Aglaonema 'Red Dragon' – Intense red foliage, upright growth, bold indoor colour

Aglaonema 'Red Dragon' – Leaf Color, Structure and Indoor Presence
Aglaonema 'Red Dragon' turns up the contrast with vivid red leaves edged in deep green, creating a plant that looks lit from within. Each broad, lance-shaped leaf is flooded with saturated pink to crimson tones, fading into dark green borders and midribs. The upright growth habit keeps the plant tidy and sculptural, with fresh leaves emerging regularly from the centre in a tight spiral.
Compact, colorful, and low-maintenance, 'Red Dragon' makes a strong statement without needing much space. It thrives in moderate light and keeps its dramatic coloring even in less-than-ideal conditions — a rare trait among red-foliage houseplants.
Main features of Aglaonema 'Red Dragon'
 
Leaf color: Rich red to deep pink centers with green margins
 
Shape: Elongated oval leaves with a pointed tip
 
Growth habit: Upright rosette with slow, compact expansion
 
Height: Grows to 30–50 cm indoors
 
Visual impact: Bold color contrast with a balanced form
Habitat origin and growth behavior of Aglaonema
Aglaonema species originate from tropical forest understories across Southeast Asia, where they grow in shaded, humid environments with steady moisture and warm temperatures around 22–30°C. 'Red Dragon' is a modern cultivar bred from this lineage, selected for strong pigmentation and stable growth in indoor conditions.
It remains compact and self-contained, forming a clump of upright foliage without spreading aggressively. Like others in the genus, it’s toxic to pets and humans if ingested, so placement should be considered carefully in shared spaces.
How to care for Aglaonema 'Red Dragon'
 
Light: Grows well in medium to bright indirect light; too much sun may fade color
 
Water: Water when the top 3–5 cm of soil dries out; avoid waterlogged soil
 
Humidity: Standard room humidity is fine; higher humidity encourages leaf expansion
 
Temperature: Prefers 20–28°C; protect from cold air or temperature drops
 
Soil: Well-draining mix with organic material and aeration components like perlite
 
Repotting: Every 2–3 years or when rootbound
 
Fertilizing: Feed every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a gentle liquid fertilizer
 
Propagation: Division of basal shoots or rooted stem cuttings
 
Hydroponics: Can be adapted to semi-hydro setups with stable conditions
 
Pruning: Rarely needed — remove old or damaged leaves close to the base
Common issues and what to do
 
Faded red tones: Caused by very low light — move to brighter indirect spot
 
Yellowing leaves: Often a result of overwatering or poor drainage
 
Brown edges: Can result from low humidity or fluoride in tap water — switch to filtered if needed
 
Drooping: Underwatering or root stress — soak thoroughly and adjust routine
 
Mealybugs: Occasional in dry environments — remove manually and treat with neem oil
Extra tips for keeping 'Red Dragon' vibrant
This cultivar doesn’t require bright light to maintain its color, but growth becomes more vigorous with steady warmth and filtered light. It prefers consistent care and minimal disruption — avoid overwatering or frequent repositioning. Like its wild relatives, it performs best when soil stays lightly moist and airflow is stable. Compact, upright, and attention-grabbing, it's perfect for those who want colour without drama.
Botanical background and name origin
The genus name Aglaonema means “bright thread” in Greek, referring to the often colorful or variegated leaves and inflorescences. 'Red Dragon' is a commercially named cultivar known for its strong red pigmentation and foliage symmetry — not found in the wild but bred from Aglaonema commutatum selections.
FAQs about Aglaonema 'Red Dragon'
Does 'Red Dragon' lose its colour in low light?It holds red tones better than most — but brighter indirect light brings out deeper pigmentation.
Is this plant safe around pets?No — it contains calcium oxalates and is toxic if ingested by pets or humans. Keep out of reach.
How often does it need repotting?Usually every 2–3 years, as it prefers to be slightly rootbound and grows slowly.
Order today and bring home Aglaonema 'Red Dragon' — intense colour with zero stress.