What is Red peacock (Aglaonema widuri)?
Aglaonema widuri is a beautiful plant that can make a statement in your home.
The red peacock is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in most nurseries around the world.
Aglaonema widuri are interesting because they have large green leaves with white stripes on them, making it look like they are covered in snow when viewed from above. They also have small flowers that are usually white or pinkish-white with yellow stamens when flowering.
Appearance and characteristics
The peacock variety of the Aglaonema houseplant features, bright red leaf blades with white veins and stems, giving this plant its name ‘peacock’ appearance! The overall coloration makes for one stunning statement to any room in your home.
This unique houseplant comes in both upright growing varieties and ‘cascading’ types that feature long leaves cascading down from a central point.
Plant recommendation: Looking for a stunning plant, then check out Calathea Warscewiczii.
Quick summary
Botanical Plant Name: Aglaonema widuri
Native to: Southeast Asia
Care: Medium to bright indirect light and enough moisture. Requires temperatures of 18-24°C, 40-60% humidity levels.
Size: Up to 2 feet in height
Common problems: Discoloration of leaves or insects, yellow leaves, brown and black spots on the leaf.
Toxicity: The plant is not toxic to pets and humans.
How to care for Red peacock (Aglaonema widuri)
Follow these simple steps:
Sunlight
Sunlight is an essential part of healthy plant growth. However for the Red peacock direct sunlight can scorch leaves and fade the color out of them. Try to place your Red peacock (Aglaonema widuri) in a spot with bright filtered light like on a north-facing windowsill or under artificial lighting where it will receive bright, indirect light with a few hours of direct sunlight.
Plant inspiration: Check out the beautiful Manjula pothos.
Watering
Water your plant once the top half-inch (about two centimeters) or so of soil has dried out.
If you notice that wet leaves are beginning to rot, or have black mold growing around the leaves, you may be over watering your plant.
Humidity & Temperature
Keep Red peacocks (Aglaonema widuri) in an area where humidity levels are between 40-60%. You can raise air humidity by placing a tray of small pebbles filled with water under the pot and misting the leaves regularly.
While not necessary, if you wish to use a humidifier, it should be placed on a timer so that your plant does not receive too much humidity.
Temperature: Keep Red peacocks (Aglaonema widuri) in an area where temperatures stay between 65-75°F (18 to 24 °C).
Cleaning
Fertilizing & Soil
Red peacocks, like other Aroids, produce a sap that is toxic and will irritate the skin. To clean leaves, use a damp cloth or sponge with room temperature water.
Red peacocks (Aglaonema widuri) should be potted in a loose soil mixture and have adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
A suitable orchid potting mix with bark, charcoal, perlite, and sphagnum moss works best for these plants. The thick roots are sensitive to disturbance, so repotting should be done every two years in the spring.
Repotting
Repot your Red peacock (Aglaonema widuri) after Spring. Alternatively if the roots have filled the pot or are creeping out of drainage holes at the bottom. When repotting use a high-quality orchid potting mix that retains moisture and allows for good airflow around the roots of each plant. Repotting should be done every 2 years.
Plant recommendation: Have a look at the South American Calathea magic star.
How and when to prune Red peacock (Aglaonema widuri)
Pruning can be done at any time of the year. The best tool for pruning is a sharp pair of secateurs or scissors.
Cut off old leaves and stems that are dying back anyway when carrying out this pruning.
- Prune it in spring, before new growth begins.
- The best tool for this is a sharp pair of secateurs or scissors.
- Cut off old leaves and stems that are dying back anyway when carrying out this pruning.
Problems with Red peacock (Aglaonema widuri)
- When the Red peacock plant’s leaves begin to curve downwards, it means that it has been overwatered.
- When the Red peacock plant’s leaves start to curl upwards, it means that it has not been watered enough.
- If the Red peacock plant’s leaves are browning at the tips, it means that it has not had enough humidity.
- If leaves look crispy or floppy, it means that the Red peacock plant has not had enough nutrients.
- If leaves are yellowing between veins, then your Red peacock plant has not had enough light.
- If the Red peacock plant’s leaves are stiff and difficult to bend, it has too high of a fluoride concentration in the water.
- If the leaves look a little shriveled and dry, then you may have overwatered your Red peacock plant.
How to propagate Red peacock (Aglaonema widuri)
A red peacock (Aglaonema widuri) is a plant that you can propagate without too much trouble.
Steps to propagate this plant:
- Take cuttings of the stem or leaves.
- Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder before planting them.
- Please put them in a well-drained potting mix.
- Keep the soil moist and put it under bright conditions.
- Once the cuttings have roots, transplant them in a larger pot.
- New leaves can be seen growing on the new plant after a few weeks.
Common FAQs
How much light does a Red peacock (Aglaonema widuri) need?
The Red peacock (Aglaonema widuri) requires medium to bright light.
What is so special about the Red peacock (Aglaonema widuri)?
Apart from the aesthetic beauty of this plant, it also has many other benefits to offer you and your home. The aglaonema plant has been shown to help purify the air around it and remove toxins found in homes, such as benzene.
These plants are also great for removing xylene and trichloroethylene.
Are Red peacocks (Aglaonema widuri) good indoor plants?
Yes, it is an excellent plant to grow indoors and in most situations, except for the full sun.
Can a Red peacock (Aglaonema widuri)grow in low light?
Yes, the red peacock can grow well in low light, but you need to make sure that the lighting is bright enough for the plant to thrive.
Summary
Interesting and unique plants are always worth a closer look. If you’ve never seen or heard of an Aglaonema widuri, take the time to learn about it! This plant may not be as common in your garden center, but with its rich green leaves that have dramatic red markings on them when they bloom, this exotic-looking plant is sure to catch your eye.
And if that isn’t enough reason for you to want one in your home or office space? Well, then I don’t know what will convince you…maybe the fact that these hardy plants do well in lower light levels so they’re perfect for those who live in apartments where there’s less natural sunlight coming through the windows all day long.