Aglaonema ‘Key Lime’

Origin and breeding history of Aglaonema ‘Key Lime’

‘Key Lime’ was selected by Richard J. Henny and Jianjun Chen in the University of Florida Aglaonema breeding programme and published in 2009. The first cross paired A. commutatum ‘Manila’ with A. commutatum ‘Tricolor’; one of those hybrids was then crossed with A. nitidum ‘Curtisii’. ‘Key Lime’, selection 257-12, was chosen from the resulting seedlings for its large size, vigorous growth and distinctive green-and-yellow foliage.

Growing Aglaonema ‘Key Lime’

• Branching and pot space: ‘Key Lime’ makes basal shoots readily and can become a broad plant. Repot when the roots have genuinely filled the container, and keep the cane bases at their existing depth. Foliage overhanging the rim does not by itself require a larger pot.
• Light: Bright indirect light suits its broad patterned leaves. Medium indirect light can also work, but avoid direct midday sun and hot glass.
• Water and feeding: Let the upper part of the mix dry, then water deeply and drain. A well-rooted plant can use water quickly during active growth; feed modestly at the same time of year and let the root zone partly dry between waterings.
• Division: If the plant becomes too crowded, separate only basal shoots that already carry their own roots. Keep newly divided sections warm while they re-establish.
• Warmth: Keep it in stable indoor warmth and protect it from cold draughts or temperatures below about 15 °C.

Troubleshooting Aglaonema ‘Key Lime’

• Pale areas bleach and turn dry on the window-facing side: Direct sun or concentrated glass heat is the likely cause. Move the plant into filtered light; the existing mark is permanent, so judge the new position from later leaves.
• Several leaves curl at the same time: Check root-zone moisture and temperature first, then inspect both leaf surfaces for pests. Fine pale stippling with webbing indicates spider mites, while silvery scars with black specks indicate thrips; curling alone does not confirm either pest. Water a dry root ball, extend the interval when the mix is still wet or restore stable warmth after chilling. If you confirm spider mites or thrips, isolate the plant, rinse hardened foliage and apply a treatment labelled for the confirmed pest to both leaf surfaces and the folded new growth. Repeat it at the intervals stated on the label for the full course, then judge recovery from the next leaf.
• The plant wilts in a heavy wet pot and the roots are soft or dark: Root rot is likely. Remove only dead roots, retain firm tissue and repot in fresh airy substrate sized to the remaining root system.

Aglaonema ‘Key Lime’ 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.

How did Aglaonema get its name?

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.