Aglaonema Crete, supernaturally colorful foliage
Aglaonema commutatum 'Crete'
- Exposure
- Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Araceae
- Genus
- Aglaoneme Aglaonema
- Species
- Aglaonema commutatum
Aglaonema Crete is the latest scientific discovery. This cultivar, derived from chinese Evergreen, is distinguished by its green foliage shaded with red. There's no need to scour the forests of New Guinea or the Philippines for it. Instead, visit your favorite florist.
How to recognize Aglaonema Crete?
Aglaonema 'Crete' is an upright, compact perennial. Larger than aglaonema 'Silver Queen', it grows to between 60 and 80 centimetres tall.
Aglaonema 'Crete' is easily recognized by its red, sheathing, fleshy stems.
They support long-stalked leaves. The lanceolate blades are thick and glossy. Green, they are speckled with yellow and pale green. Their margins, like the midrib, are hemmed in red.
With such foliage, flowering seems insignificant. It consists of green or cream spathes enclosing the flowers, grouped together in spikes.
Aglaonema Crete and its peers, aglaonema 'Silver Queen' and Aglaonema 'Pink Princess', are said to have depolluting properties. While these properties remain to be verified, it has been proven that Aglaonema is toxic. Like many Araceae varieties, its sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are harmful if touched or ingested. Keep the plant out of reach of pets and young children. Remember to wear gloves when handling the plant.
Our care tips
The Aglaonema 'Crete' do not need much light to reveal the colors of their foliage. They are content with a spot in partial shade. Easy to live with, they require regular care, but are forgiving of oversights and mistakes.
Watering
The Chinese evergreen 'Crete' likes regular, but not excessive, watering. Its roots must not be drowned. Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater or filtered water at room temperature.
Between waterings, let the soil dry on the surface (by about two centimetres).
Remember to remove any stagnant water from the saucer or planter.
Misting
Spray foliage with water at room temperature. Do not use tap water. It is often too hard and leaves marks on the leaves.
Fogging temporarily increases humidity and combats the appearance of parasites.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Aglaonema commutatum 'Crete' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
The Aglaonema 'Crete' like to be cramped. Re-pot in a pot one or two centimetres wider than the previous one. Choose a pierced plastic pot. This material retains moisture and is better suited to the plant's needs. Line the bottom with clay balls for drainage.
This variety thrives in rich soil. You can use potting soil for green plants and add compost or ground horn. Pour in a layer of substrate and place your subject in the center. Fill in with potting soil and tamp down.
Water to remove air bubbles and encourage rooting.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Add houseplant fertilizer to your watering water.
Cleaning
The leaves of your Aglaonema 'Crete' accumulate dust. It interferes with photosynthesis and encourages the appearance of parasites. Clean them with a clean, damp sponge.
Remember that the Aglaonema 'Crete' is toxic. Wear gloves when dusting.
Prune
Your Aglaonema 'Crete' does not need pruning. You can remove wilted leaves and cut back the flowering stem after flowering.
Remember that the plant is irritating. Use pruning shears or wear gloves during the operation.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Carefully dig up your Aglaonema 'Crete'. Locate a rhizome with at least two or three shoots. Separate it from the mother plant with a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears. Remove leaves, a rhizome and roots.
In a pierced pot, pour gravel or clay balls for drainage. Add a rich substrate, such as special cuttings soil or horticultural compost. Dig a hole using a pen or stake. Plant your young Aglaonema commutatum 'Crete' and tamp lightly.
Water to encourage rooting.
Water to encourage rooting.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Half-shade
- Substrates
- Humus soilSandy soil
- Planting method
- In pots
- Categories
- IndoorRhizomeHerbaceous
- Tags
- BeginnerCold-sensitiveToxic
- Origin
- Southeast Asia
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenRedYellowPale green
- Flower colors
- Pale greenCream
Discover plants from the same family
Aglaonema 'Silver Queen'
Aglaonema commutatum 'Silver Queen'
Aglaonema 'Pink Princess'
Aglaonema commutatum 'Pink Princess'
Aglaonema 'White Joy'
Aglaonema commutatum 'White Joy'
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
