Aglaonema ‘Pink Aurora’

The trade names ‘Pink Aurora’ and ‘Lipstick Pink’

Aglaonema ‘Pink Aurora’ is also sold as ‘Lipstick Pink’, with both names referring to the same cream-pink-edged cultivated line. Who selected it, which parents were involved and where or when it first entered cultivation are unknown. Its species ancestry cannot be traced, so no specific wild locality or habitat can be assigned.

Care for the cream-pink foliage of Aglaonema ‘Pink Aurora’

• Light: Give the pale or strongly patterned leaves bright indirect light. Pale areas contain less chlorophyll and benefit from a well-lit position for steady growth; the pattern itself is genetic. Increase exposure gradually and shield the foliage from direct sun through glass, which can scorch the light tissue.
• Watering: Water when the surface is dry, the pot feels lighter and the root ball below is no longer wet. Small pots in bright, warm positions dry much faster than large pots in lower light. Water thoroughly, let the container drain and empty any water held in the cover pot.
• Temperature, humidity and airflow: Keep Aglaonema ‘Pink Aurora’ at 18–27 °C and above 15 °C. Around 45–60% humidity is normally enough. If humidity stays below about 40% and edges keep drying, move the plant away from heating or use a humidifier. Normal room airflow is suitable; protect the leaves from cold draughts and direct fan or radiator air.
• Feeding: Use a complete houseplant fertiliser at a low dose every three to four waterings during active growth. Feed less often whenever growth slows, regardless of the season, and apply fertiliser only to a moist, healthy root ball.
• Substrate and repotting: Use coco coir or peat, small bark and perlite or pumice in a draining pot. Let a newly delivered plant settle before changing its pot or substrate. Repot when roots fill the container or the mix compacts, using a pot only slightly larger than the root system.
• Leaf care: Clean the pointed leaves gently and support the blade from below. Mineral residue is especially visible on the cream-pink margins, so use plain water and a soft cloth.
• Propagation: Divide a rooted basal shoot, or root a cane section with at least one healthy node in warm, lightly moist substrate. Keep recently rooted sections in filtered light while they establish.

Curled leaves and a soft stem base on Aglaonema ‘Pink Aurora’

• Curled leaves: Several leaves curling together call for checks of moisture, recent temperature changes and pests. The leaf-curl guide helps compare the pattern. An individual leaf distorted while opening reflects conditions during its development.
• Brown tips or scorch: Drying confined to the tips points towards uneven moisture, hot airflow or salts. A larger pale patch on the window-facing side indicates direct sun or heat.
• Soft stem base: Translucent or mushy tissue above wet substrate indicates root or stem decay. Check how far the softness extends before cutting or repotting, and preserve every firm stem section and healthy pale root during the repair. Once the collapsed area has stopped changing, remove collapsed tissue and preserve firm growth.
• Pests: Check leaf undersides and petiole bases for thrips, spider mites, mealybugs and scale.

Pet safety: Aglaonema ‘Pink Aurora’

Aglaonema ‘Pink Aurora’ is not pet-safe. Aglaonema contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause immediate mouth pain and irritation, swelling of the mouth, tongue or lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing if chewed. Sap may also irritate skin and eyes.

The botanical name behind ‘Pink Aurora’

Aglaonema combines Greek aglaos, meaning shining or splendid, with nema, meaning thread or filament. Botanist Dan H. Nicolson rendered the resulting name as “shining stamen” in his monograph of the genus. Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established Aglaonema on 8 September 1829 on page 892 of issue 108 of Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Litteratur, Theater und Mode.