Aglaonema ‘Pink Leopard’

Origin and botanical context of Aglaonema ‘Pink Leopard’

‘Pink Leopard’ is a cultivated Aglaonema, so the cultivar itself has no separate native range. Wild Aglaonema species occur from northeastern India to Papua New Guinea, with most growing terrestrially in humid tropical forest.

Growing Aglaonema ‘Pink Leopard’

• Light: Bright indirect light suits the spotted foliage. Keep direct midday sun off both the pink and green tissue.
• Watering: Let the upper few centimetres dry, then water the root ball thoroughly and drain it, checking that the lower mix is beginning to lose moisture before the next watering. Do not keep the surface continuously wet simply because the basal crown is dense.
• Temperature: Keep the plant in steady warmth, protect it from draughts below about 15 °C and place it away from radiators or other sources of hot dry air.
• Feeding and propagation: Feed lightly during active growth and reduce fertiliser when leaf production slows. A rooted basal shoot can be divided during repotting, or a firm node-bearing cane can be rooted.

Troubleshooting Aglaonema ‘Pink Leopard’

• Narrow silvery scars, black specks and distorted young growth appear: Thrips are likely. Check inside folded leaves and, if you confirm the pest, isolate the plant and rinse hardened foliage. Apply a treatment labelled for thrips to the folded growth and leaf undersides, then repeat it at the intervals stated on the label for the full course.
• Pink sections become dry and parchment-like on the brightest side: Direct sun or concentrated heat can burn the leaf. Move the plant to indirect light and keep undamaged green tissue in place.
• A brown spot stays dry and unchanged: It is old damage and can remain on the leaf. A soft spot that keeps enlarging is different; keep it dry and remove affected tissue with clean tools once its extent is clear.
• Sticky residue and small white insects collect around petiole joints: Mealybugs are likely. Isolate the plant, remove visible pests and apply a treatment labelled for mealybugs to the petiole joints and leaf undersides. Repeat it at the intervals stated on the label for the full course, checking the tight bases between applications.

Aglaonema ‘Pink Leopard’ 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.

When was Aglaonema first published, and what does it mean?

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.