Commonly known as the Chinese Evergreen Tricolor, the Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor is a tropical shrub that grows slowly. Many people also call it the camouflage plant due to its one-of-a-kind pattern.
Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor Fun Facts
The Aglaonema is part of the Araceae family. Out of 40 different species, Aglaonema is only one. There are hundreds of others that come in multiple colors and cultivars.
In its native habitat, Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor grows on elevated land of 1000-2000 meters. You can find these on the slopes of volcanos, mostly on Sumatra and Nias Island. The term “tricolor” refers to the three colors present on the leaves- dark green, bright green, and white. The white is in the form of spots on the leaves, making the plant look like it would fit right into the army.
The leaves are oval in shape, and are longer than they are wide. They have thick stems that feel woody.
Like the String of Turtles plant, Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor is an exotic and rare plants. They can be quite expensive, typically costing around $200.
How to Care for the Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor
Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor Soil Preferences
When caring for the Aglaonema Pictum, you need to work with well-draining soil which is rich by nature. This plant does not enjoy growing in a compact space. If you’re looking for the optimum mix, perlite, orchid bark, and peat work extremely well.
Since this is a subtropical plant, you must ensure that your plant drains properly. In fact, the Aglaonema needs humidity and a lot of water to thrive.
However, make sure not to overwater your plant. Root rot is real! You can avoid this by creating a potting mix that is airy. If you want to figure out whether your soil is well-draining, notice how long the water takes to drain out of the pot.
Light Preferences of the Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor
Direct sunlight is terrible for the plant. In direct sunlight your plant will burn within a couple of days.
Bright yet indirect sunlight is great for this plant. Not only will it help the plant thrive, but it also results in a long, healthy life for it. If you can, it is equally important to diffuse the light so that it is not too strong and the plant can grow beautifully.
Watering the Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor
Taking care of the plant’s watering is essential. For this, you must keep the plant’s soil slightly moist. However, during the winter and colder months, make sure to reduce the number of times you water the plant.
Only water when you feel the topsoil getting dry. It is equally important to keep a close eye on the plant. Just as overwatering can completely wreck it, dry periods can as well.
Don’t underestimate how particular the Aglaonema is. It is stubborn and needs things done its way. Don’t be careless with this plant; otherwise, you risk losing your money.
Temperature Preferences of Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor
The area the plant grows in must be between 16 degrees to 29 degrees Celsius. Anything colder or hotter will only lead to its demise.
Maintaining the Correct Humidity
Remember, the Aglaonema loves humidity. Terrarium conditions are ideal. If you want to create a perfect spot for these plants, humidity must be kept high. After all, its native habitats on Sumatra and Nias Island are steamy jungles.
Ideally, you should maintain 65% humidity or higher for this houseplant. You can keep them in a terrarium because the humidity can go up to 90 percent this way.
If you can’t keep Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor in a terrarium, there are many alternatives available. All you need is a pebble tray filled with water. Keep your plant here, and with the help of a water bottle, water it frequently.
If you do not provide the right humidity levels to your indoor plant, its leaves will become crisp, and soon, it will rot and die.
Fertilizing the Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor
Fertilizers that are too strong will damage the Aglaonema. It’s best to dilute your fertilizer. Make sure to use only half the strength that is recommended on the packaging.
You need to fertilizer this plant every two weeks, especially in spring and summer. During the winter months, the plant’s growth slows down, which is why you do not have to worry about feeding it fertilizer.
Growth
It is important to know how much the Aglaonema will grow so that you can keep tabs on it and give it some help if it’s not growing enough.
Usually, the plant will grow 30 to 50 cm. The woody stem will be 0.2 to 2 cm wide. Remember to keep these ranges in mind so that you can measure your plant accurately.
How Can the Aglaonema be Propagated?
You can propagate the Aglaonema by either cutting its stem or through division. Stem cutting is a common technique that allows the Aglaonema to grow at a stable rate.
However, you should remember that the section you’re cutting needs to have leaves. This will increase the likelihood of its growth. The majority recommend cutting when there is a minimum of five leaves.
Through personal experience, we can tell you that you can cultivate the Aglaonema can even if there aren’t any leaves in the section.
Let’s go through the step-by-step process for propagating the Aglaonema.
- Propagate Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor from the stem cuttings
- First, find the section on your plant that you would like to cultivate.
- Ensure that one node is present
- The likelihood of succeeding increase with the top cuttings that have the terminal bud
- You should cut the plant using a pruning shear, knife or a scissor.
- You need to sanitize your tools beforehand
- Make sure to hold it below a lighter for a little while before rubbing alcohol onto it.
- You should make the cut very neatly on the stem of the Aglaonema
- Root the cutting in soil, coco coir, perlite, water, or Sphagnum Moss
- New roots will develop and form a new plant after 25 days of cutting
A few other methods to grow your plant are root cuttings, utilizing seeds, or cultivation using tissue culture propagation. This is also known as micropropagation.
For micropropagation, sterile conditions and laboratory equipment are essential. However, the stem cutting technique has proved to be successful.
Besides, it is quite difficult to grow an Aglaonema because the roots that develop are weak, and the cuttings rot very easily.
What Are Some Common Problems with the Aglaonema Plant?
Brown Leaves
If you see that the leaves of your plant are becoming brown, you have a problem. This usually happens when the plant is being under watered or is not receiving enough humidity.
Since the natural habitat of these plants is humid jungles, you must keep in mind that their water intake is mainly through their leaves.
If you find that your plant is turning brown or the leaves are getting crispy, it is time to save it before you have to deal with a dead plant. If you are using a terrarium, keep the humidity more than 65 percent. Always amp up the humidity!
If brown spots appear on the Aglaonema, check to see how the soil feels. If it is extremely dry, you have a problem. You need to keep this plant’s soil a little moist, especially during spring and summer.
Even though it does not require as much water during the colder months, you cannot forget to water the plant. Remember, you should NEVER under-water this plant.
In case the plant is growing indoors in your house, use a variety of methods to keep humidity levels high. You can use the water-filled pebble tray method that we have mentioned above.
Finally, remember to mist the leaves once a day since the plant absorbs most of the moisture this way.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves indicate that you’re overwatering the plant. However, keep in mind that old leaves may also become yellow over time, and the plant may naturally shed them. Before you make any assumptions, check the root system.
Similarly, if you find brown, mushy roots, the soil has been overwatered or kept wet for a long period of time. Brown roots show that your plant is developing root rot.
Drooping Leaves
Drooping leaves show that the Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor is being put in direct sunlight for too long, or the plant is not receiving sufficient water.
The best way to figure out which of the above-mentioned conditions is affecting your plant is to see where it is kept when the leaves begin to droop. Is the plant getting too much sunlight? In this case, the leaves may curl and droop.
In addition to this, under watering can also cause the leaves of the plant to droop. Even though water is stored in its stem, the plant will die if it is under watered. The key is to find the correct balance!
Moreover, remember to place the plant in a humid area. This is because the Aglaonema absorbs water from the surrounding air so that it can thrive, grow, and prosper.
Growing the Perfect Aglaonema Plant
- Make sure to keep the humidity at 65 to 90 percent. You can maintain this humidity level by using an enclosure like a terrarium.
- Moreover, use the correct soil mix. Remember, a light and airy potting mix will ensure the best plant.
- Water the plant every day- but in proportions- so that the soil does not become dry at any time of the day.
- Furthermore, during spring and summer, fertilize the plant every two weeks as it is prone to pests that will destroy it completely.
Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can You Find the Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor?
We’ll be honest- this plant is difficult to find. It is usually propagated in Indonesia and Thailand, so the only way it can reach America, Europe, and other parts of the world is through international trade.
For instance, you can look for exotic plants on the internet or search for sales on social media, such as Facebook and Instagram.
Is the color of the Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor real?
Absolutely! The color is this plant is not fake or induced chemically. Besides, you can find it in a number of colors, sizes, and styles.
Is it hard to care for the Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor?
All you need to do is remember that the Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor loves humidity.
In the same way, warm temperatures and high humidity are its best friends. If you are successful at reaching the right temperatures to allow this plant to grow properly, you do not have to worry about anything else. Good luck!
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