Aglaonema ‘Key Lime’

The two-stage cross behind Aglaonema ‘Key Lime’

Richard J. Henny and Jianjun Chen developed Aglaonema ‘Key Lime’ through the University of Florida programme at Apopka. Aglaonema commutatum ‘Manila’ was crossed with Aglaonema commutatum ‘Tricolor’, and a seedling from that cross was then crossed with Aglaonema nitidum ‘Curtisii’. The cultivar was released in 2009 and represents cultivated wet-tropical Asian ancestry.

Care for aroid canes, roots and new growth

• Propagation: Use a well-rooted basal shoot for the simplest division. A firm cane section with a viable node can also be placed in warm, lightly moist mix; a stable pot helps the larger leaf growth remain upright while roots develop.
• Light: Use bright indirect light for the broad yellow-green and grey-green blades. The white petioles and pale leaf areas are prone to scorch beside hot glass, while weak light slows this naturally vigorous cultivar.
• Watering: A large crown can hide the pot surface, so lift the container and check moisture through the side or deeper in the mix. Water once the pot is distinctly lighter and the lower root ball is no longer wet.
• Temperature, humidity and airflow: Keep Aglaonema ‘Key Lime’ in steady indoor warmth and away from chilling temperatures. If the air remains very dry and edges 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.

Health checks for Aglaonema ‘Key Lime’

• Scorch: Bleached patches with dry edges, concentrated on the window-facing side, indicate direct sun or heat. Move the plant into filtered light and compare the pattern with the sunburn guide
• Curled leaves: Check moisture and temperature during leaf development, then inspect both surfaces for thrips and spider mites. The leaf-curl guide helps separate the likely causes.
• Wilting in wet substrate: A loose base and soft dark roots confirm root failure. Photograph the loose base and damaged roots before disturbing the plant, then keep every firm pale root and remove only soft dark tissue. When softness and dark colour confirm root failure, remove dead roots and place the firm remainder in a pot closely matched to its root system.
• Pests: Check leaf undersides and petiole bases for thrips, spider mites, mealybugs and scale; isolate the plant when found.

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.