Aglaonema pictum tricolor, also known as Chinese evergreen, is a beautiful plant with camouflage-patterned leaves that add a unique look to your space. Be it your living room or bedroom, the three-shaded plant with glossy, oval leaves makes your space look exceptionally beautiful. However, if you have pets, then it is important to note that it is toxic to furry friends.
Aglaonema pictum tricolor is native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia and is considered rare, hard to find, and costly to obtain. If you plan to keep this plant as part of a collection along with other rare plants, this blog covers all the important pointers for caring for, growing, propagating, and maintaining it.
Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor: All You Should Know
| Botanical Name | Aglaonema pictum tricolor |
| Common Name | Camouflage lant |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial, Shrub |
| Mature Size | 2 ft. tall (indoors) |
| Sun Exposure | Requires partial sun |
| Soil Type | Requires moist, but well-draining |
| Soil pH | Should be acidic |
| Bloom Time | Summer, Spring |
| Flower Color | Green and white |
| Hardiness Zones | 10-12 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Asia |
| Toxicity | Toxic to animals |
How to Grow Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor?
Though it is hard to find, Aglaonema pictum tricolor is easy to grow and care for indoors. They are native to subtropical regions across Asia and naturally grow as shrubs in the lower layers of forests. Hence, they thrive in humid, moist conditions, but require filtered light and warm temperatures. These plants bloom in the wild, but they are less likely to flower indoors. So, if your plant is flowering, there’s nothing to worry about.
Light Requirements
The Aglaonema pictum tricolor plant needs bright, indirect light for 6-8 hours a day to maintain its colorful camouflage pattern. They can also tolerate lower light conditions, but that may inhibit their growth.
Placing the plant near a window on a sunny afternoon can scorch it, so it is best to keep it near an East or West window. Placing the plant in these areas will ensure it gets ample light without burning from heat stress, and you can also use filtered light at 5-20%.
However, if you are using an LED grow light, opt for the lower end of the measurement range, as they are more consistent in delivering heat and light. If you are using natural light, check the upper part of the plant for heat stress, as seasonal differences in light can also affect it.
Water
It is important to note that Aglaonema pictum tricolor should never be left to dry. However, sometimes it can tolerate short drought periods. If you see the topsoil has dried, you must water it and let the excess water drain from the pot. This ensures the root does not remain in soggy soil, helping prevent root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Warm, humid conditions are best for Aglaonema pictum tricolor when growing indoors. It thrives best at temperatures between 65℉ and 80℉ (18℃ and 27℃). Keep the humidity above 60% and, if you live in a dry climate, consider using a humidifier. You can also keep the pot in a pebble tray with water, or place the potted plant in the bathroom to improve moisture retention.
Soil
Aglaonema is sensitive to root rot, but it thrives in moist soil. Hence, it is advised to plant it in soil that retains moisture well. Also, consider using a well-draining pot and add a porous potting mix combined with several organic materials.
Fertilizers
Aglaonema pictum tricolor comes from very rich and organic soils, and so it is advised to use an organic fertilizer which should include a mix of -
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Nitrogen.
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Bat guano.
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Rock dust for minerals.
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Oyster shell for calcium.
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Feather meal and insect frass for phosphorus.
Combine these and use ⅛ tsp per pot once every 2-3 months. However, if the plant is underfed, the leaves may start to yellow. You can also consider using a dilute amount of synthetic (salt-based) fertilizer once a month.
| Note: Do not fertilize during the fall and winter, when the plant is not growing actively. |
How to Propagate Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor?
Aglaonema pictum tricolor requires patience while propagating, but the process is quite easy. The plant can be easily propagated by division and by rooting stem cuttings.
The plant is spreading, meaning it produces offshoots as it matures. Hence, dividing and potting are often considered the best and easiest ways to propagate. Whereas stem cutting is the perfect propagation choice if your plant has become leggy over time and you want to improve its appearance.
Division Method
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Grab the base of the stems and gently wiggle them to pull them out.
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Check for a few more stems that you might want to separate from the main plant. Gently wiggle it to pull the stem out from the root clump. But it is advised to ensure that each stem has its own roots.
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Now, prepare the pot where you will place the plant and ensure the soil drains well. Once done, plant the Aglaonema pictum tricolor.
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Keep the freshly potted plant under bright but indirect sunlight and keep the soil evenly moist.
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Place the main plant in the original pot and add soil, if required.
Stem Cuttings
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Using a sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors, cut the stems with at least 3-4 nodes on them. These nodes are the spots where new leaves and roots will grow.
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Remove 1-2 leaves from the bottom by gently pulling or cutting them off. This will expose the stem and the nodes.
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Prepare a container with fresh water and place the cutting in it. Make sure that the stems and nodes are submerged, and the leaves at the top of the stem cutting are above the water level.
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Keep the container in a warm and bright location. However, ensure not to keep it in direct light. Also, it is important to change the water weekly. After a couple of weeks, white roots will grow at the bottom of the stem.
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Once you see the roots have grown to 1-2 inches, you can move the stem back into the pot with well-draining soil. Water them well after planting.
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Lastly, place the newly potted plant in the same warm, bright location with indirect light, keeping the soil moist.
Common Problems in Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor (and Solutions)
Like all plants, Aglaonema pictum tricolor suffers from certain issues, such as -
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Yellowing Leaves: Leaves become yellow due to overwatering. It is advised to reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to dry between watering sessions.
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Leaf Browning: If humidity is too low or the plant is exposed to extreme heat (e.g., sunlight), it can cause leaf browning. To combat this, use a humidifier or a pebble tray to increase the humidity, or move the plant to a location that receives bright but indirect light.
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Pests: These plants are mostly affected by mealybugs and spider mites, which can be treated using insecticidal soap and neem oil.
Aglaonema pictum tricolor should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it has outgrown its container. If you see the roots sticking out of the drainage holes or roots curled up inside the pot, repot it.
