Aglaonema ‘Silverado’

The breeding history of Aglaonema ‘Silverado’

‘Silverado’ was created in a controlled breeding programme in Bangalore, India. In August 1988, Aglaonema nitidum f. cinereum ‘Ernesto’s Favorite’ was crossed with the proprietary hybrid KSG Hybrid 86-31.

Gopalaswamy Parthasarathy and Parthasarathy Mukundan selected ‘Silverado’ from the resulting seedlings in 1989.

Caring for Aglaonema ‘Silverado’

• Allow for the arching leaves: Give mature foliage clearance from walls and neighbouring pots, and support a long blade from beneath while cleaning it. A stable pot is useful as the plant becomes broader, but do not jump to a much larger pot before the roots need the space.
• Light: Give ‘Silverado’ medium to bright indirect light. Filter direct sun through glass; excessive light and heat can wash out Aglaonema foliage.
• Water and substrate: Check moisture near the central shoots as well as at the pot edge. Once the upper portion has dried, water thoroughly and drain. A loose mix with bark plus perlite or pumice keeps air around the roots after watering.
• Warmth and feeding: Keep ‘Silverado’ warm and protect it from cold draughts and cold glass. Feed modestly during active growth and reduce fertiliser when growth slows.
• Propagation: A rooted basal shoot can be divided during repotting. Firm cane pieces containing a healthy node can also be rooted warm in lightly moist media.

Aglaonema ‘Silverado’: what common symptoms mean

• Washed-out leaves or an unusually upright leaf angle: Excessive light or heat can cause both in Aglaonema. Shift the plant to gentler indirect light and stable warmth; severely bleached tissue may not regain its original colour.
• Brown, brittle tips: Salt accumulation from fertiliser is one possibility, especially if damage follows feeding. Flush the root ball thoroughly and reduce fertiliser. If the root ball is repeatedly drying hard, shorten the dry interval so the mix is rewatered before it becomes fully dry.
• Long leaves crease, split or develop dry contact marks: Mechanical damage is likely when the blade repeatedly rubs against a wall, window or neighbouring pot. Give the arching foliage more clearance and support it during cleaning.
• Yellowing continues while the root ball remains wet: Improve drainage and extend the interval between waterings. If the stem base softens or the plant loses firmness, inspect the roots, remove only soft or rotten tissue and replant the firm roots in fresh, free-draining mix. The root rot guide gives the full check.

Aglaonema ‘Silverado’ 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.