Aglaonema ‘Pink Star’

Origin and botanical context of Aglaonema ‘Pink Star’

‘Pink Star’ is a cultivated Aglaonema and therefore has no separate wild range under the cultivar name. Aglaonema species are native from northeastern India to Papua New Guinea and are primarily terrestrial plants of humid tropical forest.

Growing Aglaonema ‘Pink Star’

• Water and roots: Water after the upper few centimetres have dried and the pot has begun to lighten, then soak the root ball thoroughly and drain it. Keep the pot in proportion to the roots and use an airy substrate that drains freely while retaining some moisture.
• Light: Bright indirect light is suitable; a medium filtered position can also work. Keep the broad pink leaves out of direct sun and away from hot glass.
• Temperature: Maintain stable warmth and protect the plant from cold draughts or temperatures below about 15 °C.
• Basal growth: Leave new shoots attached if you want a broader plant, or divide only shoots that have developed their own roots. Repot when the root system has filled the container.

Troubleshooting Aglaonema ‘Pink Star’

• New leaves repeatedly emerge much paler or weaker than the established crown: Check whether the position has become too dim. Move the plant gradually into brighter filtered light and watch the next leaves for improvement. Keep feeding moderate and avoid direct sun.
• Silvery scars, black specks and distorted new blades appear: Thrips are likely. Check 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 both leaf surfaces, then repeat it at the intervals stated on the label for the full course.
• Several leaves yellow together: Check moisture deep in the pot and recent exposure to cold. Let a persistently wet root zone dry further and improve drainage, water thoroughly if the root ball is severely dry, or move a chilled plant into stable warmth. Remove leaves only after they have fully yellowed.

Aglaonema ‘Pink Star’ 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.

Who first published Aglaonema, and what does the name 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.