with orange-pink midribs and warm petiole colour. Most colour is in the leaves and petioles, especially around the crown and central veins.

Aglaonema 'Orange Flame' petioles and leaf colour

• Short-stemmed, clumping Aglaonema with a compact indoor shape
• Glossy oval leaves with green and silver-green markings
• Orange-pink midrib colour continuing into the petioles
• Basal shoots fill out the crown while coloured petioles stay visible
• New leaves form gradually in warm, filtered indoor light

Glossy leaves and basal growth

Aglaonema belongs to the Araceae family and grows as a rhizomatous evergreen perennial. In pots, Aglaonema 'Orange Flame' stays low and leafy, with each new petiole adding density around the central crown.

Aglaonema species are native from north-eastern India through tropical Asia to Papua New Guinea. In cultivation, Aglaonema 'Orange Flame' needs 18–28 °C, filtered light and a lightly moist, airy substrate around the roots.

The name Aglaonema comes from Greek roots meaning bright or clear and thread, referring to the stamens.

Mature plants may produce small aroid flowers with a spathe and spadix. The flowers are modest compared with the coloured leaves and petioles.

Care essentials for Aglaonema 'Orange Flame'

• Light: Place in bright to medium indirect light. A sheer curtain or a position beside an east or west-facing window protects the warm central colouring from scorch.
• Water: Water when the top 2–4 cm of substrate feels dry. The petiole bases are less likely to soften when the root ball stays lightly moist instead of swinging between dry and wet.
• Substrate: Use a fine but airy mix with coco fibre or peat-free houseplant compost, perlite or pumice, and small bark pieces.
• Pot choice: Keep the plant in a pot with drainage holes and only a little extra root space. A compact crown in a large wet pot can lose roots quickly.
• Temperature: Keep between 18–28 °C. Orange-toned Aglaonema leaves mark easily after cold window contact or cold watering.
• Humidity: Average room humidity is acceptable. Moderate humidity helps new leaves unfurl without dry, curled edges.
• Feeding: Use diluted fertiliser; strong doses can build salts and brown the tips.
• Repotting: Repot when roots fill the pot, or when the pot either dries too fast or stays wet for too long after watering.
• Grooming: Wipe the glossy leaves with a damp cloth and remove ageing lower leaves at the base with clean scissors.
• Propagation: Divide mature clumps only when several rooted shoots are present, then keep divisions warm until new roots and leaves start forming.

Midrib marks, roots and petiole bases

• Dry tan patches near the midrib: Check for direct sun, hot glass or sudden exposure after transport. Move the plant to softer filtered light.
• Yellowing lower leaves: A single old leaf can age naturally; several yellow leaves point to wet substrate or reduced root function.
• Soft petiole bases: Slide the plant from the pot and inspect the root ball. Trim damaged roots and move into a fresher, airier mix.
• Small new leaves: Check light level and root space. A very shaded position or a tight root ball can reduce leaf size.
• Brown tips: Review fertiliser strength, watering gaps and dry heat from radiators.

Aglaonema 'Orange Flame' toxicity note

Aglaonema 'Orange Flame' is an Araceae houseplant with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in its tissues. Keep it away from pets and children that may ingest leaves or stems, and avoid leaving sap on sensitive skin after cutting.

Orange-pink petioles add colour while the plant stays small and clumping.