Aglaonema commutatum Siam Aurora - Chinese evergreen

Aglaonema commutatum ‘Siam Aurora’, often sold under the names Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora’, ‘Siam Red’ or ‘Red Siam’, is a houseplant renowned for its foliage with shades of red, pink and green. Originating from a tropical species, this Aglaonema has a good ability to adapt to low-light interiors. It is suitable for a windowsill (without direct sun), an office, or a spot in the living room with filtered light, where it instantly adds colour.

Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora’ belongs to the Araceae family, like Monsteras and Philodendrons. It is an ornamental cultivar related to the species Aglaonema commutatum. The Aglaonema genus is native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines and neighbouring islands, where these plants grow in the understorey on rich, moist soils in filtered light. This origin explains their need for warmth, moderate humidity and bright but indirect light.
In a pot, this plant forms an upright and compact clump, reaching between 40 and 60 cm in height with a similar width. The thickened, short stems bear elliptical to lanceolate leaves, approximately 15 to 20 cm long. The slightly glossy leaf surface has a green centre marbled with light green or cream, edged with a red to pink border. The main veins and petioles are also tinged with pink, enhancing the decorative character of the plant. The flowers, when they appear, take the form of small greenish-white spathes, typical of the Araceae, but they remain discreet and are not the main asset of the plant.

To succeed in growing it indoors, place the Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora’ near an east or north-facing window, or a few steps away from a south or west-facing bay window behind a sheer curtain. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 27 °C, avoid prolonged periods below 15 °C. The ambient air of a heated home suits it if correct humidity is maintained, for example, by using a tray of damp clay pebbles or placing it near other plants. Like many Araceae, Aglaonema contains calcium oxalate crystals; it is best kept out of reach of young children and pets who might chew the leaves.

In the home, Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora’ is often placed in the living room, a few steps from a window, in a study, or in a bright bedroom. In a bathroom with a window, the warmth and humidity suit it particularly well. This variety integrates easily into many settings. In a white, black, or terracotta ceramic planter, placed on a side table or shelf, it brightens up a slightly dark corner. In an entrance hall, it can be displayed on a console table near a mirror. To create a coherent group, pair it with another colourful Aglaonema like ‘Red Dragon’, a Calathea (Goeppertia) roseopicta ‘Rosy’, with large rounded leaves marked with pink, a Syngonium ‘Neon Robusta’, with soft pink arrowhead foliage and a Fittonia ‘Pink Special’, with a carpeting habit and pink veins. These combinations create a colourful and easy-care plant corner, suitable for the warm, bright rooms of the house.