Aglaonema Red Lipstick

The Aglaonema ‘Red Lipstick’, also widely known as Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora’ or Chinese Evergreen ‘Red Lipstick’, is a highly coveted cultivar of Aglaonema due to its exceptionally vibrant and distinctively colored foliage.

• Foliage: The most striking characteristic of ‘Red Lipstick’ is its brilliant leaf coloration. The leaves are typically broad, oval to lance-shaped, and possess a beautiful, glossy texture. What sets it apart is the intense, bright red or vivid pink coloration that outlines the edges of the leaves and often extends along the main veins and sometimes throughout the leaf tips. The center of the leaf usually remains a dark, rich green, creating a stunning contrast that truly resembles a “lipstick” effect. The vibrancy of the red can vary depending on the specific growing conditions, with brighter indirect light often enhancing the intensity of the red hues.
• Growth Habit: This Aglaonema typically grows as a compact, bushy, and upright plant. It generally maintains a manageable size, making it an excellent choice for tabletops, shelves, or as an accent plant in larger arrangements. As it matures, it can develop a short, cane-like stem.
• Size: Indoors, Aglaonema ‘Red Lipstick’ usually reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) and a similar spread. Its moderate growth rate makes it a long-lasting and easy-to-manage houseplant.
• Flowers and Fruit: While Aglaonemas can produce inconspicuous, calla-lily-like flowers (a spadix enclosed by a spathe) followed by red berries, this is quite rare in typical indoor growing conditions. The plant is cultivated primarily for its attractive foliage.
• Origin: Like other Chinese Evergreens, Aglaonema ‘Red Lipstick’ originates from the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia (including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia), where they naturally thrive in the dappled light of the forest understory. This cultivar has been specifically bred for its intensified red coloration.
• Distinguishing Features (compared to other red Aglaonemas like ‘China Red’): While both ‘Red Lipstick’ and ‘China Red’ feature red hues, ‘Red Lipstick’ is typically characterized by its more pronounced red or pink margins and often red midribs, with the green usually more confined to the central areas or as a background. ‘China Red’ often has larger, more extensive patches of red across the leaf surface, sometimes dominating the leaf more broadly. However, there can be some overlap and variation between individual plants.
• Care Requirements (as a houseplant):
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. This is key to maintaining the vivid red coloration. While it can tolerate lower light, the red may fade or become less intense. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
  • Watering: Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. It prefers consistently moist but not soggy soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
  • Temperature: Thrives in warm environments, ideally between 18-29°C (65-85°F). It is sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 16°C (60°F).
  • Humidity: Benefits from moderate to high humidity, mimicking its native tropical habitat. Regular misting, a pebble tray, or a humidifier can be beneficial, especially in dry indoor environments.
  • Soil: A well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter is ideal.
  • Toxicity: Like all Aglaonemas, ‘Red Lipstick’ contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic if ingested by pets (cats, dogs, horses) and humans. Ingestion can cause oral irritation, pain, swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing. It should be kept out of reach of curious pets and children.

Aglaonema ‘Red Lipstick’ is celebrated for its ease of care and its ability to bring a dramatic and colorful flair to any indoor space, making it a very popular choice for home and office decor.