Aglaonema ‘Bit Kisses’

The trade background of Aglaonema ‘Bit Kisses’

Aglaonema ‘Bit Kisses’ also circulates as ‘Slim Jim’ in the commercial plant trade. Its breeder, parentage and first introduction are unknown, and the narrow-leaved line cannot currently be traced to a documented species cross or habitat background. It is known only as a cultivated Aglaonema.

Care for the narrow streaked leaves of Aglaonema ‘Bit Kisses’

• Light: Medium to bright indirect light suits the long green blades and pale lengthwise streaks. A darker position slows the fine shoots and keeps the pot wet longer, while hot sun can mark the narrow exposed surfaces. Turn the open clump occasionally so the leaves develop around the whole base.
• Watering: Let the surface dry and use pot weight to judge the root ball below. Narrow leaves may droop after both drought and poor root aeration, so confirm the condition of the mix first. Water evenly when the container is lighter, then allow every part of the pot to drain.
• Temperature, humidity and airflow: Keep it at 18–27 °C and above 15 °C. Around 45–60% humidity is normally enough. If humidity stays below about 40% and tips keep drying, move the plant away from heating or use a humidifier. Normal room airflow is enough; avoid cold draughts and direct hot air.
• Feeding: Use a complete houseplant fertiliser at a low dose every three to four waterings during active growth. Feed less often whenever growth slows, regardless of the season, and never fertilise a dry root ball or a stressed plant.
• Substrate and repotting: Use coco coir or peat, small bark and perlite or pumice in a stable draining pot. Let a newly delivered plant settle in its original pot. Repot after roots fill the container, choosing a pot only slightly larger than the root system.
• Leaf care: Keep the strap-like blades clear of walls and busy walkways. Support them near the base while cleaning, and inspect the pale petioles and narrow undersides for thrips, mites, mealybugs and scale.
• Propagation: Choose a basal shoot that already carries roots for a clean division. A firm cane section with a viable node can also root in warm, lightly moist substrate; keep the fine emerging leaves in filtered light.

Creased or suddenly drooping leaves on Aglaonema ‘Bit Kisses’

• Creased leaves: A sharp fold that appeared after transport or handling is permanent physical damage, not a watering symptom. Keep the leaf if it remains firm and green, and prevent repeated contact around the crown.
• Sudden drooping: Check the entire root ball before adding water. A light pot with dry mix needs a thorough soak; a heavy pot with limp growth points to poor root aeration and needs a root and drainage inspection before any more water is added.
• Pests: Look between the leaves and around the petiole bases, where mealybugs and scale can remain hidden. Check both leaf surfaces for thrips scars and spider-mite stippling before deciding which pest is present.

Pet safety: Aglaonema ‘Bit Kisses’

Aglaonema ‘Bit Kisses’ is not pet-safe. Aglaonema contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause immediate mouth pain and irritation, swelling of the mouth, tongue or lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing if chewed. Sap may also irritate skin and eyes.

‘Bit Kisses’ and the name Aglaonema

Aglaonema combines Greek aglaos, meaning shining or splendid, with nema, meaning thread or filament. Botanist Dan H. Nicolson rendered the resulting name as “shining stamen” in his monograph of the genus. Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established Aglaonema on 8 September 1829 on page 892 of issue 108 of Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Litteratur, Theater und Mode.