Aglaonema 'Cutlass'

The Indian hybrid sold as Cutlass

Cutlass is the trade name for Aglaonema ‘Muklass’, bred by Parthasarathy Mukundan from ‘Silver Ribbons’ and an unnamed selection of Aglaonema stenophyllum f. linearifolium. The cross was made in 2005 and the seedling was selected at Tiruporur, Chennai, in 2006. This is a cultivated hybrid with no wild locality of its own.

Care for aroid canes, roots and new growth

• Propagation: Divide one of the freely produced basal shoots once it has an established root system. Cane segments with a healthy node also root in warm airy substrate and can be supported upright until new growth steadies them.
• Watering: Check the whole pot before watering, since a wide clump can shade the surface and keep the centre moist. Wait for a dry top layer and a distinct loss of weight, soak the root ball completely and drain it well.
• Temperature, humidity and airflow: Keep Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’ in steady indoor warmth and away from chilling temperatures. If the air remains very dry and tips keep drying, move the plant away from heating or use a humidifier.
• Feeding: 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: Use coco coir or peat, small bark and perlite or pumice in a stable draining pot. Repot after roots fill the container, choosing a pot only slightly larger than the root system.

Health checks for Aglaonema 'Cutlass'

• Folded or torn leaves: Long, narrow blades crease where they press under pressure, against a wall or neighbouring plants. The fold will remain, but more clearance protects emerging leaves.
• Brown tips: Check if the root ball dries unevenly, if a radiator or fan blows across the leaf ends and if salts have collected on the substrate. The brown-tip guide helps narrow down the cause.
• Drooping: Inspect moisture through the root ball before watering. Rehydrate a fully dry root ball thoroughly; limp leaves above wet mix require a drainage and root check.
• Pests: Run the inspection along the midrib and narrow underside, where thrips and spider mites can be missed. Check the petiole bases for mealybugs and scale.

Aglaonema ‘Cutlass’ 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.

What does Aglaonema mean, and who first published it?

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.