Araceae
Aglaonema Tricolor (Aglaonema pictum)
Aglaonema pictum
An indoor plant for indirect light, steady warmth and high humidity. Water when the top of the mix dries, never leave it soggy, and keep it away from cold draughts, heaters and direct sun. Feed monthly in spring and summer. It is toxic if eaten, so keep it away from pets and children.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
15ยฐ - 30ยฐC
60% - 80%
Categories
What is Aglaonema tricolor?
Aglaonema tricolor (Aglaonema pictum) is a medium-care plant from the Araceae family. Aglaonema pictum is an evergreen perennial in the arum family (Araceae), native to the humid forests of Sumatra, Indonesia, where it grows in the shade of the canopy. The form sold as 'Tricolor' has glossy oval leaves splashed in three tones โ dark green, light green and silver โ in a camouflage pat...
Aglaonema tricolor grows up to 60cm, watering every 7 days, 15ยฐC โ 30ยฐC, 60โ80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Aglaonema tricolor?
TLDR: Aglaonema tricolor needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-30ยฐC with 60-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Aglaonema tricolor?
Water about once a week in spring and summer, when the top 2โ3 cm of mix is dry; every 10โ14 days in autumn and winter. Use room-temperature water and empty the saucer โ waterlogged roots rot.
How Much Light Does Aglaonema tricolor Need?
Bright, indirect or filtered light, such as near an east or west window with a sheer curtain. Direct sun scorches the leaves; long periods of low light fade the tricolor pattern.
What Is the Best Soil for Aglaonema tricolor?
A light, humus-rich, free-draining mix โ for example potting soil with orchid bark, peat or coir and perlite.
What Pot Should You Use for Aglaonema tricolor?
A small pot only slightly bigger than the root ball, with drainage holes; it likes being a little root-bound. Repot every 2โ3 years.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 900 days
What Is Aglaonema tricolor and Where Does It Come From?
Aglaonema pictum is an evergreen perennial in the arum family (Araceae), native to the humid forests of Sumatra, Indonesia, where it grows in the shade of the canopy. The form sold as 'Tricolor' has glossy oval leaves splashed in three tones โ dark green, light green and silver โ in a camouflage pattern that is different on every leaf. It forms a compact clump 30 to 60 cm tall, grows slowly and rarely flowers indoors (a small white spathe). Rare and needier of humidity than common hybrid Chinese evergreens, it is a collector's favourite.
How to Propagate Aglaonema tricolor?
Division
Wear gloves, as the sap irritates skin. Go easy on watering for the first few weeks.
- 1 Unpot the plant in spring and loosen the mix around the roots.
- 2 Carefully separate a side shoot with its own roots and at least 2-3 leaves.
- 3 Pot each piece in a small pot with free-draining mix.
- 4 Water lightly and keep warm, humid and in indirect light.
Materials needed:
Stem cutting
Growth is slow, so be patient. A dome or plastic bag helps keep humidity up.
- 1 Cut a stem section with a few nodes and leaves.
- 2 Let the cut end dry for a few hours.
- 3 Place it in water or in a light, moist mix.
- 4 Keep warm, humid and in indirect light until it roots.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Aglaonema tricolor Grow?
TLDR: Aglaonema tricolor can reach up to 60cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Aglaonema tricolor?
TLDR: Aglaonema tricolor is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oรฏdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Fun Facts
Every leaf unfurls with a different camouflage pattern.
In the wild it produces small red berries, rarely seen indoors.
It is native to Sumatra, Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Aglaonema tricolor?
Is Aglaonema tricolor toxic to cats and dogs?
Why are the leaf tips turning brown?
Can it take direct sun?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | โ ๏ธ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | โ ๏ธ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | โ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | โ ๏ธ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Care, Cultivation & Growing Guide - Clemson HGIC
- Aglaonema pictum Tricolor - Plant Addicts
- The Gorgeous Variegated Indoor Plant That Thrives In Humid Rooms - House Digest
- Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor Plant Care - Plantly
- Aglaonema pictum Tricolour - grow urban.
- How to Take Care of Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor - MyGreenscape