Aglaonema pictum tricolor

A Sumatran cultivated form with a separate namesake

Aglaonema pictum ‘Tricolor’ is a three-toned horticultural form of the wet-forest species Aglaonema pictum, native to Sumatra and Nias. The former botanical name Aglaonema pictum var. tricolor is now treated within Aglaonema pictum. Aglaonema tricolor Jervis is a separate accepted species from the Philippines.

Light and moisture for aroid care

• Light: Use medium to bright filtered light for the dark green, sage and silver-to-cream pattern. The thick matte blades keep their colouring in stable conditions, while direct sun can leave dry pale patches across the exposed blocks.
• Watering: Keep the fine root zone lightly and evenly moist by watering as the surface starts to dry; avoid both a bone-dry root ball and water held in the cover pot.
• Temperature, humidity and airflow: Keep the plant at steady warmth and away from chilling temperatures, particularly when wet. Aim for moderate to high humidity.
• Feeding: Use a complete houseplant fertiliser at a low dose sparingly during active growth. Feed less often when growth slows, and wait until newly arrived or rooted plants resume growth.
• Substrate, stem position and repotting: Use a fine, porous mix of coco coir or peat, small bark and perlite or pumice in a draining pot. Let a newly delivered plant settle before repotting.
• Leaf care: Wipe the matte leaves gently so the three colour levels stay easy to read. Lift each blade to inspect the underside and follow the low stem for thrips, spider mites, cottony mealybugs or raised scale insects.

Troubleshooting Aglaonema pictum tricolor: normal changes and damage

• Scorch: Bleached crisp patches on exposed leaves indicate direct sun or heat. Shift the plant into filtered light and judge recovery by the condition of the next growth.
• Folded or torn new growth: A blade can remain folded after moisture or temperature changed during its development. Inspect the hidden surfaces for pests, then follow the new-leaf guide and allow the soft tissue to release at its own pace.
• Root rot: A loose base and soft dark roots in wet mix confirm decay. Inspect the low stem and full root system before disturbing the plant, then remove only soft dark tissue and preserve every firm node. After the low stem and roots have been inspected, remove dead roots and reset firm growth in porous substrate.
• Pests: The three-tone pattern can conceal early stippling. Inspect both surfaces and new growth for thrips and spider mites and the nodes for mealybugs and scale.

Aglaonema pictum tricolor 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 pictum mean, and who first published it?

Aglaonema combines Greek aglaos, meaning shining or splendid, with nema, meaning thread or filament. The epithet pictum is Latin for painted, referring to the patterned leaves.

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

William Roxburgh first described it as Calla picta in 1832 in Flora Indica, 1832 edition, volume 3, page 516. Karl Sigismund Kunth later placed it in Aglaonema as Aglaonema pictum in 1841 in Enumeratio Plantarum, volume 3, page 55.