Aglaonema ‘B.J. Freeman’

A Florida seedling selected by B. Frank Brown

B. Frank Brown selected Aglaonema ‘B.J. Freeman’ in Valkaria, Florida, from a seedling of the plant then cultivated as Aglaonema crispum. It was reproduced by divisions and cuttings at the Weyerhaeuser Tissue Culture Center in Apopka and established by 1989. The cultivar is known only from cultivation.

Care for aroid canes, roots and new growth

• Propagation: For Aglaonema ‘B. J. Freeman’, divide a well-rooted basal shoot during repotting, or root a cane section with at least one healthy node in warm, lightly moist substrate.
• Watering: When the upper 3 to 4 cm have dried, water the tall cane clump evenly until excess drains; do not leave the dense centre or lower pot continuously wet.
• Temperature, humidity and airflow: Keep Aglaonema ‘B. J. Freeman’ in steady indoor warmth and away from chilling temperatures. Moderate indoor humidity is normally enough; use a humidifier only if persistently dry air causes recurring brown edges.
• Feeding: For Aglaonema ‘B. J. Freeman’, use a complete houseplant fertiliser at a low dose while growth is active. Feed less often whenever growth slows, regardless of the season, and never fertilise a dry root ball or a stressed plant.
• Substrate and repotting: For Aglaonema ‘B. J. Freeman’, use coco coir or peat, small bark and perlite or pumice in a stable draining pot. Let a newly delivered plant settle before repotting.

J. Freeman’: normal changes and damage

• Drooping leaves: A dry root ball and damaged roots in wet substrate can look similar from above. Lift the pot and check moisture below the surface before watering; the drooping guide helps separate the two.
• Creased or torn leaves: Broad blades keep pressure marks from pressure, cleaning or repeated contact with furniture. Leave a damaged leaf in place while it remains healthy and give the crown enough clearance for new growth.
• Surface marks: Dried water is conspicuous on the matt surface. A deposit lifts with a damp soft cloth; a mark that remains within the tissue is physical or physiological damage and should not be scrubbed.
• Pests: Use the broad leaf surface to check for silvery thrips scars, spider-mite stippling and sticky scale or mealybug residue. Inspect the undersides, midribs and crowded petiole bases.

Aglaonema ‘B.J. Freeman’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

About the name Aglaonema

Aglaonema combines Greek aglaos, meaning shining or splendid, with nema, meaning thread or filament.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Aglaonema in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 1829, page 892.